Spring 2009 FREE
A publication of POWER HOUSE INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES
GATEWAY In this issue Love in the Christian family Fulfilling your call Youth fashion Beautified in the Lord
GATEWAY Editor’s letter
I would like to welcome you our readers to another exciting year. Although the world may call 2009 a period of economically tough times but those of us who believe in God know that this is the time to develop a deeper walk with our saviour so we can withstand the challenges of the 21st century. We all need to be committed in our walk and be salt and light to those around us.
Contents Beautified in the Lord 5 Five ways to help you remain on track 7
At Gateway, our aim is simple. We want to be a source of encouragement to many; bringing the good news of the gospel to families, young people and our community. For youths reading this magazine, you should be encouraged. Being a youth in the 21st century isn’t a bad thing but what you do with your youthfulness is what counts; be part of something good. For our adult readers, particularly parents, we would like to see you do more for the youths by supporting them, sometimes they miss out on your ‘love and appreciation’. Together we can change lives and inspire dreams with the words that come out of our mouths; so let your mouth speak good and not evil.
Love in the Christian family 8
For our business readers, we would like to thank you for your support; we are grateful for your contributions and for standing by us always; together we can make 2009 a better year.
Community 15
And for you, our Gateway readers, this magazine is for you. We would love to hear from you. Drop us an email or letter and let us know what you’d like us to feature in future editions of the magazine. And finally, for our editorial board, thank you for working tirelessly to produce a magazine we can all be proud of.
Fulfil your call 10 Youth legacy 12 Youth and fashion 13 Safe internet shopping tips 14
Church times of service and future events 16 Book review 17 Music reviews 19
2009 is already looking great so make sure you stand up and be counted - be a source of light to people around you!
Yours
Yinka Shonowo
EDITORIAL TEAM Editor: Yinka Shonowo Managing Editor: Busola Adesanya-Yusuf Associate Editor: Kofo Baptist Design: www.streetbrandmedia.com Editorial Board: Pastor Ade Adesina Pastor Samson Baptist
Gateway Spring 2009 3
XB54959N001 21/1/2008
Beautified in the Lord By Pastor Seyi Adesina
I
am reminded by the story of Esther in the Bible and her preparation for the beauty contest before the King. But, it is amazing the preparations she went through just to present herself to the king for just one night, reference Esther 2:12. You might think being beautified by the Lord is just to make you look pretty on the outside and feel good, but as you read on you’ll realise that it is not very much so. Myrrh is a precious and strongly scented root and was used as one of the main ingredients for beautifying Esther. Myrrh has been used way back as anointing oil for kings, prophets and anyone who was ordained into spiritual leadership. When myrrh is crushed, an aroma fills the air with an extraordinary fragrance, all of the battering and bruising brings about their anointed aromas. Keep doing this until all resemblance of the original plant bark and roots have long disappeared. Strain and refine them until all that will be left is the pure anointing essence. 1 Peter 4:12-19 says: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some
strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy……” Purification comes from being bruised and crushed. It comes from being refined and made pure. God’s purpose is to mould us into a usable anointed fragrance. Is this easy? No, God never said our life as Christians would be easy but He did say He would give us a way through it. Dying to ourselves and allowing Jesus to be on the throne brings out the anointed fragrance that is so sweet smelling to the Lord. The closer to the Lord you get, the more of a broken vessel you will become. We are to rejoice in all things, rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings. Rejoice even when the hurts and trials of life are at the overwhelming stage. Know then that you are going through the crushing and refining process to bring out the Lord’s fragrant anointing. “Why is this so,” you ask? God can
only really use us when we become broken vessels. We will not meet our ‘true potential’ until we have reached that point of surrender when there is nowhere to look but up toward Jesus. Real surrender comes from being totally broken. It comes and is so hard to take, yet the greatest spiritual people, have been humbled down to their knees before the Lord. Therefore let go of the reigns of your life and let God, surrender yourself and allow the Lord to take over your life as Lord of your throne. True anointed fragrance comes from a heart that has surrendered itself totally to the Lord.
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GATEWAY
Edition 2 Issue 1
A publication of
POWER HOUSE
MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
In this issue s your relationship • Safeguarding r call • Fulfilling you and gracious ter rac cha e • Winsom family conduct in the cles s, inspiring arti Plus music review and more.
