Arise 2014 web by Peter Ikuobase

The Magazine of the Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians

2014 – 2015 ISSUE 23

Confronting Islam through Debate:

JAY SMITH

OFNC

Charity Programme

Calming the

STORMS OF LIFE Creative arts in CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

PROCLAIMING THE CROSS

PROFESSOR

WALE

ADEBAJO

Contents 4

Editorial

Declare And Decree!

Chairman’s Welcome Address

What Is Your Work Ethic Like?

10 14

Violence Against Christians Love Is Stronger Than Terror: Prayer Vigil For Kidnapped Girls Christian Concern Christian Voice In Public Affairs JAY SMITH: Confronting Islam In Britain

Focus On OFNC Charity Programme

Amplified Youth Conference

Charity Ball At The Annual Family Conference 2013

Teenagers Proclaiming The Cross

Testimony: Ike Ekwueme

A Purpose In Season – Report On Mission To Hungary

Creative Arts In Children’s Ministry

What’s God Got To Do With It?

Children’s Day Conference/Outing

BABATUNDE LOYE At Metro Life Insurance

Genesis Impact: Serving The Community Where It Matters Most

Widows & Widowers Conference

Poems

The Widow’s Cry Seeking Help In Helplessness

More About Ofnc

National Men’s Conference

Featured Branches

Women In Business And Leadership (WinBLe) Conference

Reconcilers Radio, Making A Difference To What You Listen To

Proclaiming The Cross: PROFESSOR ADEWALE ADEBAJO

OFNC Womens’ Conference

Connect Conference

KATE IFFY CHUKWU

OFNC Events Calendar

2013 OFNC Annual Family Conference

Understanding Menopause

Stereotypes

Calming The Storms Of Life

EDITORIAL TEAM Editorial Team Chief Editor: Mr Peter Ikuobase, Editors: Natalie Lucy, Sara Dean Design: Xandy Daehnhardt Print: First Call Media Design and Publishing Ltd Photography: Peter Ikuobase, Karl Hugger Studios Publisher: Overseas Fellowship of Nigeria Christians (OFNC). Email: arise@ofnc.org.uk Editor Email: peter.ikuobase@ofnc.org.uk Website: www.ofnc.org.uk Copyright Notice Arise is published by the OFNC, a registered charity in the United Kingdom (Charity Registration No. 1126774). No part of this publication may be produced in any form without the written permission of the Chief Editor. Disclaimer Any material published in Arise reflects the personal view of the contributor and does not constitute an endorsement of such views by the OFNC. All comments, enquiries, praise or otherwise regarding each item should be directed to the contributor through the Chief Editor by email: peter.ikuobase@ofnc.org.uk. Name and Registered Head Office: Tabernacle of Praise (TOP) House, Shawheath Close, Manchester M15 4BQ.

EDITORIAL

DECLARE and DECREE!

ARISE 2014

– Proclaiming the Cross Galatians 5:11 (NKJV) – “Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.” he message of the Cross is stunningly simple yet beyond anything the human mind could ever conceive. God the Son humbly submitted himself to crucifixion on the Cross and by this powerful action He reconciled both Jews and Gentiles with God the Father. Furthermore, ‘God raised Him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything.’ Yet, people find the Cross offensive because it disregards human wisdom, human ability, human merit and distinctions that people make on the basis of gender, intelligence, education, upbringing and social class, profession and wealth. Not one of these things, that people pride themselves in, makes a jot of difference to the finished work of the Cross. Therefore, unable to exalt self by claiming credit for salvation by their own works, people reject the message of the Cross and show their offense by violent attacks on Christian by persecuting Christians and by perverting the gospel message to take away its power. Charles Spurgeon asked, ‘If the Cross of Christ is an offense and always was an offense, what is the reason why so many professed Christians go on so easily from January to December and never have any trouble about it?’ I do not know how you would answer to Spurgeon’s question. However, I believe that we have duty to daily proclaim the Cross and its benefits. In this edition of Arise you will read how Christians just like you are taking the Cross to the world to bring the world to God. I want to highlight a few of the many articles that I hope you will read. With typical insight and directness, Dr Albert Okoye, in his welcome speech for the Annual Family Conference, addresses the state of the body of Christ today when it comes to proclaiming the Cross. Professor Wale Adebajo proclaims the cross as he testifies that his close walk with Jesus is the reason why he has broken every glass ceiling to reach the top of the medical profession.

PETER IKUOBASE

Detola Amure tells us how we can proclaim the Cross by our work ethic. She stresses the importance of being diligent and skilful in our business and offers some practical tips about we can manage ourselves in the workplace. Keenly aware of the potential of insurance products to significantly alter lives for the better, Babatunde Loye of MetLife Insurance proclaims the Cross as he recruits, trains and mentor a fast-growing team to improve uptake among African communities in the UK. Jay Smith has been on a mission in the UK for the past two decades, using face-to-face debates, print and the airwaves to confront the threat of the intellectual conquest of the UK by Islam with the pure unadulterated truth of the gospel. Christian Concern proclaims the Cross as they stand as a voice for Christ in public affairs, speaking out against ungodly laws, taking up the cases of persecuted Christians in the UK, and confronting head on the threat of radical Islam. Oluwaseun Matiluko gives a teenager’s perspective on what it means to proclaim the Cross and how to do it. Also, if you are involved in children’s ministry, I believe you will enjoy reading about how the OFNC and Christians worldwide are using creative arts such as theatre, puppetry and ballooning to convey the gospel message with simplicity and accuracy to adults and children alike. There is so much more in this edition that will inform, delight, edify and inspire you. I encourage you to turn to the next page and start reading. My prayer is that as you read Issue 23 of Arise, you will be inspired to boldly proclaim the cross in your sphere of influence. If you do not yet know the Lord Jesus, my prayer is that you will meet him through the writings, ideas and lives of His disciples who have contributed to this work. He is waiting for you! God bless you as you read. Peter Ikuobase Editor

Words are powerful. They encourage; they build up; they pull down. Or even kill. he Bible says that the tongue is like a fire – what we say can have a profound impact upon other people’s lives, an impact that can be either positive or negative. The book of James encourages Christians to tame their tongues and to avoid being a bearer of bad tidings. When we listen to or watch the news, there are often stories about people who have committed suicide or killed others, as a direct result of words that have been said to them. So, how does this apply to us? As Christians we should strive to declare God’s word, which is backed by His power to bring it to pass. Our words are very important and we should strive to proclaim what God intends us to say at each given opportunity. To declare means to proclaim; to shout it out and to announce. To decree is also to proclaim; to pronounce and to command. People have to hear and understand what we say but also to reflect positively on the information which they receive. When you have a conversation with someone you will often learn something of that person’s state of mind and their spiritual stance. The Bible says: ‘Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks’ (Matt 12:34). I once heard a funny story about a member of a church congregation. Invited to close a prayer meeting with the Lord’s Prayer, the old man stood up and said loudly: ‘If I start to name our fathers in heaven we won’t leave here today. Is it John, Adeniyi, Oludayo or Ojukwu that I will mention – there are so many of them that have died and gone to heaven, where will I start?’ The uneasy silence and awkward glances from the departing congregation spoke volumes. I am not sure if this story is fact or fiction, but it goes some way towards showing that what we say can reveal what’s in our hearts; who we are and what we believe in. Our hearts must, therefore, be knitted to Christ and His purpose for us to ensure that we always declare the right message. Our faith will sustain us in declaring God’s message, even in the face of persecution. In Galatians 5:11, it is said that, declaring the undiluted word of God, can lead to persecution. As Christians, at times, we may suffer persecution but, as shown in Matthew 17:20, the good news is that it is not about the amount of faith that we may have, but rather our

steadfastness which will determine our victory. Through the scriptures we discover that we are in a very real war in which the stakes remain high but, as Christians, the victory is ours. So let’s not get weary of doing good at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up (Galatians 6:9). So, how should we proclaim the cross? Boldness remains crucial. We may, at times, have to reach out from our comfort zone in order to declare the good news. Paul said in Romans 1:16: ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.’ Our aim in seeking to proclaim the cross is for the gospel of salvation. We were once morally and spiritually bankrupt yet Jesus gave His life for us on the cross, writing ‘Paid in full’ across our account. Determination is also essential in continuing to declare our faith. Nehemiah was determined to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in order to fulfil God’s purpose for his generation. When his enemies, Sanballat and Tobiah, began to ridicule him, he refused to let it affect him and remained resolute, determined to complete the work which God had committed into his hand. Significantly, Nehemiah said, ’The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build’ (Nehemiah 2:20). The return of Jesus Christ is imminent. We cannot ignore the fact that we are in the last days. It is essential that we hasten to fulfil our call, before it is too late. As followers of Christ, that should be our testimony. Therefore, declare God’s faithfulness. Declare God’s salvation. Declare God’s love. Declare the power of the cross. Decree God’s promises, and decree victory over Satan. Let us emulate the Psalmist, who declared: ‘Proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise.’ Psalm 96:2b-4 (NIV). Nike Daramola Liverpool Branch.

FAMILY CONFERENCE Chairman’s Welcome Address Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel 22nd August 2013 – 25th August 2014

Dearly beloved of God t is with gratitude to God that I welcome you to our Family Conference. I have no doubt that you will echo His faithfulness through the thick and thin of the year gone by. It is a great pleasure for my colleagues and I, in the National Executive Council, to once again have the privilege of sharing fellowship with you and your loved ones. If you are attending for the first time, I would like to reassure you that you have made the right decision to be here this bank holiday weekend and may our good LORD meet you at your point of need.

The theme of our family conference this year was informed, in part, by my increasing dissatisfaction with reflections on Christianity today. It is important to add that this includes my discontent with my own Christian walk, a disaffection which is, perhaps, deepened by my sense of helplessness, caused by the constant tugs upon that most precious of resources, time, which I receive from the various areas of my life. However, a reappraisal of the true cost of the pursuit of our basic needs in this ‘progressive world’ proved illuminating. It reinforced my belief that our true ‘functional currency’ is time: we actually ‘spend’ time in the guise of money whenever we transact – buy, sell, work for pay or otherwise – any business in the world. I would argue that we are spending (paying) more time for every unit of transaction in the world today, which leaves us so little for our Christian walk.

DR ALBERT OKOYE

Our LORD forewarned us that our Christian walk is a transaction, a balancing exercise, between increasingly difficult-to-attain pursuits – what we should eat; drink or wear – and seeking His righteousness. He noted that ‘the pagans run after (pursue) all these things’, a fitting portent of what the church has most unfortunately mushroomed into today: a marketplace with little time left to pick up our Cross! Why waste precious time on the Cross when we have been given the great commission to preach the gospel to many parts of the world? The Cross is sometimes seen these days simply as an ornamental item depicted in innumerable fashion periodicals and websites; worn by the most ardent agnostics. However, because He humbled himself to the point of death, God exalted Jesus so that, at His name, ‘every knee should bow…and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord’. Apostle Paul was emphatic that the successful accomplishment of our Christian instruction is anchored to the Cross of Christ: ‘But to preach the

gospel not with wisdom of words lest the Cross of Christ should be made of no effect’. Our LORD himself calls us to the cross: ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me… And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.’ It is illuminating that the call to the Cross antedates and undergirds the great commission and any material benefit which today’s church unfortunately appears to delight in peddling on the stalls of coercion and self-indulgence. This state of affairs could not be more at variance with the underpinnings of the call to the Cross – selfdenial and resisting the lure of earthly pursuits gained at the cost of both our time and spiritual integrity. To us who are being saved, ‘the message of the Cross is the power of God.’ Through Christ’s death on the Cross, the world has been crucified to us. Our theme scripture proposes that separation with persecution characterise professors of the Cross of Christ because it is considered ‘offensive’ and a violation of what the world judges to be right or natural. ‘In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted’. Apostle Paul noted that many will, therefore,‘want to look good to others’ and, in order to avoid persecution preach conventional wisdom rather than the loathsome message of salvation ‘through the Cross of Christ alone’. It follows, therefore, that the Cross is the foundation upon which our entire Christian walk is built and, time spent at its foot, would offer the secret for successful fulfilment of all aspects of our Christian endeavours. C. H. Spurgeon observed that secret devotion is the very essence, evidence and barometer of vital and experimental Christian faith. He noted that, for us to have influence both in the Church and in the world, we must keep ‘the altar of private prayer burning and our closet seasons regular, frequent and undisturbed’. He further noted that the sanctuary and family altars borrow their fires here hence ‘the fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it shall not go out’. He also encouraged us to set apart special seasons for extraordinary prayer to ensure that this fire is not ‘smothered beneath the ashes of a worldly conformity’. He could very easily have been speaking to us today. Is it any wonder, then, that the world continues to contend with us for more of that most valuable resource, time? How hot are the embers on your altar? We have simply become too busy and so we no longer sow the seeds of time in prayer. It is, therefore, not surprising, albeit tragic, that we see little objective evidence of the principles of the Cross of Christ at work in our generation. The Body of Christ is speedily losing influence both within the church and in the world; we are running scared from every battlefield and allowing our sons and daughters to be sacrificed on the altars of complacency, forbearance, atheism and the myriad of ‘idols’ upon which we nourish our spirits.

Wolves in sheep clothing have put down roots in the church, masquerading as shepherds, but functioning like hirelings; more fretful about their ‘wages’ and material rewards than the master’s lost and wandering sheep. We are inundated with an ever increasing array of ‘churches’ in varied combinations proclaiming all things corporeal, except the unadulterated message of the Cross of Christ. Our minds are daily assailed by doubt and muddle from great orators on the pulpit about the ‘once and for all’ price paid by our LORD on the cross of Calvary. ‘Did God really say…?’ They pontificate ‘with persuasive words of human wisdom’ unperturbed that the Cross of Christ has been made of ‘no effect’. Many walk openly among us as ‘enemies of the Cross of Christ’with their minds unashamedly set on earthly things and vainglory.There is hardly any authentic ‘demonstration of the Spirit and of power’ rather our Christian growth seems to be anchored to the wisdom of men ‘who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.’ I am sure you will agree with me that Apostle Paul’s warnings in the second book of Timothy about perilous times and men rings chillingly true of the church today. Stewards entrusted with the master’s sheep are increasingly ‘lovers of themselves and money, boasters, proud, unholy, unloving, unforgiving’ and with very little, if any, self-control. The church today seems at home with sin which we appear to comfortably categorise, shutting the door in the faces of transgressors we disapprove of, but welcoming others with wide-open arms. The Church today seems content with recycling and maintaining a vice grip on existing Christians rather than taking new grounds for the Cross of Christ. We very sadly typify the apostle’s description of a generation of Christians ‘having a form of godliness but denying its power.’ To the Cross! The church more than ever needs to return to the message of the Cross; of salvation through the blood of the sinless and spotless Lamb of God, slain on the Cross of Calvary as propitiation for our sins and, not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. The Church of Christ needs to remind men that all are sinners and that true salvation is found in the message of the Cross. The Church of Christ needs to spend more time at the foot of the Cross in order to demonstrate the ideals of His Cross. Friends, let us proclaim and manifest character worthy of the redeeming Cross of Christ so that we can be more attractive to the world and so truly fulfil the great commission.