Gateway Spring 2009 5
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Five ways
to help you remain on track By Pastor Ade Adesina
T
he place you are today is either your destination or your transit point; what you currently see and have should either please you or not please you, it all depends on what you were aiming for. Try not to make your transit point your final destination. In Genesis 11, Terah set out from Mesopotamia intending to settle into a new life in Canaan and on reaching Haran, a commercial centre, He settled down for a short recess. Unfortunately, that short break ended in his demise, he never made it to his destination. Here are some pointers to help you travel successfully on the long, hilly and dusty road to destiny. Always bear in mind that the end of any journey is always better than the beginning.
1. You must convince yourself progress is
necessary, and you must not stop progressing until you reach your desired objective. Self deception is a silent destroyer of destiny, it works by making you believe where you are is the best place you can ever be and it will make you settle for less than you are capable of achieving.
2. Challenge any part of your life that
is content to settle in transit or in limbo. In other words, re-challenge yourself. Make the goal more attractive and worth pursuing, re-ignite the passion for something better so that the contented aspect of your life becomes frustrated with mediocrity. A deflated football or balloon is of little or no use but the moment air is pumped into it, it becomes rejuvenated and can either bounce higher or fly higher. The antidote for laziness is challenge, even the lazy person is chal-
lenged by something, therefore should you discover that a lack of determination or drive is the reason you’re still in limbo. Kick that laziness in the backside with a challenge.
3. Establish who is in control, until you
establish who the boss in your life really is, every progress you make may be for the wrong reason. Be sure to question what determines your objective in life. Is it God, the economy or the media? If God is the centre of your life then all your plans and behaviour will be a function of your relationship. If on the other hand the economy and the media are your boss then be ready to remain frustrated. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” The plan that God has for you is good, pleasant to bring you to an expected end, be inspired to make significant progress because your heavenly Father has promised good concerning you. There is no competition when God is in control but a steady progress towards destiny.
4. Don’t permit internal battles or external
forces to stress you beyond measure. In Exodus 5:1 onwards, you will read how the elders of Israel almost gave up on Moses and God at the very first hurdle. The story is no different from yours and mine; when confronted with obstacles that truly test our temperament, sometimes it seems like the best solution is to give up. Everybody that is choosing to make significant progress will encounter strange and frustrating obstacles; it’s what you do with those obstacles than threaten your sanity that matters. Maybe it’s time to take a short break
PEACE OF MIND If you were to ask your neighbour “What would give you peace of mind?” he might tell you, “A vacation in Bermuda!” or “An extra hundred grand would give me peace!” or “A new Ferrari would make me content!” But going places – and getting stuff – is usually a temporary solution. Peace of mind rarely comes from getting more stuff.
Getting more stuff usually leads to wanting even more stuff! Peace of mind starts with being grateful for what we have right now. GRATITUDE is POWER. When we are thankful for what we have - for the friends we have, and for the things we’ve got, we attract more good people and good things! People who always complain about what they DON’T HAVE, stay stuck. Complainers attract more things to complain about! It is a law of life.
and re-think your position. You may be trying to make significant progress but encounter a boulder, if that is the case try tunnelling through or under, if that doesn’t work then navigate round or try scaling over, you are bound to find a way through. “Live your life as though there is great joy to be experienced... an abundance of goodness in each person you come in contact with, and the knowledge that you have enough inner wisdom to answer the mysteries that challenge you.” Meladee McCarty
5.
Accept personal sacrifice as a requirement for any meaningful progress. My father repeatedly told me that the height attained by top people was not by sudden flight; they toiled and toiled when their contemporaries slept and played. The desired outcome should be worth any amount of sacrifice if the objective is important, however every sacrifice should be measured carefully. God gave us His Son and harvested many sons, and likewise everything you sow towards an objective will produce accordingly. For you to be successful, sacrifices must be made. Rita Mae Brown say “It’s better that they are made by others but failing that, you’ll have to make them yourself.” We all can tell you what you need to give up, but only you can determine what you are willing to forfeit to harvest the future. “In this life we get only those things for which we hunt, for which we strive, and for which we are willing to sacrifice.” George Matthew Adams I hope you find some truths in this write up, write to us and let us know you think.
It’s hard to explain, but you can observe it around you. We get more of what we dwell upon. That’s why all the spiritual masters have taught the same lesson. Start by being thankful. Be happy with what you have now.
“…going places and getting stuff is usually a temporary solution. Peace of mind starts with being grateful”. Gateway Spring 2009 7
LOVE IN THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY 1 Peter 3:4-7 Love is the central and leading attribute that sustains the family. Love is what distinguishes human beings from animals. Love, in its depth and breadth, is the foundation and sustaining force of marriage and the family. Where love decreases, joy and fulfillment in the family also decreases and the family is weakened. Entering into the marriage union without love is like coming into the world without a heart. As a defective heart creates untold problems for a child, so a defective love creates problems for the family. Love is the heart of the family. Without it, money, property, children and all other things fail to give us a healthy family. 1. CHRISTLIKE LOVE OF THE HUSBAND AT HOME 1 Peter 3:7; Ephesians 5:25; John 11:3,36; 13:1; 15:9,13,15; Jeremiah 31:3; Ephesians 5:2; 1 Peter 4:8. “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge” (1 Peter 3:7). Many scholars say that the term “dwell” goes deeper than merely living together under the same roof. It implies closeness and the greatest sense of intimacy that can ever be known between two human beings. The husband who loves the wife will be deeply interested in her as a person, not merely as a homemaker or mother of his children. He cares about her personal joy, interests, spiritual growth and maturity. Where love exists and abounds, there is a sweetness of spirit and oneness that goes beyond description. The wife should be accepted as fully worthy of respect and loving esteem. The love of a Christian husband for his wife is likened to the love of Christ for His Church. This is a mystery. The Church is called the Bride of Christ. Christ’s love for His Church is self-giving, pure and holy, sanctifying, special and unique, providing and preserving, continual, enduring and lasting. If we love like Christ, our love will not be temporary, changing with moods and circumstances. Our purpose in loving our wives ought not to be aimed at what we get back from it but for the goal of seeing them become all that God has planned and purposed for them - holy, healthy and happy. 2. COMMITMENT OF THE WIFE’S LOVE IN THE HOME 1 Peter 3:4-6; Titus 2:4,5; Romans 13:10; Proverbs 31:12; Song of Solomon 8:6,7; 1 John 4:17-21; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. No one can measure or evaluate the awesome power
8 Gateway Spring 2009
that is released when a Christian wife truly loves her husband. Such commitment of love for the husband can literally change his life. Such love is not only manifested in actions but it is revealed in attitude. Love that cares, love that communicates, love that comforts and encourages, love that cheers and spreads joy at home, love that cleaves and supports the husband even in difficult times, love that conceals faults and commends good acts with praise and gratitude, love that covers a multitude of mistakes and defects and creates opportunity and environment for change, such love is awesome in its power to bring change and transformation in the husband and in the children. The wife who loves the husband will hold him in high regard, at all times. If he experiences defeat or set-back in business or any area of life, she encourages him with uplifting words. Such love will help the man to forget his sorrows, rise above his trials and outperform himself. 3. COOPERATION BETWEEN THE WIFE AND THE HUSBAND Ecclesiastes 4:9; Amos 3:3; Psalm 133:1-3; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Colossians 2:2; Romans 12:16; 14:19,21; 1 Corinthians 10:24; 12:21,25,26. The right hand needs the left hand to tie a bundle. The husband and the wife need each other to raise a successful family. The husband and the wife are made for cooperation. To act against each other is contrary to the divine design. ‘Behind every great man is a cooperating wife’. Many men have risen from obscurity to fame because of the sympathy and encouragement of their wives during the years of uncertainty and toil. For the home to be a place of harmony and happiness, there should be cooperation and consideration for each other. Have confidence in each other, work together with a spirit of cooperation and your home will give you a taste of heaven on earth. Cooperation which springs from genuine love and mutual respect for each other strengthens each family member to be triumphant over life’s battles. Cooperation acts like a lubricant in the family; in its path all frictions disappear. Where there is cooperation, fears, worries, jealousy, frustrations, doubts, suspicions become dissolved and they vanish away. Cooperation - what a happy effect it has in a family!
Find out all about the causes, hazards and long term effects of laziness and procrastination and how to avoid it. Priced ÂŁ7. Get your copy today from 020 8517 5827 or www.amazon.co.uk
Business Column
FULFIL YOUR CALL Part 2
By Pastor Abraham Rufai In the last issue of Gateway we started to look at a very important subject in our lives, that is; the fulfilment of
your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Fulfilling your call is the ability to access your uniqueness and to flourish in
our CALL. It is very clear that every human being born into this world has a call to discover and accomplish. Life
your area of dominance. When a person walks in their call, the people around them are influenced, imparted, empowered and uplifted. Our society needs you and everyone around you to begin to unlock and unfold their area of natural capabilities, which will break the ongoing trend where individuals just adopt other people’s call just because they admire their uniqueness. It is important to understand that: “everyone’s call is significant but not everyone will be prominent”, so I encourage and challenge you to step up and step out. The world is waiting for your manifestation, close the vacuum that is being caused in society as a result of your absence from your call.