Albert Okoye OFNC National Chairman

Do you see a man diligent and skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men. Proverbs 22:29 (AMP) In the workplace, the importance of others’ perception of you is paramount. If you are not perceived to have a good work ethic, any prospects in your professional life will remain limited. As with my former colleague, it won’t matter if you are the most intelligent or capable person at your workplace or business.

What is

YOUR

Work Ethic like? I once had a work colleague who was highly intelligent and knowledgeable. However, because she was repeatedly late to work and to client meetings, the directors didn’t think she was ready for a promotion. Because they doubted her dependability, they also doubted her professionalism. She had been praying for a promotion and blamed God for not getting it. However, in reality, she only had herself to blame. In the workplace, or in business, we must be committed to a certain standard of behaviour regardless of our personal circumstances. Your goal in the workplace must be to live your life to God’s glory, whether it is convenient, or even popular, by the power of the Holy Spirit living within you. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

By maintaining a good work ethic, you are witnessing Christ to your colleagues, bosses, and customers not just through your words, but through your actions. People remember what you do more than what you say; they will notice your efforts and wonder why you are different. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. Ephesians 6:7-8 (NLT) When you show diligence in your work, whether you are working for yourself or for an employer, and you do it cheerfully and without complaining, God will reward you by granting you favour in His sight and in the sight of influential people.

Ask yourself: ‘How do I currently conduct myself at work or in business?’, ‘Do I proclaim Christ in the way I conduct myself?’, ‘Am I only doing my best work when people are watching?’, ‘What goes through my colleagues’ minds when they mention my name at work?’ If you don’t think that your conduct is Christlike, then ask God to help you to make a change. These are six ways to display a good work ethic: 1. Always arrive at work and meetings early. Your name shouldn’t be associated with the latecomers at work. ‘African time’ should not be a part of your value system. Aim to arrive at work at least ten minutes before it officially starts, so that you can properly settle in and start your actual work promptly. Constantly strolling in late simply doesn’t represent a good work ethic. Being punctual will also help to allow for those exceptional days when you are running late, maybe due to traffic or an emergency, as you will already have built a good reputation. If you work for yourself, make sure you arrive at client meetings or networking meetings on time. 2. Dress professionally. The first thing your clients and colleagues will notice about you is your appearance. It is essential that you always leave a good and confident impression. Remember that the way you dress is the way that you will be addressed. Research your company’s dress policy, if you don’t already know it, then invest in quality clothes for work. Even if you work from home, make sure that you own outfits which would be suitable for client meetings outside your home. You don’t have to break the bank to look professional.Wear clothes that fit properly, are pressed and look smart. 3. Deal with family and home emergencies honourably. If you do experience an emergency at home, always inform your superiors and colleagues immediately. If you have to work from home, make sure that you are contactable by phone or email. Don’t go AWOL; keep the lines of communication open as much as you can. Depending on the situation, it may be better to take time off work. Otherwise, your productivity might be affected if you

try to combine work with an emergency. If you are dealing with clients and find that you are running behind schedule, keep them in the loop. Don’t ignore them. Most clients don’t mind a job completed late if something beyond your control has come up. However, they might mind simply not hearing from you for days. 4. Show integrity. Let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes’ and your ‘no’mean ‘no’. If you say you are going to call a client at a particular time, then do so. If you say you are going to finish your part of a team project by a particular date, endeavour to do so. If, for some reason, you can’t, then communicate this to the other parties involved. Make sure that you are perceived to be honest and dependable at work. Being honest may not always be a popular choice, especially at work, but, as Christians, that is what we have been called to do. 5. Use social media wisely. If you are having a bad day at work, or your boss is frustrating you, Facebook or Twitter is NOT the place to vent your grievances. Pray about it; call a friend if you need to vent your frustration; or simply write it down on a piece of paper and then tear it up to release any tension. Don’t, I repeat, don’t rant on social media. It will come back to bite you. Once it is out there you can never take it back. Before you post something on social media, ask yourself if it is necessary. 6. Stay Calm. It is almost inevitable that conflict will arise with colleagues or clients. You may meet rude people at work or in business. If someone disrespects you or picks on you, make a concerted effort not to lose your cool.Walk away if you can and ask God to give you patience to deal with the situation appropriately. So. Which one of these six tips do you need to work on? Ask for the help of the Holy Spirit, as we cannot do anything without Him. Having a good work ethic is about treating others the way you would love to be treated. It is about doing your best; having integrity and being diligent in your work. It is about bringing glory to God through your life. Bio Aloted Omoba (pseudonym) is an inspirational writer and is passionate about the empowerment of women, especially mothers. She runs Super Working Mum where she helps Christian working mums who feel stuck to create a profitable business, working around their family commitments, so that they can have a fulfilled and balanced life. She lives in Essex with her husband and two children. You can interact with Aloted online via: Website: www.superworkingmum.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/SuperWorkingMum Twitter: www.twitter.com/SuperWorkingMum

and independent settlements, conquered, subdued or annexed by the British colonial administration. The colonialists had always recognized the diversity of the country, which was why pre-independence constitutions created a federal structure. At that time, the North was mainly Muslim, while Christian missionaries had established themselves in the South. However, upon independence, religion became such an important factor that subsequent constitutions were designed to prevent any faith from dominating the political landscape. Through different political and military administrations, the country remained stubbornly secular. Things began to change in 1999, at the inauguration of the third republic, when some Northern states declared themselves governed by Sharia law. This act was unconstitutional, but it would have been politically difficult for a Christian Southern president to actively oppose the move. Because the Northern region was the largest, and it was mainly Muslim, it had produced most of the leaders, and a whole class of Muslim power brokers had developed.

VIOLENCE AGAINST

Christians: E

A FACTSHEET

The kidnapping of about 250 secondary school girls in Chibok (a largely Christian village in the Muslim North East) is just one of the most recent incidents of Boko Haram activities in Northern Nigeria. 10

ven as Nigerians and the rest of the world come to terms with this, the last two public holidays have seen bomb blasts in Abuja. Boko Haram is itself the most recent, most organised and most sustained manifestation of the religious intolerance that has plagued the country. This is a significant time in Nigeria. Exactly 100 years ago, the country was created from an amalgamation of two protectorates, (Northern and Southern Nigeria). Both protectorates were formed from several kingdoms, city states

Give them an inch, they take a yard: The declaration of Sharia law was not the first attempt to impose Islam on Nigerians. In the 1980s, there had been destruction in the Northern city of Kano by a group called ‘Maitatsine’. However, it appears that attacks against Christians have increased markedly since 1999, perhaps because those who cried out for Sharia found themselves unopposed by the federal government. Early in the new century, Christians in Northern cities such as Kano, Kaduna, Zaria and Jos fled for their lives while their churches and homes were burned down. The attacks in Jos and Kaduna (which had large Christian populations) were the most violent, and several Christians, including pastors and church leaders were murdered. However, these attacks were largely mob style and lacked the cohesion which marks Boko Haram attacks. Boko Haram is a very shadowy organisation. What is known is that it is able to mount sophisticated attacks on Christians and even Muslims who do not support its fanatical views. It also appears that its insurgents are able to slip out of Nigeria, through its porous borders with Niger, Chad and the Cameroons. The organisation’s training and funding remains largely unknown, and it would not be surprising if links exist with other international terrorist groups, perhaps even Al Qaeda. Boko Haram’s aims can be gleaned from a few public statements; these appear to suggest an intent to turn

Nigeria into a Taliban style Islamic state. More worrying, the Boko Haram leader reportedly stated that he would sell the abducted girls, suggesting that he was instructed to do so by Allah. This would be disastrous, not only for Christians who form about half the population of the country, but also for moderate Muslims. Attacks linked to Boko Haram include: Bombings of churches; Bombings of busy civilian areas, such as long distance bus stations during holiday periods; Night time raids on secondary schools, which have resulted in deaths of all boarding students; Kidnapping of girls as in the Chibok case; Attacks on military installations. Effects of violence against Christians: Some of the effects of the organised or mob attacks on Christians include: Deaths, long and short term injuries, disability and trauma, suffered by victims (Amnesty International estimates that between January and April this year, up to 1500 people have been killed); Victims and survivors of attacks on schools, villages, churches, etc include women and very young children; Property belonging to Christians have been looted, and some mainly Christian districts have become ghost settlements; Southern Christians who had settled in Northern Nigeria, (some for three or four generations) are returning to the South; Camps are springing up in Northern cities like Jos to house internally displaced people; Christians are afraid to go to church for fear that they will be bombed; Schools are no longer safe; There is increasing fear that these activities will spread to Southern Nigeria; In some cities, economic activity is severely reduced. Why should we care? The Bible urges us to pray for persecuted Christians everywhere (Ephesians 6: 18, Acts 12:1and5). In addition, James tells us that our works are evidence of our faith, and that it is not sufficient to pray for people if we have the means to help them (James 2:14-17). It is important to act, because terrorism is a pervasive force which must be tackled by concerted international effort. There is a sinister side effect of these activities in Nigeria. For the first time in the history of the country, terrorist attacks on western targets have been linked to Muslims of Nigerian heritage. The first was the attempt

to blow up an aircraft bound for the United States in December 2009. Last year, two young men attacked an off duty British soldier, Lee Rigby, mortally wounding him. These are two incidents too many, especially when they can be linked to the increase in local Islamic inspired violence. What Christians in Northern Nigeria need: Christians in Northern Nigeria need our prayers, support and aid. Please Pray That God will intervene to protect His people (Psalm 119:86; Jeremiah 20:11); That persecuted Christians will be strengthened in their time of trial , (James 1:12) and emboldened further to declare the gospel of Christ (Ephesians 6:19-20); That the government will be emboldened to tackle the general trend towards persecution of Christians in Northern Nigeria;

That the perpetrators of persecution will hear Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice like Saul did on his way to Damascus; That elections in 2015 will usher a leadership that can face the problem of religious intolerance and improve national security (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please support Christians in Nigeria by: Finding out more about the situation; Speaking out where ever possible, including to your MP, international organisations like the United Nations, or wherever you have influence; Telling your friends. Please provide support By contacting any of the many organisations assisting internally displaced people, providing medical care for injured Christians, giving welfare to bereaved families or raising awareness ( James 1:27).

is stronger than terror:

Prayer vigil for kidnapped girls BY LUCY OLOFINJANA PHOTOGRAPHS: PETER IKUOBASE

Christians from different churches, denominations, backgrounds and cultures joined together in unity last night with one purpose – to pray for the kidnapped Nigerian girls and for peace in the nation. 14

ast month more than 200 girls were abducted in Chibok, northern Nigeria, and recent video footage suggests they have been forced to convert to Islam. Their captors are Boko Haram, the Islamist extremist group that is spreading terror among Christian communities in northern Nigeria.

Prayer Vigil on 19th May 2014. Left to right Dr Albert Okoye (OFNC National Chairman), Dr Jonathan Oloyede (Convener National Day of Prayer), Rev Canon Enwuchola (Nigerian Chaplain), Pastor Ade Omooba (Co-founder, Christian Concern)

“

When people’s churches are burnt down they realise that denominations count for nothing. They meet wherever there is a building – Christ is what unites us. The Chibok girls do not care about denomination.”

“

Love

Fred Williams (left) and Ade Omooba (right) of Christian Concern at the Prayer vigil at the Emmanuel Centre London on 19th May 2014.

The mass prayer vigil was held at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster last night, organised by the National Day of Prayer, the International Strategic Alliance Committee, the Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians and Christian Concern. Representatives from denominations including the Methodists and Anglicans joined them, with the Bishop of Guildford (representing Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby) saying: “We know prayer changes things.” The importance of putting aside denominational divides and joining together in unity to pray was emphasised by Ade Omooba, director of Christian Concern, who said: “When people’s churches are burnt down they realise that denominations count for nothing. They meet wherever there is a building – Christ is what unites us. The Chibok girls do not care about denomination.” While this kidnapping has brought Boko Haram to the world’s attention, the violence and targeting of Christians is nothing new. In January and February 2014 Boko Haram abducted 25 women and girls, and since Chibok they have abducted eight more in Borno, aged 12 to 15. It is estimated that 14,000 Nigerians have been killed in violence since 1999, with more than 100 killed in a predominantly

Christians were encouraged to pray that the places where young men are being radicalised will be exposed, and to pray for courage and boldness for the Nigerian government and the international community as they fight the ‘virus’ of extremism. During the event a member of the Nigerian High Commission was prayed for on stage by young Nigerians, and he in turn prayed for them. People were also encouraged to pray for the persecutors themselves, being reminded of Saul in the New Testament; once a persecutor of Christians but later a godly leader persecuted for Christ. Pastor Fred Williams of Love Jos attended the vigil along with other Christians from various parts of Nigeria affected by Boko Haram’s violence. Pastor Fred said: “There is something stronger than terror, and that is love. Prayer without action is hypocrisy. We need to love back; defiance expressed creatively in practical terms.” Pastor Fred shared stories of Christians standing up and loving communities deeply impacted by the violence of Islamist extremism. They include a young Nigerian man

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Christian village in Borno state in February of this year. Boko Haram’s stated aim is to set up an Islamic state in Nigeria, with their leader Abubakar Shekau saying: “We are fighting Christians.” Meanwhile the Nigerian government has been accused of lamentable failures in protecting Christians.

who has set up Trinity Christian Academy in Taraba, providing boarding education for more than 250 children from over 25 villages, despite limited accommodation and water supplies. “We cannot just pray but must also act,” Pastor Fred said. “The Church must not draw back. We must take care of the children in Nigeria, making sure there are no foot soldiers for Boko Haram to take.”

A song has been written by UK worship leader Noel Robinson, and this No More Sorrow track (available on itunes at the end of May) features a range of worship leaders from the Nigerian diaspora in the UK. Paul Robinson said: “Christians – men, women and children – have suffered shocking violence at the hands of extremists in Nigeria and it doesn’t look like ending any time soon. With the elections around the corner the fear is that attacks against government institutions and Christians will increase as militants attempt to influence the outcome.