is meaningless unless the individual choose to ignore or disregard their call, which can result in a dissatisfying journey on earth. Every person must take quality time out to focus and assess their gifting, ability and talent, then channel their energy towards a purpose or call, to affect their environment in a positive way and live a fulfilling life. Fulfilling your call is a journey to find your passion, accessing the abilities, talents and gifts that were implanted in you at creation. The Bible says in Psalm 139:14: “I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are
10 Gateway Spring 2009
To further help you on the way to fulfilling your call please consider the following: COURAGE It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone and find your call. Many have been programmed in their mind from a young age to play safe, though with good intentions, but the flip side of that is that we stop taking risks. The opposite of courage is conformity. Everyone just conforms to the status quo, we have ended up with many identicals and fewer originals. You must sum up enough courage to go against the grain and burst into your call, this is when life truly begins. CHANGE The journey in your call will require some changes or adjustments to your life and standards; you cannot expect something different and carry on the way you were before, that will be unwise. Develop a desire for and embrace change; you are personally responsible for your own future. Change will start from within (mental, emotional and spiritual) and carry on externally (habits, actions and character); you may have to change location, friends and sometimes a complete turn around is necessary, especially if you were heading in the wrong direction. CONSIDERATION We live in a fast paced world; everyone wants things done now but many do not really take the time to think about their life or their call. When they think, it is full of worries, problems and the past. You have to remember that you only have the one life, there is no re-run or repeat of events, whatever you do with your life now that is all you get, so make it count. Try to take time out every week to consider, think and meditate upon your life and call, this will help you to fully appreciate your call and see the different facets of it. There is so much you are yet to discover about your life and what God has in place for you. STOP for a moment, break the routine and just THINK; it may be one of the best things you have done in a long time. CONNECTIONS There are golden connections that you need, to ensure the maximum output from your call. This simply means that you can’t do it all by yourself. God has put people in strategic positions to help you on the way to facilitate and act as a catalyst to your progress. You need to recognise them as you
You have to remember that you only have the one life, there is no re-run or repeat of events, whatever you do with your life now that is all you get, so make it count. move forward in your call; never be too proud to solicit the help of others. Next time you meet someone new take time to discern if you can strike a relationship that could unlock new doors for you. CAPACITY To ensure your call is perpetuated beyond your own imagination, you need to enlarge your capacity to assimilate, retain and disseminate. You need to consider expanding your capacity in the following arrears: spiritual, mental, physical and emotional, these are very vital. The extent of your impact will be determined largely by the quantity and quality of value you add to people’s lives. You cannot give what you do not have or carry within you. CONSISTENCY Following on from capacity is consistency, this is the area that most people fail even after they have discovered their call, they do not tarry long enough to see it grow and blossom. One of the major causes of stagnation in many lives today is the lack of perseverance. Many give up too easily and too quickly. We are familiar with the phrase ‘practice makes perfect,’ but many want to skip the practice and become perfect overnight. Finally, I want you to be very clear and absolutely sure in your mind and heart that you have a CALL to fulfil. No one else is more equipped than you for that call; God designed you specially to accomplish that call. He believes in you and has great expectations for your life, you can trust God to help you discover and fulfil that call. Today, I invite you to manifest your greatness; the world is waiting, you have nothing to lose but so much to gain, you will be glad you did.
Gateway Spring 2009 11
Youth
Leaving a Legacy Part 1
By Pastor Samson Baptist
T
The Bible urges us to understand that our lives are but a breath in the grand scheme of things such that even if one lived to be a thousand years old, it is nothing in comparison to eternity. One thing is certain, all must die one day, but your death ought not be the end of you...you can leave a legacy behind wherein you will be remembered and your impact felt long after you’ve departed. How will you be remembered? The answer to this can be categorised in several ways under several headings which one hopes would correlate. As a parent, what will your legacy be? As a Christian, a spouse, a businessman/ woman etc, what will you leave behind for the generation that comes after you? The Bible declares that David, having served his generation, slept. Part of that service was leaving behind not only the blueprint of what we now know as the temple of Solomon, but also the necessary finances to make it happen. What started in the heart of David, was accomplished by his son Solomon because David made adequate provisions, he left his son an inheritance not a liability. As I alluded to earlier, one can leave a moral legacy, a financial legacy, a legacy of faith etc, however in keeping with the pulse of the current global financial climate, it has been determined to focus on the financial aspect in this article. As parents, when (not if ) you go, what will you leave for them, for the Bible declares… Proverbs 13:22 NAS “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…” In the book of 2nd Kings Chapter 4, we read of a man of God who died and was survived by his widow and two children, yet all was not well in paradise. The story goes as thus… Now a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead,
12 Gateway Spring 2009
and you know that your servant feared the LORD; and the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves. Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels at large for yourself from all your neighbours, even empty vessels; do not get a few. And you shall go in and shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour out into all these vessels, and you shall set aside what is full”. So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons; they were bringing the vessels to her and she poured. When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not one vessel more.” And the oil stopped. In as much as the story highlights the incredible providence of God in dire situations, it also highlights the lack of provision on the part of the “man of God”. According to the scriptures, he was in debt before he died having little or no provision for the family at his death and the creditors were ready to take the children into slavery as a repayment of the debt. Death rarely announces itself, therefore what provisions have you put in place for your family if the unexpected happens. Are you a David or that son of the prophet? I am grateful that the Holy Spirit emphasized that he was a man of God (son of the prophet) that this happened so as to highlight that anointing has nothing to do with this. It is a matter of prudence and planning.
Simply put, every parent should have a plan in place to safeguard the family if the unexpected happens. The dead prophet’s problem was compounding, his wife would have been left childless and desolate, his children in slavery and his name in total ruins! Some people right now, if they died their family would be thrown out of their home. In a climate where it usually takes two incomes to run a home, the death of one partner will surely affect adversely the home front and indirectly the children. There are different insurance products available to you to safeguard this type of calamity. Be diligent to research which type of cover is sufficient to adequately cover your mortgage (if you have one), any other consumer debts that you may have accrued, burial fees which can run into the thousands and maybe a little survival income for the spouse/children that you are leaving behind. Obviously if you have built up an asset base that caters for them, then you do not need to insure yourself, but until you have accrued that asset base, it is highly recommended that you investigate this. When a person dies, their debt (credit cards, loans, store cards etc) does not follow them to the grave, these have a nasty way of hanging around to torment the surviving family as in the case of this unfortunate woman. Plan to leave an inheritance and not a liability, leave assets and not debts, leave behind security and not uncertainty. When you go, it might be your end, but it doesn’t have to be theirs.
Youth and Fashion By Carl
Is being fashionable a sin? Certainly not! Is being goth a sin? Certainly not! I don’t think God cares much about what we wear, as long as it is not revealing or sexually alluring. I think God looks into our hearts to determine our true intentions. The only thing necessary to be a Christian is to believe that Jesus died for your sins, accept Him into your heart, and go forth attempting to live a sinless life. What you wear is not important which brings me on to my topic this issue - goths. So who is a goth? A goth is a member of a subculture favouring black clothing and goth music. Sometimes people wrongly associate goths with a certain kind of lifestyle. For example, some goths have been known NOT to be a Christian and sometimes they may practice witch-
ng craft, so when that happens, bei n tha re mo ch goth has become mu just a fashion statement. I’ve known several younger l Christians who were very faithfu hnep to God, one of them is my ew, who when he was in high g school you’d swear he was a dru . sn’t wa he t dealer by his looks, bu the This just shows you that it is at heart God cares about, not wh you’re wearing. So if you’re a Christian goth and you’re getting grief from par ’d ents or teachers, write to us. We ng bei es love to hear from you. Do goth make it easy for people to e dislike you? Please take the tim rs, we ans r to write back with you you and also let me know how old . are and what your thoughts are
We like to read from the youths, particularly if you were brought up with parents who have strong beliefs. Should fashion be a great concern to you? How you should dress?