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“We cannot just pray but must also act,” Pastor Fred said. “The Church must not draw back. We must take care of the children in Nigeria, making sure there are no foot soldiers for Boko Haram to take.”

around the world, and during a period of prayer last year they felt God leading them to focus on Nigeria in 2014. With Nigeria’s general election coming up in 2015, the campaign is particularly calling on the Nigerian government to provide comprehensive and effective protection for vulnerable Christian ahead of and during the election period. The campaign includes a petition to the Nigerian High Commission in the UK to protect Christians from extremist violence.

Too many Christians have been murdered, injured, bereaved and traumatised. They need our help. Please join them in praying for an end to the suffering in Nigeria.”

“Please join us in this vital campaign by not only signing our petition but also praying and telling others so that they can raise their voices too. Too many Christians have been murdered, injured, bereaved and traumatised. They need our help. Please join them in praying for an end to the suffering in Nigeria.” This article was originally published on 20th May 2014 on the Evangelical Alliance website at: http://www.eauk.org/current-affairs/news/love-is-strongerthan-terror.cfm

Another Christian standing up against terror is Esther Banga, founder of the Women Without Walls Initiative (WOWWI). WOWWI’s vision is to develop a nonviolent, creative and inclusive approach for conflict resolution and transformation in Nigeria, through women who are natural agents for social and national change. Esther has organised peaceful protests where more than 10,000 women have joined together to call for change and an end to the violence. As well as a pressure group, WOWWI also educates orphans and raises funds for the rehabilitation of displaced women and children. Release International chief executive Paul Robinson shared at the vigil that persecuted Christians across the world are so encouraged to hear that people are praying for them as their brothers and sisters in the global body of Christ. No More Sorrow, a campaign focusing on Nigeria, is being launched this month by Release International. Release is an organisation serving the persecuted church

CHRISTIAN VOICE IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS

When van driver Colin Atkinson was threatened with the sack for having a palm cross on his dashboard, he was shocked and distressed in equal measure. Colin, 64, who worked for a Housing Association in Wakefield, had been driving around with the cross on display in his van for fifteen years. But in 2011 one of the tenants complained about it and his employers asked him to remove it. When Colin refused, he was threatened with disciplinary action and looked set to lose his job.

The case created headlines in the national media and Colin received messages of support from all over the country. The tabloids made much of the fact that Colin’s Sikh colleagues in the Housing Association were allowed to wear turbans to work and his boss had a poster of the Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara on his office wall. But it was the intervention of one particular organization - the Christian Legal Centre - that caused the disciplinary action against him to be dropped. Colin was allowed to go back to work with the cross in full view behind the windscreen of his van. Colin’s case offers new hope for Christians who refuse to compromise their beliefs in the face of opposition from secular society. The Christian Legal Centre defends a wide variety of individuals and churches who have suffered discrimination and challenges because of their desire to live and work according to biblical beliefs. Many of these cases have been high-profile and have been at the cutting edge of the law relating to freedom of belief. The CLC handles more religious discrimination cases than any other institution in the UK.

The CLC is a sister organisation of Christian Concern, which seeks to introduce a Christian voice into law, the media and government. Founded ten years ago, it encourages supporters to be passionate about their faith and to become a light and a witness to the nation. Whilst engaging with the church it wants to work to infuse a biblical worldview into every aspect of society, arguing for the truth of the Gospel and defending the historic freedoms that the UK has enjoyed for so long. Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of Christian Concern, says that in the last few decades the nation has largely turned her back on Jesus and embraced alternative ideas such as secular liberal humanism, moral relativism and sexual licence. ‘The fruit of this is rotten, and can be seen

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hen van driver Colin Atkinson was threatened with the sack for having a palm cross on his dashboard, he was shocked and distressed in equal measure. Colin, 64, who worked for a Housing Association in Wakefield, had been driving around with the cross on display in his van for fifteen years. But in 2011 one of the tenants complained about it and his employers asked him to remove it. When Colin refused, he was threatened with disciplinary action and looked set to lose his job.

Christian Concern works to highlight injustice, change public opinion on issues of key importance and affect policy at the highest levels.

Christian Concern works to highlight injustice, change public opinion on issues of key importance and affect policy at the highest levels. Key issues include abortion, adoption and fostering, bioethics, Islamism, religious freedom, the sex trade and issues relating to sexual orientation. Andrea Williams, who is also a barrister, is the director of CLC. In June this year she won a legal victory when police in Scotland dropped all charges against two Christian evangelists who were arrested for allegedly using ‘offensive’ language whilst preaching in Dundee and Perth. Afterwards she said: ‘This case shows yet again how confused the situation has become. A single passer-by can allege ‘hurt offence’ and an innocent preacher gets arrested, taken to a cell and held for many hours. This has a deeply chilling impact on all of us; on our fundamental freedom to speak out about what we believe in for fear of “causing offence” and being punished by the state for doing so.’ Amongst those that CLC has represented is Caroline Petrie, a nurse from Weston Super Mare who was suspended without pay after she offered to pray for a patient. Following the intervention of CLC she was reinstated. Another of its cases was that of Eunice and Owen Johns, a Christian couple with many years of fostering experience who were effectively barred from doing so in the future because they could not agree with the policy of instructing any child they might care for that homosexuality was acceptable. Following an unsuccessful application to court, they remain unable to foster. However, the Johns’ case attracted the attention of the national press, which led to heated debate among Christians and non-Christians alike. Even the Prime Minister was asked to comment on the decision. He said the judge’s decision was right and Christians should be ‘tolerant, welcoming and broadminded’. Two of CLC’s cases have recently been taken up by the European Court of Human Rights. Gary McFarlane is a relationships counsellor who was dismissed from his job because he said during a staff training day that he was not sure whether he was comfortable with giving sex advice to homosexual couples. Shirley Chaplin is a nurse who was banned from working on hospital wards for wanting to

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...This has a deeply chilling impact on all of us; on our fundamental freedom to speak out about what we believe in for fear of “causing offence” and being punished by the state for doing so.’

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Christian Concern

in widespread family breakdown, immorality and social disintegration.’

continue to wear a cross around her neck, something she had worn as a front-line nurse for almost thirty years. These two cases have been viewed by the European Court as being of such importance that they merit further investigation, and the British Government has been asked by the Court to state whether or not they believe that the rights of Christians have been infringed in these cases. The policy team sits at the heart of Christian Concern. It produces research materials which are used to inform debate at the highest levels and drafts legal amendments which are used in Parliament. The team produces regular, detailed responses to government consultations on a range of issues and has recently responded to consultations on the advertising of abortion on television; civil partnerships being held on religious premises; the Equality Commission and pre-nuptial agreements. In the last couple of years Christian Concern has launched a number of campaigns in order to mobilise the church. One of these was the ‘Not Ashamed’ initiative, aimed at encouraging Christians to take a public stand for Jesus. On 1 December 2010 Christians across the nation wore merchandise with the campaign logo and cross as a sign that they were not ashamed to say that Jesus Christ is good news for society. Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, backed the initiative, producing a short leaflet which was distributed to thousands of people at Christmas proclaiming the good news of the gospel. Widespread print, radio and TV coverage resulted, including a doublepage evangelistic message from Lord Carey in the Sun newspaper. Christian Concern chose the 43rd anniversary of the

passing of the Abortion Act, to launch its ‘Choose Life’ campaign, with a vigil outside Parliament and a series of events designed to highlight the scale and consequences of abortion. This resulted in a constructive adjournment debate in Parliament. The ‘Awake Arise’ campaign is one of the organisation’s latest initiatives. It aims to encourage and equip the Church to engage with issues of vital concern to the nation. Regular Awake Arise events are arranged in churches across the country with top speakers. Some of these events are focused on specific issues such as Islam or marriage and the family. Christian Concern also runs an annual academy for young people. Named after famous reformer William Wilberforce, this is a week-long, residential course at Oxford University featuring keynote speakers who train and equip the invited students on what it means to proclaim Christ in public life. The aim is to raise up the next generation of Christian leaders who will take a bold stand for Christ within their spheres of influence, whether in the church or in the workplace. In addition to its work in the UK, the organisation is starting to spearhead Christian policy work across Europe. It has established relationships in Belgium, France, Italy, Romania and Bulgaria as well as internationally in America, Nigeria, Jamaica, Canada and Australia. It is committed to lending its know-how to serve Christians across the globe, thereby helping them stay ahead of developments in their own countries. With a growing mailing list of 35,000 individuals and churches that are kept regularly informed of a wide selection of news and policy developments, Christian Concern has a supporter base that joins in with campaigns through letter writing, lobbying MPs, attending demonstrations and praying.

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‘We can’t just leave it to the Nigerian government we must work together to help people rebuild their lives and have the confidence to carry on,’ says Ade Omooba

The presence of radical Islamism in this country is, understandably, high on the organisation’s agenda at the moment. One of the co-founders of Christian Concern is Pastor Ade Omooba, who works closely with the OFNC and was interviewed on BBC TV news in the wake of the kidnapping of the Nigerian schoolgirls. He sees radical Islam as a virus that poses a threat to people across the UK as well as in Nigeria. ‘Many different areas of society have now become breeding silos for radical Islam,’ he says. ‘We are seeing how young black men in communities in the UK as well as Africa have been radicalised. If we don’t deal with it, it

becomes airborne and mutates. Nations are sleepwalking if they think they are free from a faraway threat of Islamic ideologies. These people are out to destroy the freedoms that Christian democracies have provided.’ At a prayer vigil held in May for the kidnapped schoolgirls, Pastor Omooba appealed for help to fight Boko Haram and also for organisations like Christian Concern ‘to expose the viral threat of militant Islamism in our midst’. ‘People like myself have spoken out about it for the past twelve years but we are not listened to,’ he explains. ‘It has turned into violent persecution. In Nigeria community leaders often know where these breeding silos are but they are afraid to speak out. We must call the leadership of the nation to account.’ As well as drawing attention to the threat posed by radical Islam, Christian Concern is directly involved in providing practical help to people who have suffered at the hands of Boko Haram. Pastor Fred Williams, another Nigerian involved in Christian Concern, runs the ‘Love Back’ project. ‘Prayer without action is hypocrisy,’ he says. ‘We need to love back: defiance expressed creatively in practical terms.’ This work requires Christians in Nigeria to stand up and love communities deeply impacted by the violence of Islamist extremism. One of the projects funded by Christian Concern is an orphanage - whose location cannot be disclosed for security reasons - for children whose mothers and fathers have been murdered. ‘We can’t just leave it to the Nigerian government - we must work together to help people rebuild their lives and have the confidence to carry on,’ says Ade Omooba. ‘We must find ways to help all those who are affected, so that they are not living in fear and are free to express themselves without the threat of violent persecution.’ Speaking out about the threat posed by radical Islam requires considerable courage. And courage is the quality that, more than any other, defines those who run Christian Concern. At a time when some Christians feel the Church has lost its bite, it’s reassuring to know that there is an organisation which is not afraid to bare its teeth and confront issues that are important, not just to Christians but to communities across the globe. You can contact Christian Concern via their website www.christianconcern.com or call them on 020 3327 1120.

JAY SMITH: Confronting

Islam in Britain

BY PETER IKUOBASE

“The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:20-22.

very weekend Jay Smith leads a committed group of Christians to Speakers’Corner in Hyde Park in London, where they meet crowds of Muslims face-to-face to answer tough questions, debate the latest research and ideas and share their faith. Smith, who heads up Hyde Park Christian Fellowship, believes that robust argument, not politically correct acceptance, is the best way to tackle radical Islam in the UK. In the early 1990s, after a five-year stint in Senegal, Smith, who has a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary in California, was drawn to England. It was the challenge of confronting the extreme form of Islam just then emerging in Britain that attracted him, long before the fruits of it were manifested in incidents such as 9/11 and 7/7. Smith spent years learning about Muslims in the UK and building relationships with radical Islamic groups through frequent dialogue and debates in a variety of settings, including universities such as LSE and SOAS and on the streets. However, it was when he started observing the debates at Speakers’Corner in the early 1990s that he encountered the

sharp edge of the debate. He found a stark contrast between the engaging, articulate and entertaining Muslim speakers, who held the crowds captive, and the Christian speakers, whose traditional evangelical arguments seemed to lack charisma. So he began making regular visits to Speakers’ Corner and started asking lots of questions. A turning point came in 1995 when he was severely beaten and rendered unconscious after raising a question about the historical authenticity of Islam. After this brutal attack, the police advised him to speak from a ladder in the future so that he would be more visible. Asking questions from the crowd is one thing but getting up on the ladder in the midst of opposing speakers is entirely another. Smith said, ‘It was the hardest thing I have had to do in my life.’ A compelling speaker with a powerful voice, Smith can keep going for hours without flagging. But it was not always like this. He says,’The first time I got on the ladder, I could barely sustain an argument for five minutes before I had to get down’. Smith has now developed material that is so compelling that many Muslims are reluctant to take him on. The points he makes are first field-tested at Speakers Corner before being taken to more formal academic debates. Over the last twenty

years he has been using social, political, anthropological and apologetic material, and has formulated answers to questions about God, Jesus, the Trinity, the Bible and the Kingdom of God. Smith knows from his research that a desire for revival of the Khilafa (the Kingdom of God) is the invisible thread that links radical Islamic movements, from the Muslim Brotherhood (founded by Hassan al-Banna in 1928) to the recent declaration of the Islamic State and self-proclaimed (caliphate) in Iraq and Syria. Historically, the Khilafa was modelled by the Umayyad Caliphate (661 - 750AD), which, at its peak, stretched all the way from Spain to Indonesia, with a population the size of the UK today. Subsequently there was a succession of caliphates culminating in the Ottoman Empire (1299 -1923), which was centred on modern day Turkey. Since the caliphate was abolished in 1924, jihadists have sought its revival. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Islamic State now sets out plans for direct political control of not just the Muslim-inhabited regions of the world but also the parts of Europe such as Spain (which was under Muslim control till the late fifteenth century) and the Balkans states (including Greece, Romania and Bulgaria). It also wants to extend its territories in Eastern Europe as far as Austria. To those of us that live in the UK, and indeed to most who live in Europe and the Middle East, the idea of being overrun by ISIS might seem far-fetched but military domination is not the only strategy being employed to restore Khilafa. Several fundamentalist Muslim leaders clearly state that they intend to establish the world-wide Khilafa by violence or by stealth. Anywhere we see calls for the implementation of Sharia Law in Western, non-Muslim countries, the stealth strategy is being employed. Many fundamentalists sincerely believe that the institution of Sharia Law is the only solution to moral, economic and political ills in society. Sheikh Omar Bakri Muhammad, leader of the now disbanded UK radical Islamist group Al-Muhajiroun, once said that the aim of the Khilafah is to conquer the world, either through militarily or intellectually converting people to Islam (da’wah) or making them dhimmi – the subservient but protected underclass in a Muslim-ruled society. Many observers can see the stealth approach taking effect in the UK. Smith wholeheartedly agrees with the views expressed by Professor Lamin Sanneh of Yale University, who believes that the intellectual conquest of the West is already well under way. Smith said: ‘Our cultural captivity is proven by our uncritical attitudes towards Islam in the UK, where we have, through fear of terrorist attack, become a nation of politically correct Islamophiles, who have allowed the stealth implementation of Sharia Law and Sharia-compliant banking. We have agreed that there is so much we can learn from Islamic culture and history. We are afraid to be critical of Islam.’ Smith is not afraid of confrontation. He began a polemic style of debate which openly challenges the views of radical

Muslims and invites them to justify their beliefs. Smith passionately engages in debate with the Muslims. Addressing crowds at Speakers’ Corner and appearing at university campuses, Islamic Societies and Christian Unions. Smith has taken on some of the most formidable Muslim speakers, including Ahmed Deedat, Dr Jamal Badawi, Shabir Ally, Dr Zakir Naik, Omar Bakri Muhammad, Anjeem Choudhary and Benazir Bhutto. When he first introduced polemics into the ChristianIslamic debate in the UK, there was an enormous backlash from the Church, a combination of fear and the belief that this approach is not Christ-like. ‘This is due to a misunderstanding of what polemics is,’ he says. The Greek root of the word polemics means war: verbal polemics is about debate - it means confronting the other. The reluctance to confront Islam, which is still very evident today even on the board of CRIB (Christian Responses to Islam in Britain), which Smith is involved with, is influenced by the belief in the ‘friendship first’ or grace method of the Europeanised Christ who is averse to confrontation. There is also opposition to polemics in academic circles because of the impact that being seen as critical could have on opportunities to participate in debates and conferences in Muslim countries. So what is the answer to the stealth Islamization of the UK? ’We need to be as passionate as the Muslims are,’ Smith says. He continues,‘However, most of those who are speaking out are not from the UK. In addition to Jay Smith, people recognise Patrick Sookhdeo and Sam Solomon (both converts from Islam) as the ones doing more than anyone else to confront Islam in print, on television and through the airwaves. None of us is British. The only well-known Briton in this field is Alan Craig, who has taken up the challenge without a background in Islamics. ‘We need more Alan Craigs who are willing to stand up and confront Islam in public.’ Muslims do not have a problem with confrontation and neither, Smith believes, should Christians. In a 2005 interview with Christianity Today, Sheikh Omar Bakri Muhammad, who has debated extensively with Smith since 1993, stated his belief that debate and dialogue are the same. He said: ‘I feel very comfortable with Jay (Smith) - with him, what you see is what you get... his words and actions match his heart. He does not pretend by saying soft words about Islam.The Qur’an calls for debate’ He went on to say: ‘Most U.S. evangelicals refuse to debate with Muslims, unlike the courage of Jay who boldly cries “Jesus is Lord!”’ Footnote You can get Jay Smith’s material from the following sources: www.debate.org.uk. Full 2 hour debates on all major subjects of the debate Pfander filmz – Speakers’ Corner material Pfander films- looking at the camera and confronting Islam Pfander media - serious debates

‘Yes,’ I answered, still amazed at the direction in which this ten minute consultation was heading. ‘I’ve been a Christian for one year and two months,’ she volunteered.

STEREOTYPES

I finished testing the sample and sat down, asking as I did so how it had all happened. In the next five minutes, she told me the story in a nutshell, simply and without embellishment. Her husband had become a Christian and started to go to an evangelical church. At first, she had been unsure about the change in him, but then she asked God to reveal himself to her if it was true. ‘And he did,’ she said. ‘My mam don’t talk to me no more,’ she stated. ‘We was raised Catholic,’ she added, as if this explained it all. There was a reason why I had been so surprised at this woman’s revelation. Later, I felt embarrassment at the degree of amazement which I must have shown and, on reflection, I realised that it was because this woman was a gypsy – a ‘traveller’ as she would be called in my area. I had seen her a few times in the past but had never properly realised the ingrained prejudices which I later discovered.

It was one of those surreal, once-in-a-lifetime moments. The question came out of nowhere and I turned around so fast that I almost dropped the sample I was testing at the sink. ‘Are you a Christian?’ she asked. t was a routine consultation in my office and I wasn’t even sure why she had asked the question or what had prompted it.

A few minutes earlier, I had asked her to produce a sample for me before I realised that I did not have a testing kit in my consulting room. Anxiously, I almost ran out of the nurses’ treatment room where I had gone to fetch one, remembering my purse and phone which I had left in my room. As I came into the corridor, I saw the woman. She had come back with the sample but, rather than going ahead into my room, she instead waited patiently at the door. Now, having just heard of her relatively new found faith, I broke the news that she was pregnant.

BY DR TOYIN BAIKIE

WhilstIwasstillstaringatherinamazementfromacrosstheroom, mymindwasracingahead,wonderingwheretheconversationwas going and, more importantly, why she had asked. But then she paused before saying:‘I mean a proper Christian,though.’

‘Yes,’ I replied, ‘But why do you ask?’ ‘That’s good,’ she commented, before she added: ‘I’m a Christian too.’

‘Areyouborn-again,like?’sheaskedearnestlyfromacrosstheroom.

‘Are you sure?’ she asked before proceeding to tell me how she had been told at the hospital that she could have no more children. Now, after six long years of waiting it had happened. This must definitely be a miracle she declared. ‘Only my Jesus could do this.’

share her new found faith. I thought of my own, inherent prejudice, and the fact that, although I would like to think that she had seen something in me that made her recognise a sister in Christ, it was, in fact, her joy and determination to share the good news which made her put her faith on open display. I have learnt something valuable from this lady. For, how often do I, a seasoned Christian of many years, so openly display my faith? Yes, when the conditions are right and when it is convenient to me, but this woman had no qualms or reservations at all. She just declared her faith whatever the circumstances, or reaction, might be. Food for thought indeed: Is your faith on open display?

About Dr Toyin Baikie Dr Toyin Baikie has been a doctor for over 30 years. She worked for several years in a semi-rural practice in Jebba, Nigeria before moving to the UK. For the last ten years she has been a GP in Chessington, Surrey. Working as a GP has given her unique insight into the challenges people face in everyday life. She says, ‘Human nature is basically the same wherever in the world you are and there will always be a cry in every heart for love, understanding and empathy.’ Toyin says, ‘My faith in God means I am well equipped and well placed to help people and reach out to them in various ways. I love my job and know that the Lord has placed me in this privileged position as his ambassador.’ Toyin and her husband Soji are members of the London Branch of the OFNC. Soji is the Area Secretary of the branch and Toyin is the Welfare Officer. She is the mother of three grown up children. Her fourth child is almost grown up.

And, with that comment, she left me to ponder on the refreshing fact that this lady, who had undoubtedly suffered the prejudice and derision often directed at gypsies in this country, had been unashamedly happy to

the

STORMS of Life

So, what can we learn about the nature of Jesus from this story? He was tired – Human nature; His power over nature – God (Mk 4:38-39). And finally, He was God and Man both. (This is the greatest mystery of all!) Deacon (Dr) Benson E Ikini (OFNC Sheffield Branch, UK)

How would you feel if you were in the middle of a life-threatening storm? How would you react? Where would you go for help? et’s look at how Jesus’s disciples reacted when they were faced with such a storm. Jesus calming the storm is one of his most dramatic miracles. It is recorded in Mark, Matthew and in Luke, although, for the purposes of this article, I will be focusing on the gospel of Mark.

of an imminent storm, the disciples were unable to warn Jesus. The disciples would have tried to control the boat by themselves, as they were experienced fishermen. But the storm was beyond their power or control and so they started panicking. The raging waters and winds which threatened to capsize the boat terrified them and they were scared that they might drown.

That day, Jesus had been teaching a large group of people. He had told them lots of stories and parables and he had performed many miracles.

And yet, whilst they were so scared, what was Jesus doing? He was sleeping! He was in such a deep sleep, that, despite the storm, he did not wake and instead, and, as is recorded in the Scriptures, he carried on sleeping in the Stern, which is the rear part of the ship or boat and, because it is located near to the steering apparatus is usually the domain of the ship’s captain.

By the end of the day, Jesus and his disciples were tired. They needed rest and so they went to their boats to sleep. Jesus and his disciples often went to their boats when they needed a place to rest, as they could not be followed there. (Mat 14:13). Jesus told his disciples (Mk 4:35), ‘Let us go over to the other side.’ Now, many of Jesus’s disciples were fishermen. Peter, Andrew, James and John were all very experienced fishermen and so they were familiar with storms in the Sea of Galilee! But this storm was sudden, with violent winds and heavy rain and, because there had been no sign

The disciples immediately went to Jesus. In the light of their reaction later on, it seems likely that they did not expect a miracle (Mk 4:41) In fact, they all thought they were going to die and so they were angry and frustrated to see Jesus sleeping. ‘Don’t you care, if we die?’ they asked him. Because there were two storms raging – one in the Sea of Galilee and the other in the hearts of the disciples! But Jesus just stood up and calmed the storm by rebuking

Then Jesus asked the disciples a question: ‘Where is your faith’? The disciples’ lack of faith reminds us that, even those who lived and walked with Jesus saw His miracles and heard His message found it difficult to be 100 per cent faith-filled all the time. In that way, the disciples were a lot like us. However, their lack of faith was rebuked and, by extension, so is ours. If Jesus was able to rescue the disciples from the storm, He is also able to rescue us from the storms of everyday life, from sickness, job loss, marriage problems, and even the sting of death (1 Cor 15:55). Fear is the absence of faith and trust. The disciples’ response was; ‘Who is this?’ – Not mere Rabbi for sure. (Mk 4:38) ‘Who can command the wind and the wave?’ ‘Who can calm the storm and the sea?’ So, what lessons can we learn from this as Christians? We may not go through a physical storm as the disciples did. But we have all been through many other storms in our own lives: sickness; losing a job; failure; personal weakness; the death of loved ones; an accident; depression; hopelessness and many other storms in which we might feel helpless. We may sometimes think or feel that God does not care. But He is sleeping. He may not always be answering our prayers, but thanks be to God that Jesus is in our boats! He is in control. We need to completely trust him, which can be a lot harder to do than to say. I have also been through many storms in my personal walk (sail) with Jesus, and I have seen his faithfulness and power at work in due time. I have learnt not to doubt, but to completely trust him. I have learnt not to be afraid but to totally rely on His power and promise in the storms of my life. (I have not completely succeeded yet, I must say!)

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We may sometimes think or feel that God does not care. But He is sleeping. He may not always be answering our prayers, but thanks be to God that Jesus is in our boats! He is in control.

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Calming

the wind and the sea by His spoken Word: ‘Peace, be still.’ He demonstrated his power over the wind and the waves and, at once, there was complete calm so that the Disciples might have wondered whether it had been a dream so that they were even more shocked and terrified than before!

We may think that Jesus is a great teacher, a great leader, a great speaker or a great man… But it is only when we realise His true identity that we can entrust Him with our whole lives. You may have heard the story of famous tightrope walker Charles Blondin. He amazed a crowd of onlookers by successfully walking across a rope which stretched across the mighty Niagara Falls. Before his performance, Blondin asked the crowd: ‘How many of you believe that I can carry a man on my back while walking the tightrope across the falls?’ Many of the people in the crowd enthusiastically raised their hands. Then the Blondin asked another question: ‘Which of you is willing to actually let me carry you across the falls?’ Of course, not a single person volunteered! Are you willing to entrust your whole life to Jesus? This is the million dollar question. Have you experienced storms in your life and how did you resolve them? Or are you currently experiencing storms? Use the Scriptures. Let me end with a chorus of a popular song that goes as follows: Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey Have Faith in God (Mk 11:22) Deacon (Dr) Benson E Ikini (OFNC Sheff ield Branch, UK)

Proclaiming the Cross:

PROFESSOR ADEWALE ADEBAJO

‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.’ Zech 4:6 BY LINDSAY ASHFORD

Nearly half a century ago there was a young boy from western Nigeria who loved acting. His primary school was putting on a play and the teacher announced the parts she wanted the children to perform. There was one role that no one wanted to take. It was the part of a beggar. The boy looked around the classroom. He didn’t want to be a beggar either but he saw that someone had to do it, or there wouldn’t be a play. So he volunteered. And his acting so impressed the audience that when it came to the school’s big production later in the year he was given the lead role. Not only that, the teachers decided to name the play after him.

he boy’s name was Adewale Adebajo. He is now a Consultant Rheumatologist and a professor at not one but three universities. He was recently appointed a Clinical Director at Barnsley Hospital, and Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Sheffield. He is also a Visiting Professor at Sheffield Hallam University as well as at St Mathew’s Medical School, Florida, USA. He is an Associate Director of Teaching for the University of Sheffield Medical School.

In addition to his professorships he has written and edited medical journals and text books, received prestigious grants and has been a Temporary Advisor to the World Health Organisation. He is also Regional Advisor for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. But more important to Professor Adebajo than all his academic accolades is the fact that he is a Christian. He is a board member of the Philadelphia Network Church in Sheffield, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Victory Assembly RCCG church in Sheffield, recent Chair of the OFNC National Outreach Team

The more questions he asked, the more uncertain he became. He’d almost decided not to go ahead with confirmation when the vicar said something that made him think again. He said that a person could go on and on asking questions but at the end of the day the only way to find out about God was to ‘taste and see’. ‘That was the real acid test,’ says Professor Adebajo. ‘I felt God to be real and I have been a Christian ever since then. I had a full immersion baptism at university and I also had baptism of the Holy Spirit.’ He now feels that God was guiding and helping him even before he became a Christian. ‘Part of becoming a Christian was the realisation that God was there and was guiding me,’ he says. ‘In retrospect I could see it even in that school play. I saw that if you are obedient to God and faithful to Him, no matter what the circumstances He’s able to raise you up.’