Christian teen social network like MySpace or Facebook STREETBRAND Magazine Community, powered by Christian youth magazine www.streetbrand. com, is like MySpace or Facebook but for Christian youths. It’s an online Christian teen social network for Christian teens to meet and connect with friends from school, college, church or work and share pictures, blogs, events, groups, music, bible studies, testimonies and chat. So what are you waiting for? It’s FUN and FREE! Sign up now at http://community.streetbrand.com
INSURANCE BIZ ASIA
Gateway Spring 2009 13
Information Technology
Safe internet shopping By Ola Olawuyi The last few years has seen the use of the internet change how we interact with PCs for the better. This ranges from the vast amount of information that is readily available via this medium to the various transactions that the internet has to offer. One thing that is sure is that technology and especially the advent and use of the internet has changed (and will continue to change lives for the best). With the amount of information we have to provide about ourselves, it is crucial for users of the internet to take basic steps to help protect the information provided, right from the sites we visit to the level of information we provide. With the credit crunch being talked about and possible recession in sight, one cannot ignore some of the negative effects that it brings along such as increased crime. There are various ways whereby information can be illegally obtained by unauthorised individual or organisations. On one hand, we have the hackers to contend with who are always looking for ways to infect PCs with viruses (which is why millions of pounds are being spent by organisations to prevent this from happening). On the other hand, we 14 Gateway Spring 2009
have fraudsters looking for a quick win situation by obtaining and using people’s identity for their benefit. The trauma of losing valuable information to strangers (identity fraud) can be very daunting and lasting. Below are some preventative steps. • Ensuring your PC is up to date with the latest software releases. • Having the right level of anti-virus installed on the PC and ensuring regular update to prevent virus infection that can in effect lead to data loss. • Setting the right level of security on your Internet Explorer • Not disclosing your log on details to others regardless of the circumstance • Ensuring your password is not easy to guess and make sure it is frequently changed. • Looking for the security signs when making purchases on a web site (look for the padlock sign or security signs on website we visit such as secure sites – https). • Ensuring you are properly logged off after visiting a site (especially when having made a purchase).
• If you have internet accounts (e.g. internet banking or shopping online), ensure you regularly check your accounts and statements for irregular transactions. If such is found, report or query it with the appropriate authority and never assume otherwise. Failure to do so on time could have an impact on your account). • If you use an internet cafe or someone else’s computer, delete the browsing history (Tools/General Tab/ Delete Option) and also the cookies.
Note that all the above in itself is not a full deterrent from information being stolen, but at least it helps safeguard your information to a certain level.
Useful links: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ crime-victims/reducing-crime/fraud/ http://www.met.police.uk/fraudalert/ section/identity_fraud.htm
Community
Barking & Dagenham Borough Business Development (New Support for Businesses) The borough is currently undergoing a huge programme of regeneration in terms of building new homes, sustainable transport and development of better community facilities. As a result of these developments, the boroughs through its Local Enterprise Growth Initiative, small businesses within the borough are given opportunity and support for their businesses to develop and grow in the borough. The following organisations can be of help to your business:
Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce The Borough’s Chamber of Commerce represents its members’ interests and supports their competitiveness and growth. It seeks to influence all those who have the power to make decisions affecting local businesses, as well as providing a networking forum and valuable business information. More info: www.bdchamber.co.uk
Barking and Dagenham Small Business Centre The Barking and Dagenham Small Business Centre offers free business support services to local residents, including practical training on how to start your business, supported by specialist one-toone business counselling, to help refine your business plans and help you to launch a sustainable business.
More info: www.berr.gov.uk
Outer Borough Loan Fund
East London Small Business Centre
Specifically for business people in the London boroughs of Redbridge, Havering and Barking and Dagenham. The Phoenix Loan Fund is for funding for business proposals where no other finance is available. The fund offer includes:
The East London Small Business Centre offers practical training in how to start a business, supported by one-to-one business counselling delivered by experienced advisers, to help refine your business plans, and help you launch your business. Help with start-up accommodation is also available. More info: www.goeast.org
Knowledge Dock University of East London established Knowledge Dock to offer assistance to start up in business, support to grow and develop the business, tailored or in-depth specialist advice, or one-to-one consultancy with a business consultant More info: www.knowledgedock.com
• Free help with developing a viable business proposal • Repayment over a maximum of 5 years • Interest charged at only 2 per cent above bank base rate More info: www.goeast.org Source: Barking & Dagenham council website
New Deal New Deal can provide the support needed during all the planning stages when first starting out in business. If you are aged between 18 and 24 and have been claiming Job Seekers Allowance for six months or more you will be eligible to enter the Employment Option - Self Employment route in New Deal for Young people.
Business Growth Loan For businesses that have been in existence for more than one year and have Trading Accounts that are certifiable. Required to join in a mentoring scheme. It includes:
More info: www.bdsbc.org
• Borrow up to £20,000.
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
• Interest fixed for first three years at European hurdle rate, presently at 9.81 per cent.
The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform works to create the best environment for business success in the United Kingdom. The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform assist people to become more productive by promoting enterprise, innovation and creativity.
• Loans of up to £10,000 for new and existing businesses
• Open to businesses anywhere in London. • Match funding may be required. • Directors Guarantees are required for Limited companies. More info: www.gle.co.uk
Do you think you’re a good person? Do you think you’re a good person? How do you see yourself? If you think being ‘good’ is all God requires of you, perhaps you need a reality check. So are you ready to take the Good Person test? You are about to embark on a truth experience that could alter your view of yourself and eternity. Go on and take the test at: www. goodpersontest.com Gateway Spring 2009 15
EVENTS CHURCH SERVICE TIMES Service Times
Sundays 11am – 1pm Thanksgiving Sunday 11am – 1.30pm (1st Sunday of every month)
Digging Deep
Wednesdays 7pm – 8:30pm Friday Power Encounter 7:30pm (1st Fridays of every month)
FORTHCOMING CHURCH EVENTS** April 2009
Thurs 2nd Business and community leaders breakfast meeting Fri 10th - Sun 13th Easter weekend Fri17th – Sun 19th Men’s retreat, High leigh Sat 25th Singles meeting
May 2009
Sat 9th Business seminar Sat 23rd Couples symposium
June 2009
Sun 7th Children’s day Sat 13th Leaders seminar Sun 21st Father’s day
July 2009
1st-31st Fasting & prayer Sat/Sun 18th – 19th Women’s celebration
August 2009
Fri 14th- Sun 16th Youth convention Sun 30th Summer festival
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Books
Your Teenager Lives in a War Zone Are You Prepared for Battle? In the confusing and dangerous climate of today’s culture, war is the daily reality for every teen. This is a generation bombarded by lies, hungry for help, and desperate for truth. No matter what the situation looks like on the surface, every teen faces struggles, temptations, issues, fears, and challenges - only one choice away from hurt, addiction, heartbreak, and more. Teenagers desperately need their parents to stand beside them in this war - yet even though they live under the same roof, many parents are blind to the depths of the daily struggle. In his new book, The Fight of Your Life, author and popular youth speaker Jeffrey Dean challenges and equips parents to embrace their God-given roles in the battle for their teens’ well-being and for their very souls. “I’m convinced that today’s Christian teens are desperate to stand for what is right. But many aren’t sure how to do so. That’s where you and I can help,” Dean says to parents. “We can’t sugarcoat what’s happening in your teen’s world. As a parent, you are engaged in one of the greatest fights of your life. It’s already on, whether you want it or not. The question isn’t, are you at war? The question is, are you equipped to do battle? God has called you to be a fighter - and He has given you everything you need to fight and to win for your teen.” For the past fifteen years, Dean has been touring the US speaking and, more importantly, listening to teens. Some three hundred fifty thousand teens a year check out his website, and more than fifty thousand read and respond to his blog. These teens often tell him things they don’t share with their parents. Now Dean is offering this inside information to parents - not to betray the confidence of his teen base, but to help parents understand the dangers of teen culture and to arm them with biblical answers to today’s problems. “It’s a different world out there from when you and I were teens, and that means we need to do some battle training,” Dean says. “The Fight of Your Life shows parents how they can join the fight on behalf of the teens in their charge - not to render them helpless, but to strengthen them in their passage through the teen years.” The Fight of Your Life speaks to any parent, whether their kids attend public schools or state schools or whether they seem to be making good choices or have already suffered some devastating wounds in the heat of battle. Dean teaches parents to study their teen’s culture so they can live with their eyes wide open, informed about specific issues that their teens are facing.
Once they are aware of the stakes, he lays out a plan to teach teens discernment and to provide them with armour for fighting the battle and wings for rising above it. Dean’s approach is built on the foundation of prayer, and he includes several specific Scriptures for parents to pray over their teens. Even as he speaks bluntly about what’s really going on out there—from the new “cool homosexuality” and the rise of Wicca to the farreaching effects of teen drug and alcohol use - Dean’s tone remains hopeful and encouraging, and for good reason. “Parents have been given the incredible privilege to encourage their teens to live wholeheartedly for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the fighter who is greater than anything this world can throw their way,” he declares. “We are not alone in this fight! Now is the time for parents to grab their weapons, jump into the battlefield on their teen’s side, and be ready to give it all they’ve got.”