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‘I had a Christian upbringing and background,’ he explains, ‘but I had a Nigerian friend who had been confirmed during the school holidays and my parents asked when I was going to get confirmed as well. For me it had to be something I really felt was a commitment. I started asking questions of the vicar who was preparing us. Questions like: Does God really exist?’

‘Part of becoming a Christian was the realisation that God was there and was guiding me,’

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unlikely to find ‘relying on God’ amongst their top tips. ‘God’s guidance and leading is the number one reason for what I’ve achieved in my life,’ says Professor Adebajo. ‘If I’d gone into these things on my own it wouldn’t have been so successful. I give thanks to God for this and try to be obedient. And he has given me all the things I need to be successful.’ One of these gifts is his wife, Adenike, whose goodness, support and wisdom have been vitally important. ‘She has given me the freedom to do these

He returned to Oyo state in Western Nigeria at the age of eighteen to study medicine at university there. Excelling in his studies, he credits God with helping him pass his exams for which he won the prize for the best overall post-graduate trainee in internal medicine by the Nigerian National Postgraduate Medical College. He trained as a doctor in Nigeria then came to the UK in 1987 to specialise in rheumatology.

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‘Part of becoming a Christian was the realisation that God was there and was guiding me,’

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and Chair of the OFNC Bursary Award Committee. A closer look at his life reveals that behind the impressive CV, God has been working as Saviour, Redeemer, Shepherd, and Counsellor. And the rewards that have come with such a stellar career are the fruits of a life laid down for Christ. Professor Adebajo was born in Nigeria but lived in the UK for part of his early childhood. He came back to Britain as a teenager and it was while he was taking his A-levels that he became a Christian.

He has broken through the glass ceiling to reach the very top of his profession, something which he admits would probably have eluded him without God’s help: ‘It’s quite difficult, being Nigerian, coming from Africa and so on – yet God has made it happen.’ This is not the usual sort of response to questions about the key to success in the workplace. There is an abundance of books telling us how to get rich, get on and claw our way up the career ladder, but you are

The key thing, he explains, is remaining humble. He points to Moses as an example – someone with considerable knowledge and ability who came to realise that trusting in himself only brought trouble and heartache. Moses was humble because he listened to God and had a deep and intimate relationship with Him. He learned that his abilities were nothing compared to God and that true greatness comes only from Him. Professor Adebajo feels that whenever he has faced opposition in his career, God has helped him overcome it. ‘There are so many, many stories in my life of times when God has turned round negative situations and seen me through,’ he says. ‘So many people have tried to frustrate my progress, but God has literally moved these people out of my way. I haven’t had to do anything.

God’s guidance and leading is the number one reason for what I’ve achieved in my life,’ says Professor Adebajo. ‘If I’d gone into these things on my own it wouldn’t have been so successful. I give thanks to God for this and try to be obedient. And he has given me all the things I need to be successful.’

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things,’ he says, ‘being there for our children, Anu, Ife and Ayo, and being the home-maker.’ The other most important contributor to his success was his father, who passed away earlier this year. ‘He was the reason I came to the UK,’ Professor Adebajo explains. ‘He believed in investing in education. When many of his colleagues were spending money on other things like houses and holidays, he chose to spend his money on the future of me and my siblings. He taught me discipline and the value of hard work.’ Asked how he has managed to be so successful in so many disparate areas, Professor Adebajo says that God has given him the capacity to do more things than he would have believed he was capable of doing. He is grateful for being able to sleep easily and wake up refreshed so that he can work for long periods of time. ‘God has also given me a passion for all of the areas I’ve been involved in,’ he says. ‘Some people have just one area they feel passionate about and that’s fine, but I see all the areas of my life as being joined up in serving God and empowering and blessing others.’ Having achieved so much, he is mindful of the challenges facing him as a Christian in the workplace. He has often encountered extra opposition simply because of being a Christian but he is conscious of doing everything he can to remain a witness among work colleagues. ‘If you are doing well personally, there is also the danger of pride,’ he says. ‘That is important to recognise. I must remember that everything I have is God’s blessing on me.’ He admits that there are temptations to just follow the rat race

He says that there were also many occasions when he was told that he would never achieve the things he dreamed of: ‘When I became a Senior Registrar it was very unusual at the time for someone from overseas to get to this level. People said: “Is he really a Senior Registrar?” “Is he just saying this?” Every step of the way, it’s just been God’s miracle. It would be hard to come up with a step forward in my life that wasn’t attributable to God: there were always more reasons why I shouldn’t get that job than why I should.’

‘Jesus is everything to me. I believe that it’s all because of Him, all about him. He gives me purpose and provides for me. He is my Saviour, Redeemer, my Counsellor and He has increased my life.’

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in terms of greed and avarice and wanting more: ‘There is godly ambition and ungodly ambition. It’s not just a case of being successful - it’s a case of what God wants us to be successful in.’

critically or rationally,’ he says, ‘and that you are someone who is weird and brainwashed. You have to show that science and Christianity are compatible. Also you have to fight against greed; backbiting; gossiping; doing other people down; these are things that I’m sure Christians in the workplace face today, as well as the difficulty of sharing their faith.’

Professor Adebajo says that the challenges he encounters now are different from the ones he faced earlier in his career but are just as problematic. ‘I am successful but I must be careful that I don’t allow the evil one to use my God-given success as a stumbling block,’ he explains. ‘I must make sure that the very things that have been a blessing don’t become an obstacle.’

His advice in the face of such challenges is to hold onto God’s guidance and direction. He urges Christians in the workplace to look to Him to undertake opposition because He’s more than able to take care of whatever comes along. Prof. Adebajo also warns against laziness: ‘Because we are Christians we should go over and above what is expected of us. As the Bible says, we should do things unto God, not just unto men. We must remember this in the marketplace and it will enable us to navigate these challenges. And if he has called us, he will undertake for us.’

He is also keen to avoid a trap that he has seen some successful people fall into. ‘All too often you see someone who has managed to break through the glass ceiling deliberately making it hard for others to do the same thing,’ he says, ‘so I strive to lift up other people.’ By mentoring others – particularly young Africans – he hopes to show them that with God’s guidance all things are possible and there is nothing they can’t achieve.

Professor Adebajo is a wonderful, modern example of someone who has achieved great things simply by walking with God. His story echoes those of Old Testament characters like Joseph and Daniel, who were raised to positions of influence and wealth through their faithfulness to Him. He is living proof that God’s promises are true and he knows that a close relationship with Jesus is the key to a fruitful life:

Being a Christian in the workplace is not always easy and Professor Adebajo believes that in the twenty-first century economy the challenges are increasing. ‘The feeling is that if you are a Christian you can’t think

2013 OFNC ANNUAL FAMILY CONFERENCE 23 – 26 AUGUST 2013. Hilton Birmingham Metropole, NEC, Birmingham

FOCUS ON

OFNC CHARITY PROGRAMME Dr Kayode Adenekan and a team from OFNC Birmingham presenting a cheque of £1000 to Georgina, the Officer in Charge of SPARKS (A Children’s charity looking after children with Sickle Cell disease) in West Midlands in front of the new Birmingham Library.

Donation of £1400.00 being presented to the Sickle Cell Society. From left to right: Ms Kalpna Patel - Fundraising manager, Sickle Cell Society, Dr Wale Atoyebi of OFNC and Mr John James - Chief Executive, Sickle Cell Society.

The OFNC has supported charity works in Nigeria and The United Kingdom (UK) over the years in variety of ways, including providing financial support for the Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES) (students and travelling secretaries); the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance (ACEA), and several other charities at branch level. 36

he Organisation took a big step forward last year when a decision was taken by the National Executive Committee (NEC) to embark on a Charity Dinner and Fund Raising Event during the National Conference. After careful consideration and prayers, we decided to support charities that are involved in Sickle Cell Research. The programme was very successful, thanks to the contributions of the entire membership of the organisation and our invited guests. After the event, we donated a total of £4,500 to three beneficiaries, namely: The Sickle Cell Society, SPARKS, Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria and SCORE Foundation. Many of our members have expressed satisfaction with the programme, as it moves OFNC further in the direction of providing relief for those who may face challenges in their personal life, in line with one of our aims and objectives as an Organisation.

The Charity Dinner Committee needs your help to make this successful. You can help us in the following ways: 1. Full participation in your branch charity fund raising activities; 2. Donation of items for the charity auction at the Dinner; 3. A financial donation; 4. Active participation in the Charity Dinner programme on the day, including wearing your Charity Dinner wrist band; taking your family photograph purchasing the group and branch photographs, and buying items at auction; 5. We need your prayers and suggestions on how to continue to make the programme successful year after year and, for this reason, we hope to gain your unflinching support.

Some readers, perhaps even you, will wonder what the This year, however, we plan to take things even further. OFNC is trying to achieve through the Charity Dinner Whilst we will continue to support Sickle Cell Research Program. I would like to allay any fears that we are trying through organisations which continue to work tirelessly to to be loud, ostentatious, materialistic or worldly! Not at all. provide relief for sufferers and, hopefully, a cure, by the Rather we are keen to help and support various causes that grace of God, in the future, we will also be supporting relieve the suffering of people; to provide courage where charities which work with youth development. Our goal is there is despair; hope where there is hopelessness and to to highlight the work of charitable organisations which inject enthusiasm into the fight against situations that bring work with young people to promote their personal suffering and hardship. development so that they can become responsible citizens and adults in society. In particular, we will be focussing on Organising the various activities and the attendant charities which strive to stop young merchandise are merely ways to people from joining gangs and also raise funds in a spiritually help to extricate those already in gangs sensitive manner towards these by providing them with ongoing goals. support.To this end, we will be making a monetary donation to Please do join with us. Every GANGSLINE, an organisation that contribution, no matter how is at the front line in doing this great small, helps us to realise our goal work and Youth Against Crime not each time. Crime Against You (YACnCAY) .We shall also hear short presentations from Dr Kayode Adenekan XL Project and highlighting their Presentation of a cheque of £1000 to Dr Akinsete Chair of The OFNC Charity The Director and Officer In Charge of The Sickle charitable works on youth Dinner Committee 2013 & 2014 Cell Foundation of Nigeria, Idi-Araba, Lagos. development in the UK.

Photographs showing some of the Laboratory Facilities at The sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria, Idi Araba, Lagos

CHARITY BALL

at the Annual Family Conference 2013

A PURPOSE IN SEASON – REPORT ON MISSION TO HUNGARY 7TH – 10TH FEBRUARY 2014

BY DR ABEL ADEGOKE BACKGROUND: n February 2011, three women, Mrs Debo Sokoya, Dr (Mrs) Toyin Baikie and Mrs Esther Oneyibo, who belong to the Children Evangelism Ministry (CEM) UK, were invited by the then Nigerian Ambassador to Hungary, himself a Christian, to come and help young Nigerian students in Hungary . The mission was primarily to work with a Nigerian Christian students’body in highlighting the serious issues that young women, in particular, face, when in a foreign land, in their walk with God. The mission, which was reported to be hugely successful, proved challenging because of the magnitude of the needs encountered. On their return to the UK, Dr Toyin Baikie sent a report of their mission trip to Dr Abel Adegoke, who was then the OFNC National Chairman. In March 2012, with the new National Chairman’s approval, Dr Abel & Mrs Grace Adegoke and Dr Emmanuel Baikie volunteered to accompany the three women as OFNC representatives for the purpose of following up that mission work in Debrecen, Hungary. The main purpose of the mission was to encourage these young Nigerian Christians to walk in faith, even in the face of the serious moral and spiritual issues which

provide challenges for the youth of today, especially in Western societies. However, we also planned to offer support in organising their Fellowship and to carry out a full assessment of their needs, exploring the ways through which OFNC could establish stronger links with them, in fulfilment of our vision and mission. Ultimately, we were very impressed by the way that these young people organised themselves and carried out the activities of the church with great dedication and diligence. However, the absence of experienced adults made leadership difficult at times, especially when faced with challenging issues, an area in relation to which the leaders expressed a desire for assistance. We also observed that the number of Nigerian young people going out to study in many European countries is significantly increasing. We were told that there are many more, similar, students in other cities in countries including Hungary; Ukraine; Russia and the Czech Republic. However, there are very few, if any, mature Nigerian Christians in these cities meaning that there are few Nigerian-led Christian organisations in these places. In view of the above, we recommended to the OFNC NEC the following:

That OFNC organise, sponsor and deliver leadership training for the leaders of this group in response to their request as stated above; That this presents a good opportunity for the OFNC to partner with the group in Debrecen, providing them with support on an ongoing basis. It will also help to further serve the vision of this present administration in becoming the umbrella organisation and mouthpiece for Nigerian Christian organisations in the Diaspora; That this is a great opportunity for the OFNC to strengthen and launch our student ministry which can serve Nigerian students in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. THE MISSION TRIP It is our view that the representation of the OFNC and the work with this group of young Christians is testament to the great work of this organisation and we have decided, therefore, to expand the team for a further trip. As a result, three members of our 18-30 group joined us on the mission trip to Debrecen this year: Dr Ayodeji Jaiyesimi; Miss Tola Olaleye and Miss Titomi Sokoya. We travelled from England to Debrecen (either directly

or via Budapest), where the main group, New Covenant Church, Debrecen, and programme, is based. It runs as a church and its membership is predominantly made up of Nigerian students from the only university in the city, although there are students from other African countries and some white students. There is, however, no official or serious link with any New Covenant Church or other churches as the students preferred to run as a Fellowship and church. We had planned a special, retreat weekend with the theme: ‘Walking in the Light’ 1 John 1: 7, including an interactive seminar based on scenarios that were very relevant to the lives of students far from home and how to remain committed Christians. The scenarios which we presented were so practical and realistic that they resonated well with the group. They also challenged them on issues relating to holy living; forgiveness and relationships. In addition to the use of scenarios, we ran two workshops: ‘Strong men, strong Character’ for the men and ‘High heel High Standard’ for the women. An important aspect of our work during the weekend was Leadership Training for all the workers of the Church. We rounded up the weekend with a sermon on the theme of Walking in the Light and to the glory of God; many of these young people rededicated their lives to God. We were able to provide pastoral and academic counselling to many of them during the weekend. However, these have since continued and the reports which we have since received have been encouraging. TESTIMONY: Tola Olaleye, one of the young people who came on the mission trip this year, said of her experience: ‘I have always had a deep desire stirring in my heart to be involved in missionary work. However, I had never really taken any steps to be committed to one, nor had I sought the Lord’s face for guidance. Yet, in my heart, whenever I watched or listened to people’s testimonies of their own

experiences, I could feel my spirit respond that, YES, this is what God has called me to do. When the mission trip to Hungary presented itself, it felt like “a purpose in season”. I also felt that my heart was ready to receive that seed. The Lord had been preparing me through his word, by opening my eyes of understanding to the very fundamental calling upon all of us as children of God.That is to build one another up in the faith. Ep 4 11-16 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers (gifts) to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.’ Encouraged by the words, I signed up to be part of the mission trip, not really knowing what to expect. All I had was the simple conviction that, wherever the work of God was happening, that was where I wanted to be. Honestly speaking, I had also joked with a few friends that, all I had expected to do was to run around helping, in the background and supporting the members of the mission team who had been to Hungary before. Little did I know that I would be called upon to have an input in the message that we were going to share and also to minister to young students that we were going to meet. When I found this out, I began to feel inadequate and unqualified to be part of the team. After all, I was only just beginning to gain a better understanding of the word of God through the Holy Spirit. What did I really know? Yet again, I was encouraged by the word of God (Eccl 12:1) to remember God in our youth, and serving Him is a way of doing so. Other scriptures that I meditated upon included the following: Jer 1:6-9 ‘Alas, Sovereign Lord,’ I said, ‘I do not know how to speak; I am too young.’ But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever

I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,’ declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, ‘I have put my words in your mouth.” 1 Tim 4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. So I threw myself into the opportunity and God, being ever faithful, made a way to make all the things that were needed for me to be part of the mission trip possible. Overall, the mission trip to Hungary was a wonderful experience. The trip humbled me greatly, for the Lord saw my heart in its sincerity to serve him and gave me a platform to be a witness to his glory, love and grace. It was something I had not expected, but now that I have had an insight into the workings of the Holy Spirit, I simply can’t wait to go back out there and allow the Lord to use me as he pleases. There is nothing much sweeter than serving God, the joy that flows from it cannot be expressed in mere words. ‘Soul winning is a must. Few are called to be preachers or evangelists, but every child of God is called to be a witness, fishers of men’ Pastor. E. A. Adebayo (Matt 4.19). I can truly testify that when you make yourself available for the work of God, he will transform your life and take you to places you have never expected to go. Just be available! CONCLUSION: Indeed, the harvest is plentiful.There are still more places like Debrecen that could benefit from our input and support, but I believe that we can make a difference to so many lives by becoming involved with missions like Debrecen, and that it would also bless us. If you are interested in coming along, please contact me or any of the leaders of the OFNC. We want to thank the leadership of the OFNC for sponsoring this mission trip.

On the trip were: Dr Emmanuel Baikie, Dr Mrs Toyin Baikie, Dr Abel Adegoke, Mrs Grace Adegoke, Mrs Debo Sokoya, Miss Titomi Sokoya, Mrs Esther Oneyibo, Dr Ayodeji Jaiyesimi and Miss Tola Olaleye

What’s GOD got to do with it? Princess – her story…….. rincess was eighteen when she first left home to start university. This was the first time in her life when she wouldn’t be surrounded by her parents or friends. The first week was a blur – registration; buying essential items for her new home and for her study and attending innumerable welcome events. It was the second week before she realised that she was homesick .She was also really lonely.Talking to her Mum on Skype, she was told that she should pray; that she would soon settle in properly. She met Jesse, a senior, in the first few days. He was friendly and, even though he was already a senior, they shared a similar background, so she felt comfortable with him. Although she soon found friends in class, she still felt that Jesse was the only one she could properly talk to. They eventually started dating and, apart from when they were attending classes, they became inseparable. Princess thought that Jesse was her dream man and so it seemed natural for them to take their relationship to the next level by having sex. After all, the other girls were all doing the same. And she also felt that she somehow owed it to him - he had been so good to her! That summer, at the end of the university year, they each returned home to their families. At first, they rang each other every day but, gradually, the calls became fewer and further apart. When they returned to campus at the beginning of the next year, Jesse told Princess that things had changed over the summer: he had rededicated his life to Jesus and could no longer continue to live in the same way and so he thought it was best for Princess to give him some ‘space’ and took time to reflect on her own life. Princess was devastated. She could not forget about Jesse or what had happened. She couldn’t sleep. She told Jesse that she was also ready to commit to God but Jesse refused to listen. He remained adamant that they should break up and that he would instead concentrate on building his relationship with God.

Dr Toyin Baikie

Response: Sadly the situation in which Princess found herself is all too common these days. So, as a young adult Christian, how should we recognise and actively resist the pressure that the ‘world’ puts upon us to conform to its norms, morals and values? How easy is it to combat the insidious push towards premarital sex and face up to the loneliness that may occur when we fail to ‘fit in’ with what ‘everyone else’ thinks is the new norm? It may seem like a cliché, but we need to first understand our status in Christ. Galatians 2:20 says: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. As Christians, we must not merely pay lip service to what we believe; our

lifestyles must clearly reflect who we are. I know this can be difficult in today’s world but, even in Biblical times, the word makes it clear that Christians have always been openly, or covertly, persecuted for their faith. Pressure in one form or another will always be a part of our lives – whether it is a positive pressure which ultimately helps us to succeed and fulfil God’s plans and purpose for our lives, or a bad pressure which keeps moving us away from God and weakens our desire to please him. Jesse realised that the foundation of his relationship with Princess was insubstantial; at best shaky, and he determined to work upon his relationship with God first. Whilst, for Princess this seems like a harsh lesson when she had invested her time, emotions and even her body into the relationship, the truth is that she had watered down her standards for ‘love’ in order to be like everyone else and, whilst ultimately God was able to forgive her and help her to work on her failings, to ‘clean up her act’, she actually needed to rebuild her life based on God’s word. Hebrews 11:6 says: ‘without faith it is impossible to please Him, because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he rewards those that seek him.’ So, to those young people who want a short blueprint for avoiding sexual sin and ungodly relationships, I commend you to 2 Timothy 2:22: RUN AWAY from sexual temptation. RUN AFTER right standing before God, faith, love, peace. JOIN UP- with those who are honest and serious about their walk with God.

Metro Life Insurance BY PETER IKUOBASE

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 ESV

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BABATUNDE LOYE at

abatunde Loye became a Christian as a teenager after a narrow escape from a serious car accident in which the other occupants of the car were badly hurt. On that day he gave his life to God and, ever since, has trusted absolutely in God’s fatherly love; guidance and direction. ‘He has done a lot of things in my life,’ he says, ‘That is why I adore him. He is the El-Shaddai. I can never forget what he has done for me. I am thankful.’

‘...He has done a lot of things in my life,’ he says, ‘That is why I adore him. He is the El-Shaddai. I can never forget what he has done for me. I am thankful.’

Gratitude to God is a theme which runs through Mr Loye’s life. Several years ago he left his job as a banker in Nigeria and moved to England to study for an MBA at the University of Kent. But he found himself in difficult financial circumstances and was unable to pay his tuition fees. ‘The Director of Finance knew me very well,’ he says, ‘as I regularly paid my fees in small increments.’ He was sleeping rough – in phone booths and stairwells – whilst working long shifts as a security guard. In spite of his circumstances he managed to keep up with his studies, producing high quality work. ‘I did not realise that they noticed me,’ he explains, ‘but the Director of Finance and the school board were so impressed by my dedication in the face of financial difficulties that they called me in and asked me about my circumstances. When I explained the situation to them, they agreed to write off the rest of my £15,000 fees. By this time, I had already paid off £5,000. I could not believe it. But it was God.’ Mr Loye was so thankful to God that he made a commitment to help anybody that needed it. After obtaining his MBA he worked in a bank for a short period before entering the insurance industry. When he was introduced to the business by a friend he knew instantly that this was the way in which he could help people. Now Executive Manager at MetLife Europe in the UK, he recruits, trains and empowers people to become financial advisors. With a burgeoning team of four sales managers

and over 150 insurance agents, his mission is to create job opportunities for up to 500 people during his tenure with MetLife. Eighty per cent of his recruits are Africans who have been working in blue collar jobs, such as security and cleaning. He says: ‘I train, educate them, try to motivate them, help them to set goals and develop their confidence.’ Some of his recruits have gone on to build their own teams. In 2011, Sainsbury’s Life Insurance carried out a survey. They found that four out of ten UK mortgage holders did not have life cover. A similar survey carried out by NOI Polls in Nigeria found that an alarming 86 per cent of Nigerians have no form of insurance whatsoever. This is thought to be influenced by a number of factors, including religious and cultural attitudes, ignorance of the benefits of insurance, educational levels and household income. The consequences can be catastrophic for families if the main breadwinner is injured, killed or suffers a serious illness. Mr Loye recognises the importance of life insurance in providing cover in these circumstances. His passion is to change lives by providing individuals and families with information about insurance policies. He is a firm believer in what he calls the ‘miracle of life insurance’ and, in the wake of a Nigerian plane crash a few years ago, he championed the development of insurance products specifically for Africans returning to Africa. Faced with a widespread lack of awareness of the range of insurance cover available to African communities in the UK, he was determined to make a difference by informing them about the benefits of insurance. He has pursued this goal with great zeal, conveying his message to Nigerians, Cameroonians, Congolese and expatriates from other African nations. Mr Loye has witnessed many examples of the benefits of obtaining insurance. Perhaps the most poignant is that of a friend who had reluctantly taken an £800,000 life insurance policy but later reduced the cover to £150,000 to save money on premium payments. ‘The day after he made the change, he died from a brain haemorrhage,’ Mr Loye explains. ‘I know all the details because I processed the claim myself.’ In addition to persuading people to consider obtaining insurance, he is also keen to create job opportunities for willing, able and qualified immigrants who might not otherwise have a chance to work in fulfilling corporate roles - a commitment which he perceives, as a Christian, is his God-given duty. The vital point that he tries to get across when training and mentoring people is that insurance has the potential to significantly alter people’s lives for the better. If you are interested in becoming a consultant, you can contact Mr Loye on on 07985422509 or his PA on 07889980548

WIDOWS & WIDOWERS CONFERENCE 7th December 2013 The Holiday Inn Royal Victoria, SheямГeld.

take advantage of. Even today, the plight of widows is just as challenging. How do you deal with unfulfilled dreams, expectations which were never met; lost opportunities and economic hardship? Not to mention the social exclusion, and the sometimes difficult consequences of decisions which were originally made with two adults in mind. Let’s look at the examples of two widows in the book of Luke: The Widow’s Mite And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. 3 So He said, ‘Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; 4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God,[a] but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.’ Luke 21:1-4 NKJV

The

Widow’s Cry

- Seeking Help in Helplessness Dr Clementina Ola Emmanuel

In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9 NIV od cares so much for His chosen ones that He does not take anything that affects them lightly. The Bible shows us that God shows special care for the plight of widows and the fatherless. ‘A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.’ Ps 68:5 (See also Deut. 14:28-29; Ps 146:9)

In the scriptures, Widowhood is not only associated with loss, sorrow and adversity, but also with social injustice. Widows are often perceived as helpless; defenceless recipients of favour and pity.

However, there is a parallel in Isaiah. God depicts His people as a widow who He promises to restore: Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore. For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth. Isaiah 54:4-5 After Man’s fall from God, there was a separation, and separation often brings vulnerability, which an enemy can

The Parable of the Persistent Widow Then He spoke a parable to them that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: ’There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying: “Get justice for me from my adversary.” 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, “Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. ” 6Then the Lord said, ’Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?’ Luke18:1-8 NKJV Both widows refused to accept the mentality of a victim, instead resisting the enemy of their soul. They fought against the helplessness of their situation, one by giving all that she had and the other through her persistent call for justice through action. Be patient with yourself and give yourself the time you need as you pass through the season of mourning (shock, disbelief, anger and grief). But don’t let the enemy take advantage of you and keep you in a perpetual state of captivity and helplessness in your pain. Cry out, give God something to work with – emotionally, mentally, financially and spiritually – anything to kickstart the process of your healing. Anything that you give to Him He will multiply. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7 NKJV

Let us examine the key words in this passage: fear; power; love; and sound mind. The spirit of fear limits and enslaves. Love, on the other hand, focusses outward and breaks the yoke of selfpreoccupation. Perfect love casts out fear, and fear has to do with punishment or harm and loss to self (1 John 4:18). Transfer the burden of self to God. God created us for a purpose. There has been a disruption, a misalignment and it is important to be rooted in Him again. Fear is a breeding ground for an unsound mind, leaving you susceptible to dark thoughts and the enemy’s lies. It makes you doubt the goodness and mercy of God; it messes up your trust in people and allows ground for suspicions and superstitions which can eventually isolate you. Commit your mind to God, pray for rational judgements and a sound decisionmaking process. You need a plan for what you want to achieve and how you intend to achieve it. If you are so disorientated that you no longer know what you want to achieve then what are the pressing issues? How can they be addressed? Where should you go for help? Rediscover your power. Identify the structures of disempowerment around you. Sorrow requires a particular atmosphere. Don’t create an atmosphere around you for sorrow to fester in. Refuse to voluntarily be a victim. Instead, create empowering habits which will enable you to move forwards – routines, schedules, budgeting, and fitness and exercise, etc. Engage in empowering activities. You may need to educate yourself on how things work if you are now living alone for the first time, so take advantage of the many educational opportunities which are available so that you will not be totally reliant on others. Be proactive. Don’t let your time, talents or resources go to waste in your hands – explore and develop the gifts God has given you which you are yet to fully use. Seek empowering sources of wisdom (not just the television!) - God’s word; a living church; mentors and a healthy network of family and friends and fellowship with like-minded people (i.e. those who will lift you up, energise you and empower you to achieve your goals.) You don’t need to surround yourself with people who drag you down, drain you or keep you in a state of despondency. Finally, prayer is a good structure for ordering your priority aright – when you give God first place in your life other things will find their place. So, ‘Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually’. Ps.105:4 ESV.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP (WinBLe) CONFERENCE 9th November 2013 At the Park Inn Hotel by Radisson, Bedford.

OFNC WOMENS’ CONFERENCE on Saturday 14th June 2014 21st National Women’s Conference, London Branch

‘Women of Authority’ My Steps are ordered by the Lord.... Gods’ word is a lamp unto my feet.. BACKGROUND he Conference was held this year in London. We were told our branch was to host the National Conference in September 2013 at the Sheffield NWC meeting. Afterwards our planning preparations began in earnest with some face to face meetings, telephone calls, e-mails and Skype meetings were later introduced, these all enhanced our preparations towards the conference.