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Books
Avoiding Laziness and Procrastination Book Review
Are you a lazy person? How do you know you are not lazy? Are you maximising your full potential? Are you living for something? Doing what you need to be doing? Not leaving what you can do today till tomorrow? “Everybody has something to live for. There is much to be achieved and you will only reap what you sow,” explains Pastor Ade Adesina, senior pastor of Power House International Ministries. “Lazy people rarely get by in life, having wasted their life and resources in idleness and producing significantly less than is exemplary.” In his book, “Avoiding Laziness and Procrastination” (Alpha-lite Publishing, 2008), Pastor Ade Adesina addresses the common reasons for laziness and challenges readers to overcome laziness and make their lives count for something. According to the book there are different types of laziness from spiritual laziness to psychological laziness, intellectual laziness and physical laziness; knowing which category of laziness one falls into is a sure fire way to go from being lazy to actually overcoming laziness and fulfilling one’s potential. Pastor Ade says that everything to the lazy person is difficult. “They see insurmountable obstacles at every junction; moving forward is a challenge, retreating is equally challenging, they always seem to be circling round the same spot. The lazy person always has problems; money, social, health, relationship, spiritual and every other imaginable problem will be found hanging around their necks.” He is quick to point out that contrary to what some Christians might believe laziness is not a spirit. “What is the spirit of laziness? To be candid, there is no such thing as the spirit of laziness,” says Pastor Ade Adesina. “I have included this to prevent the lazy declaring an alibi for their disposition, lest they say ‘it’s a spirit that makes me lazy’, or that they need some kind of deliverance from laziness. Every weekend people sit in the pews and listen to inspirational messages and words of wisdom that
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have transformed many lives. Stop looking for someone or something to blame for that laziness you display and start living the Word and doing something tangible with what you hear.” Avoiding Laziness and Procrastination costs £7. To order copies call 020 8517 5827 or order from www.amazon.co.uk
Music and Film
MUSIC Pastor Donnie McClurkin:
We Are All One (Live In Detroit) Popular pastor, singer, producer and radio show host Donnie McClurkin is back with his new album, a double disc CD recorded live at Straight Gate International Church in Detroit. The album, We Are All One, features gospel music stars like Mary Mary on the track ‘When You Love’ and Cece Winans on ‘Trusting In You.’ This new album features some amazing tracks; be sure to check it out.
Israel Houghton: The Power Of One Multiple GRAMMY, Stellar and Dove Award winner, Soul Train Award winner and double RIAA certified Gold-selling artist Israel Houghton is back with a new album and this time as a solo artist. The new album is called The Power Of One and is packed with reggae, heavy rock, funk and pop music. Basically, regardless of your musical inclination, you’re bound to find a track you can relate to. Featuring songs of hope, redemption and revelation, The Power Of One features some of contemporary Christian music’s most popular acts such tobyMac, Martin Smith of Delirious?, Mary Mary and Chevelle Franklyn.
FILM Fireproof Fireproof, is a love story about a fireman, Capt. Caleb Holt, who’s having marital problems with his wife and is on the verge of divorce. That was until his father gave him a book The Love Dare, which helped him come to know the Lord and helped him begin to make steps towards reconciliation with his wife. This is an absolutely beautiful film that proves that no matter how bad a marriage may look, it is still possible for the couple to be happy again. Fireproof is a film for those who think they have it all together in their marriages and those who need help to save their de-fragmented relationship. This film will impact your life and your marriage. Make it your next ‘date’ movie with your spouse. INSURANCE BIZ ASIA
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Couple’s symposium at Power House International Ministries Sat 23rd May 2009 Come with your spouse for an amazing time of learning, fellowship and laughter. More info: 020 8517 5827
{Quotations} “Three things are seen to be honourable by God. The first is when temptations come on someone who is weak, and are accepted thankfully. The second is when every action is pure before God, mixed with no human motive. The third is when a disciple remains obedient to a spiritual father, and gives up all his self will.” -Joseph of Thebes “He who sits alone and is quiet has escaped from three wars: hearing, speaking, seeing: but there is one thing against which he must continually fight: that is his own heart.” -Antony (Hermit) “Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own joy.”
“The greatest water power know to humanity is woman’s tears. Give God thy broken heart, He whole will make it: The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. ” -M. K. Gandhi “All thoughts, all passions, all delights, Whatever strirs this mortal frame, Are but the ministers of Love, And feed his sacred flame. ” -Coleridge “Blessed is he who has found his work,; let his ask not other blessedness.” -Carlyle
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