REGISTRATION This was done online with about 180 people registering and the data adequately collated. A few people registered on the day about 13 in all.

TOPICS & SPEAKER /FACILITATOR MANAGING LIFE’S TRANSITION WELL Rev Kate Jinadu

As a STORYTELLER, Kate Iffy taps into her dramatic and performing skills to tell AFRICAN TALES and WORLD TALES in schools, small library groups, birthday parties, church events and conferences such as OFNC. She chooses age appropriate stories that will challenge, educate and make her audience have fun. Kate Iffy has a strong belief that reading to a child and also reading with a child contributes immensely to their development, in terms of increased knowledge and confidence. Hence she volunteers at a local school as a Reading Helper for Beanstalk - a charity that promotes reading culture in schools. Kate Iffy graduated with a MA Distinction in Creative Writing. She lives in London with her family of four lovely children. To find out more about her please connect with her through:

ENJOYING SINGLENESS  A DIVINE POSSIBILITY? Dr Anu Nartey HIGH HEELS HIGH STANDARDS Mrs Stella Urhobo EXERCISING GODLY DOMINION IN MY GOD GIVEN SQUARE PIECE OF EARTH Dr Kemi Ajayi

Lanyards were used with name tags made for easy recognition. We provided each delegate with a gift bag with essential items including the day’s program, Branch reports and a feedback form.

It’s been a great privilege to serve in this capacity as the London Branch Women Coordinator.

ate Iffy Chukwu is an author and storyteller. Her children’s story book A Week ofTortoise Tales is being read in some schools and now available on Amazon and other online book stores. She is currently working on a Christian book series for children.

PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH IN THE FAMILY: TIPS ON PROMOTION, DETECTING PROBLEMS & PROVIDING SOLUTIONS Dr Adenike Jesusanmi

Registration went very smoothly on the day and delegates were very pleased.

WORKSHOP/SEMINAR TOPICS: Keynote speaker was Reverend Kate Jinadu

Kate Iﬀy Chukwu

God Bless Mrs Debo Sokoya – London Branch Women’s Coordinator Mrs Gladys Murphy - OFNC National Women’s Coordinator

MENOPAUSE By Lindsay Ashford

At some time in her life a woman will face the menopause. Many women worry about ‘the change of life’ because they feel robbed of their health and femininity. But preparing yourself – physically, mentally and spiritually – can make a big difference. r Sylvia Okoye is a GP based in Wembley with a special interest in women’s health. ‘Some women breeze through the menopause,’ she says, ‘but others can experience a wide range of physical symptoms and mental health issues.’ The first sign of the menopause is when a woman’s periods begin to show a definite change in the normal pattern. They might initially become heavier and more frequent, then eventually get lighter and less frequent. This can last anything from a few months to several years. Irregular periods signal the pre-menopausal or perimenopausal stage of a woman’s reproductive life. If you go a whole year without having had a period you are termed menopausal – in other words, the menopause has happened. With the change of periods there are a number of other symptoms you might experience: Hot flushes occur in about 3 in 4 women. A typical hot flush lasts a few minutes and causes flushing of your face,

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neck, and chest. You may also perspire during a flush and some women become weak, faint, or feel sick while it lasts. The number of episodes can vary from the occasional flush to fifteen or more times a day. They commonly occur when you are in bed at night. In some cases they are so severe that sleep is disturbed and you need to change bedding and nightclothes. Other symptoms may develop such as, tiredness, low energy levels, being irritable, difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety. There can be aches and pains, vaginal dryness and soreness leading to painful intercourse and loss of libido (sex drive). There may also be urinary frequency and bladder weakness as well as, feelings of not coping as well as before. It can be difficult to say whether these symptoms are directly due to the hormonal changes of the menopause. For example, you may not sleep well and therefore become irritable because you have frequent hot flushes, and not directly because of a low oestrogen level. Also, there may be other reasons why these other symptoms develop. For

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Understanding the

example, depression is common in women in their middle years, for various reasons. According to Dr Okoye, the average age of menopause amongst women in the UK is 52. This has crept up over the past few years due to improved diet and generally better health. It can, however, occur as early as 40 or as late as 60. It is usually a clinical diagnosis but there are blood tests that can be done to determine whether a woman is entering the menopause. Low oestrogen levels are the key factor in its onset. Although Christian women seeking God’s guidance on getting through the menopause will not find any direct references to it in scripture, there are some passages that are relevant. For Dr Okoye, Psalm 139:14 is a good example. The verse begins: I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…. ‘ The fact that you are born a young girl, start to have periods at puberty, maintain monthly cycles all through adulthood, then reach menopause demonstrates the totally complex and complicated functioning of our endocrine system,’ says Dr Okoye, ‘and, for me, it underlines that we are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made. There are also many references in the bible to “seasons” Psalm 104 v.19; Job 38 v32 to name a few. As daughters of the Most High God, our bodies have been created to observe seasons as well. ‘It’s best to see the menopause as a natural progression in life,’ she adds, ‘a God-ordained season that must come to pass.That prepares the woman to accept it and not feel hard done by. If she can embrace it as a rite of passage, with gratitude to God for a long and productive life, that helps her mentally prepare for what lies ahead. There are practical, physical steps a woman can take to prepare herself, too, such as eating a healthy diet, taking regular, weight-bearing exercise and getting a good amount of sleep. Pelvic floor exercises can help with urinary weakness and lubricants can be useful in combatting vaginal dryness and soreness. Vaginal pessaries can also be obtained on prescription to help alleviate these symptoms and the lowering of libido that sometimes accompanies falling hormone levels.

Many who pass this milestone enter a time of great fulfillment and remarkable achievement.

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There are certain foods a woman can include in her diet to help prepare for the changes her body is going through. Ground flaxseed or linseed is a rich source of phytooestrogens, which help to regulate hormone levels, as does soya. Phyto-oestrogens also have the ability to prevent freeradical damage to cells, the number one cause of premature ageing of tissue and they can help prevent abnormal cell growth. The omega-3 fats in linseed will also help combat tiredness, dry skin, cracked nails, constipation and aching joints. The ground seeds can be stirred into a home-made soup or sprinkled onto cereal or salad. Many herbal remedies claim to alleviate menopausal symptoms but caution should be used, especially when buying such products over the internet. ‘There is anecdotal evidence that black cohosh is good for hot flushes,’ says Dr Okoye, ‘But it is only anecdotal – so far it’s not backed up by any scientific research. Evening primrose oil can also be good for a range of symptoms and herbal remedies such as Nytol or Kalms are useful if a woman is having problems sleeping.’ If hot flushes and night sweats become intolerable and herbal remedies prove ineffective, a woman might be offered Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). But this would not happen without first assessing any potential risk to the woman’s health. Dr Okoye says: ‘HRT is safe for some but not all women. If someone has a significant family history of breast cancer, cardiac problems or strokes, HRT may not be a suitable course of treatment.’ Fifty years ago a woman whose mental health was affected by her changing hormone levels might well have been subjected to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) – a method of treatment that seems utterly barbaric to us now. If mental health issues become a cause for concern for today’s menopausal woman, anti-depressants might be prescribed. Certain types of antidepressants also appear to have the added benefit of reducing hot flushes and night sweats. It’s important to remember that the menopause doesn’t have to be viewed as something negative. Many who pass this milestone enter a time of great fulfillment and remarkable achievement. ‘There are lots of women in their sixties and seventies who have attained so much more in their latter years than they did when they were younger,’ We have had anointed speakers at our women’s conferences who have been used of God in their postmenopausal years to pioneer successful ministries. The fact is that the menopause can provide the greatest opportunity for a woman’s personal growth since adolescence. It’s certainly a time of change, but also the opportunity to turn your dreams into reality. It’s a chance use all of one’s life experiences and God given wisdom to bless those in our sphere of influence.

AMPLIFIED YOUTH CONFERENCE 18th – 21st April 2014

according to which group of people they are with. I believe that Peter’s denial serves as a lesson to us all, but also something that we can parallel within our own lives. Sure enough, we have all been in situations where declaring that you are Christian might seem tough. Especially in a school, or a college, where the majority of people are not believers. So, yes, wanting to fit in and wanting to have pride in your faith, seem to be difficult things to do simultaneously; and it is something which I have struggled a lot with. So, for any young believers finding it difficult to proclaim the cross I have five tips:

Talk freely about being a Christian

Teenagers

PROCLAIMING THE CROSS

Now, I’m not suggesting that you go up to every person you meet and tell them that you are a Christian, unless you feel comfortable with that of course, but, if you are ever asked if you have a religious faith, answer truthfully. It’s not a crime to believe in God. You’ll often be surprised by people’s responses and they may be more accepting than you think.

Try to find at least one Christian friend your own age That way, whenever you face a moral dilemma you are not alone, and you can talk freely about the situations with someone who understands where you’re coming from and what you’re going through.

Read your Bible Often, things like homework and watching TV get in the way of doing this. Also, I know it’s annoying when someone keeps badgering you to read the Bible, but, to be frank, the Bible is where all the answers to your questions lie. If you find it difficult to crack open the book, there are lots of Bible apps available and you can even set reminders or start devotionals on your mobile phone!

Know the facts for yourself It is easy to just listen to what your pastor says about the Bible, but, until you actually understand things for yourself, you won’t be able to feel truly confident in your faith. Also, in this way, if you find anything in the Bible that you’re unsure of, you’ll be able to discuss it with others in a deep and thoughtful way.

Pray As well as talking to friends when you feel stuck, ask God to help you and help you to be the best Christian that you can be. I hope that this helps, but, if you ever falter or feel guilty for not being proud of your faith, just remember that God is a benevolent God, and he always forgives.

by Oluwaseun Matiluko

Let’s face it, in most circles in our society it’s not considered ‘cool’ to be a Christian. Nowadays, it seems that people are always complaining and criticising the church. That’s why I believe it’s incredibly hard, as a teenager, to ‘proclaim the cross’ especially when so many songs and TV shows directed at teenagers nowadays seem to endorse premarital sex and other behaviour which the Bible doesn’t condone. But we want to fit in and we want to be accepted, so we do things that we know are wrong and we say things that we know are wrong yet we still go to church on Sunday and pretend that everything’s fine. 58

was thinking about this the other day whilst reading Matthew (26:6975), which talks about Peter’s denial of Jesus preceding Jesus’s later death on the cross. From my perspective, Peter was still a believer and follower of Jesus, but, when the chips were on the table, and he had to choose between his reputation and his faith, he chose the former. This really spoke to me, and highlighted how the Christian youth still have faith, yet are very easily swayed and can quickly change their core values

As well as talking to friends when you feel stuck, ask God to help you and help you to be the best Christian that you can be.

TESTIMONY: Straight A Student – Athlete

IKE EKWUEME

My heart’s desire to play football and study was granted.

y journey started off as far back as my high school days in England. Mathematics, English and Science were not my strongest subjects. I was in the lowest scoring group. I wasn’t a bad student, but I had a little test anxiety. One day, I decided that I was not going to be mediocre student anymore. I set myself the goal of graduating from high school with straight As in Mathematics, English and Science and I decided to do all it would take to succeed. I identified some students in my class who were strong in my weakest areas, and I studied with them. I spent many hours after school with my teachers; I studied hard behind closed doors. Ultimately, I achieved my goal and I graduated from high school with As in Mathematics, English, and Science.

During my high school years, I was also passionate about football. But, I had to overcome my fear on the football field. I really wanted to play at a higher level but was nervous about playing in front of a large crowd. Most talented players in any sport or trade want to demonstrate their skills in front of a large audience. However, in my case, the bigger the crowd, the more anxious I became. On the coach, on the way to football matches, my teammates talked about wanting larger crowds whereas I just hoped for them to be smaller. I also didn’t invite my parents and relatives to my club football matches because that would increase the size of the crowd. Eventually, I began to reflect upon the reasons for my anxiety and discovered that it was based upon a lack of confidence about my football ability. It was simple – I needed to improve.

I started practicing more. Regardless of the rain, sun, and snow, I was outside practicing and, after many training sessions and try-outs, my ability and confidence increased. Not long after this, I was forced to make a decision. I was 17 years old and I had to choose whether to continue my education in university or pursue a career as a footballer. This was a difficult decision: I wanted the best of both worlds – my heart’s desire was to continue playing football but I also wanted to achieve a Bachelor’s degree. I thought that there must be a programme out there that would allow me to continue playing football and study at the same time. I continued to have faith in God. I worked hard in the classroom and on the football field. I was working hard for something I could not see physically, but I could see it with my eyes of faith. Suddenly, an opportunity arose when my dad discovered a sports management company (First Point USA) which helped students to pursue their sporting ambitions, whilst earning a degree at the same time. On the day of the try-out, I asked myself whether this could possibly be true. But, I knew that this was a great opportunity and I could not miss it, so, I rose to the challenge, and I was accepted! My academic achievement and football ability even resulted in a substantial scholarship. God caused everything to work together in my favour ( Jeremiah 29:11). Before I travelled to America, some friends from church came to pray with me. After we prayed together day, I knew that my future was bright and I realized that I had an inner peace and confidence. A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men (Proverbs 18:16- New American Standard Bible). When I arrived in America, I found that God had already prepared the place for me: I had good team mates and friends and I even had a barber on campus all four years. Most importantly, the church I attended in Manchester had a branch near my university. God took care of every detail. After four years, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (4.0 GPA). I was the Valedictorian. I was also selected for the NEISL All Star Football team. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes (Psalm 118:23- King James Version). I give all glory to God but I want to thank God for the OFNC family, and the Winners Chapel Church family for

Ike with Pastor Adebayo

their continuous prayers. What I would like to say to every reader today is this: That obstacle before you, which looks impossible, is actually your opportunity to go to the next level. You need to look at those difficult challenges, or goals in your life and start taking steps toward achieving them today because, you won’t know what’s next until you overcome what’s now. The word ‘impossible’ is not in my vocabulary and it shouldn’t be in yours either. In my opinion, the word impossible doesn’t exist. Look closely at the word, it doesn’t say impossible, it says I’m possible. That means you’re possible and it’s possible because ‘…with God all things are possible’ (Mark 10: 27) Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God. (Mark 10:27- New Living Translation). Ike Ekwueme was born in Nigeria, lived in England, and studied in America. Ike Ekwueme recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Management with a minor in Psychology (4.0 Grade Point Average). Ike Ekwueme was born in Nigeria, lived in England, and studied in America. . The knowledge and experience gained from these three countries has given him the ability to effectively communicate with different types of people. Today he is spreading his message of hope, tenacity and possibility to students across America in need of an inspiring role model who has walked the walk, and understands the journey toward academic and athletic success. To contact Ike, send an email to ike.ekwueme@yahoo.com

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“The message is visual and we hope to plant a seed in the minds of the audience, both young and old, that will grow over the years...”

“ Creative Arts in Children’s Ministry

By Lindsay Ashford

‘Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.’ Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) o matter how far she explores, Dora the Explorer will never bump into her Creator. And there is no religion in the world of Peppa Pig. But young children love to watch characters like this on TV. Viewing figures suggest that many are glued to the screen for at least five hours each day. So how can Christian ministry tap into the world of children’s entertainment? How can we create church services that youngsters can enjoy? Christians in the USA have led the way in using creative arts to promote the gospel. Puppetry; clowns; Christian magic and parody music have proved highly successful in engaging children and adults alike. And the past decade has seen a growth in this kind of ministry in the UK. Christian children’s entertainers are appearing in churches; schools; festivals and shopping centres – and church leaders, Sunday school teachers, and other Christians with a heart for children’s ministry, are attending workshops to learn how to do it themselves. Using puppets to illustrate a parable or clowns to put across a biblical truth is not difficult for most Christians to imagine. But a Christian magic show? Can that really be appropriate in church? And what on earth is Christian parody music? Some practitioners prefer the term ‘gospel illusionist’ to the word ‘magician’ in a church setting. But the technique is

the same: the use of sleight-of-hand to produce apparently impossible results that will amaze and enthral an audience. Those who worry that anything described as ‘magic’ must be linked to the occult can be reassured that what is being performed is a trick, not someone attempting to invoke supernatural or occult forces. Jason Westmoreland is a Christian magician who recently performed at the OFNC children’s event in Birmingham. In his persona of Juggles the Clown, he engaged and entertained a receptive audience of both adults and children with stories and passages from the Bible, illustrated by little tricks and ballooning. Jason occasionally encounters resistance from people in some settings. To those who question gospel magic, he says: ‘Illusion is a better word for what I do than magic. Most people actually see it as good work.’ If the idea of a Christian magician causes a few raised eyebrows, the term ‘Christian parody music’ can evoke pure bewilderment. The word ‘parody’ often has negative connotations, of a feeble imitation or a travesty of something. Perhaps a better term would be Christian cover music, for what this is about is making high quality, sound-alike versions of chart hits with Christian lyrics cleverly substituted for the originals. Peter Ikuobase of OFNC encountered this style of creative ministry after attending the One Way UK European puppetry

training conference with his wife, Liz, in Rugby last year. He bought a CD by one of the leading figures in this field, American singer/songwriter, producer and evangelist Mark Bradford, who grew up singing in church and has performed on radio stations across the USA. His ‘Righteous Pop Music’ (RPM) and Listen 2 Him CDs are used with puppet shows, balloon animals and Christian magic shows. ‘We were inspired to buy the CD after seeing an amazing puppet performance done to Fishers of Men – a parody of the Weather Girls hit, It’s Raining Men,’ says Peter. ‘The lyrics conveyed the gospel message in a compelling and clear way that we found so exciting and refreshing. When we played it in the car for our son and daughter they were so delighted to hear it and they just couldn’t stop listening to it. We have gone on to buy many RPM and Listen 2 Him CDs that the kids love.’ Exposure to this approach has brought a new energy into the Sunday school programme at Peter’s church. ‘We used a song from an RPM CD for our Easter performance,’ he says. ‘It was Resurrection – an excellent Christian parody of Kool and the Gang’s hit Celebration. And, in March this year, we invited a UK based puppet ministry to take one of our Sunday services. The event gave many members of the church an opportunity to invite non-Christian friends along.’ Puppetry and Christian parody music were amongst several creative arts ministries at the OFNC children’s outing in June. One of the performers was Barry Boyton of Oddments Christian Theatre. The sketches they performed at the O F N C c h i l d re n’s gather ing

included favourites from the group’s school shows such as Daniel in the Den - the bible story of Daniel told in a new, engaging way – as well as a brand new production about the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7: 24-29). Barry sees Oddments Theatre as a tool that the church can use. The group’s work is never advertised as evangelistic. They try to create an environment where people can come in, feel good and start the process whereby God’s Spirit can touch them. ‘The message is visual and we hope to plant a seed in the minds of the audience, both young and old, that will grow over the years,’ he says. Oddments Theatre’s performances are seen by more than twenty thousand people each year. Audiences for the shows range from thirty people to groups of up to a thousand at big festivals. About twenty-five percent of the group’s work is in prisons. The group does all this on a small amount of funding, which comes from a combination of payments and donations from churches and schools. Traditionalists within the church who worry that drama, puppetry, magic and pop music is not what they’re used to should perhaps remember that Jesus himself did not do things in a traditional way. He used creative methods to teach and get his message across. The critical point is that entertainers like Barry and Jason teach the gospel in a way that is likely to be remembered. Liz Ikuobase, OFNC National Children’s Coordinator is excited about the new energy that the use of creative arts is bringing to the children’s work. She said, ‘This is part of our long-term plan for the children’s department. The under-tens activities at the

National Conference at Birmingham’s Metropole Hotel from 22-25 August 2014 will feature a variety of Christian entertainers.’ But it’s not only children who benefit from the creative approach. It draws adults in too. If someone knows that they are going to see a puppet show; clowns; a play or a musical they are more likely to give church a chance. The world leader in this innovative style of worship is Creative Ministry Solutions (CMS), which is based in Colorado and was formed by Dale VonSeggen, Liz VonSeggen and Charles Burroughs. They make puppets, which they sell via their website along with scripts, music and a variety of props for putting on shows. The VonSeggens compare puppeteers to the role of court jester in days of old. As a caricature of humanity they can present significant truths in a manner that is easily accepted: ‘We are convinced that puppets of all kinds are one of the most effective tools for reaching children and families with the gospel. We serve many denominations, so our materials are designed to focus on subjects that unite us and avoid theological differences.’ CMS hold training workshops across America and their reach is now global. It was through them that One Way UK – a home-grown Christian puppetry enterprise – came into being over 20 years ago. Ian Jones and his wife, Jenny, discovered the power of puppets as a way of getting the gospel message across when they attended a course run by One Way UK. Ian’s ministry, which specialises in puppetry and creative arts, was founded in 1991 and is based in Grimsby in Lincolnshire.

A member of Grimsby Baptist Church, Ian was an accountant for many years but also ran a children’s club for 511 year-olds at church and helped with the cub scouts. ‘I had no background in performing,’ he says. ‘It’s very different from being an accountant but it’s great fun. Puppetry was another way of expressing myself and I found that you could get a really important message across in a way that engaged with people. ‘We did the training with One Way UK and came back really inspired. We started with just one puppet behind a curtain. Then I and my wife, Jenny, set up the office in Grimsby. Our son David joined us full-time five years ago and now heads up the puppet design section of the business One Way UK Creative Productions.’ Ian and his ministry team make and design many of their own puppets. They create them for groups and individual performers all over the UK and worldwide. ‘If someone asks us for a specific character we can make it,’ he says. ‘We also publish books of scripts and how to use puppets, as well as musicals for teams to use in outreach events. Most Saturdays we do training events at churches. We have trained over a thousand teams over the years. Sometimes it’s big groups but often it’s individual ministers or couples who are going into schools or a Sunday school.’ Ian’s team has also used puppets to spread the gospel overseas. ‘We’ve been to Burkina Faso three times with our team. We go for a week at a time and train people in churches as well as performing in the churches, streets and in villages. We’ve helped support schools financially as a result of these visits and we’re planning a return visit in February 2015.’ The team has made similar trips to Romania and Albania. As for future plans, Ian says: ‘We are looking to develop our ability to train people and make puppets. We want to provide the very best resources and the skills for them to introduce a creative arts ministry to their church.’ One Way UK already holds more than 40 training days and festivals throughout Britain and Europe each year. Workshops are designed to teach, challenge and equip the puppeteer – whether they are beginners or more advanced. (The training days, which are listed on the company’s website, cost £15 per person to attend. If there isn’t an event in your area, you can arrange for your church to host one.) ‘At our training days we have a broad range of puppets,

scripts and music CDs for people to buy if they wish,’ says Ian. Merchandise ranges in price from £7.50 for a glove puppet to £40 for armrod characters and £295 for a full-body animal character. You can get the ‘Dog in the Bag’ starter kit for £35, which includes a dog-in-abag puppet, a script book and various props. The European Puppet and Creative Arts Ministry Festival is Oneway UK’s biggest event each year. There are over 50 workshops over the two days on many different aspects of puppetry, story-telling, gospel illusions, ballooning and all age worship. The workshops are led by an experienced team from both the UK and the USA including Bob Hartman the story teller and Jason Westmoreland. The Festival is held at Rugby on Friday 31st October and 1st November – the end of half term for many. The use of creative arts in gospel ministry has been very well received in the UK – increasingly so as people are looking for more visual and interactive ways to communicate, not just with children but with adults as well. ‘People don’t feel threatened by puppets,’ Ian explains. ‘You can do this kind of thing outside church, in the open air. Churches are increasingly getting involved in community events, going into shopping centres, schools, markets and even care homes. Puppets are something that people of all ages can relate to. It enables them to get the gospel message across in a sensitive and sincere way. It keeps children involved in the church – especially at a time when they might be drifting away.’ If art can sustain the human spirit then the use of creative arts in children’s ministry can powerfully nurture a young soul. ‘If people are looking to introduce vigour and energy into their children’s ministries they should seriously consider using more creative arts, just as we have done for OFNC’s children’s programme.’ says Peter Ikuobase. Of the many enthusiastic comments about the recent children’s gathering in Birmingham, perhaps the most compelling was the remark from a girl from the Liverpool branch. She told her parents: ‘That was the best place I’ve ever been in my life.’ Ian and the One Way UK team will be leading a session of the Children’s Programme at the OFNC Annual Family Conference in August 2014. Details of the training and resources offered by Ian and his team are available at www.onewayuk.com

PROFILE :

Barry Boyton,Oddments Theatre Barry is the director of Oddments, which has been going for 34 years since it first started as a drama group in church. Oddments gradually expanded, performing at an ever-increasing number of churches and schools. Four years ago Barry gave up his lucrative occupation as the director of an electrical firm to run Oddments Theatre full-time. Now he recruits professional actors who are Christians from around the country to join the group for a few years at a time. Barry has often wondered, when working in prisons and observing the outcome of a lifestyle alienated from God, where he would be if it were not for Jesus. ‘Walking with God, you do quite dramatic things,’ he adds, ‘like giving up a well-paid job to do something that doesn’t pay very well. You trust in God, he is your advisor and your hope for the future.’ You can contact Oddments Theatre via their website at http://www.oddments-theatre.co.uk or call them on 01935 471547.

PROFILE :

Jason Westmoreland A father of five, he is passionate about Christ and it shows. ‘Jesus is everything to me,’ says Jason, who comes from a mining family with a strong culture of drinking in pubs. ‘I wasn’t a nice lad when I was young but when my sister and I started going to church and became Christians, my family noticed the change and eventually became Christians too.’ Jason works full-time as Site Manager at Oulton Primary School in Leeds. He is very involved at Cutsyke Christian Church in Castleford, where he teaches Sunday school and plays the drums (when he is allowed). He’s also a keen runner who coaches young people every Wednesday night, seeing this as an opportunity to mix with people who are not Christians and providing an opening to many conversations about Jesus. In addition to these other commitments Jason has been a Christian magician for more than twenty-five years. As a teenager, he decided to follow this path after seeing another Christian entertainer illustrating the idea of sin very simply, using magic tricks performed with three ropes. He subsequently attended the Birmingham Bible Institute to learn how to do sketches and then got started with open air work. He has been doing it ever since. To find out more about Jason’s work or to book him for your event you can email him on jason.westmoreland@sky.com or call him on 0113 282 0853.

CHILDREN’S DAY Outing – Saturday 7th June 2014

GENESIS IMPACT Serving the Community Where it Matters Most Genesis Impact, which is run by a dedicated team of Christian leaders and trustees, supports educational development and fosters family unity in the Royal Greenwich and Bexley boroughs. The organisation is changing lives and impacting communities through the work they do with school children and their parents in South London. They are taking the gospel into areas that have hitherto been considered hostile to the Word of God. n the last edition of Arise, we reported on the OFNC’s plans for joint working with Genesis Impact in line with our vision for cooperating with like-minded organisations that are making a difference in the marketplace. We have inaugurated this joint working arrangement by awarding a grant to support their activities. In this edition, it is my pleasure to bring you an update on the remarkable work that Genesis Impact has done in the last year.

As observed recently, a significant number of ethnic minority children are finding it difficult to integrate with society, and could benefit from the help of organisations that understand how to tackle these difficulties. This could help these children reduce the anxieties that they may have when it comes to social engagement and confronting the system. Genesis Impact has a number of platforms to help address these issues with children and their parents, including Parenting Classes and Bible Clubs. Genesis Impact currently runs Parenting Classes in six schools, which engage parents to buttress the work done with the children. They talk with the parents, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds, about behavioural strategies for managing children. The work with parents includes courses on Positive Parenting, safeguarding awareness, anger management courses, crafts work and engaging parents who have skills to teach other parents their skills.

The Practical Parenting Programme aims to strengthen and support families by empowering parents to effectively build relationships with the children and manage their behaviour. Genesis Impact works with school leadership teams to ensure that the courses offered best fit the parents’ needs. Entrants to the programme are referred by local schools who feel that the families will benefit from their services.

Genesis Impact has been running courses at Hawksmoor and Windrush Primary Schools, both Thamesmead schools, for over four years and have recently expanded into four more schools in Erith, Greenwich, Charlton and Thamesmead. A total of 294 certificates were awarded to the 148 parents that attended the programme in 2013-14. The next chart shows the number of parents that attended and the number of certificates awarded broken down by school.

Very good and helpful. Best thing I have ever done. Teaching was very impressive. I now know how to combine nature with nurture to help my child to grow and flourish. It’s nice to find new ways to deal with your children. The course makes you feel that you are not alone. I have learnt a lot in this course and I have enjoyed every lesson and have taken advice. I have learnt that all of us are not perfect.

Parents at Morden Mount School gave various reasons for attending, which are summarised in the chart that follows. The outcomes of parents’ participation in the programme included recorded improvements in children’s behaviour in the classroom, children being more settled in school, increased confidence and increased academic achievement.

Each parent that attended the programme sessions at Morden Mount School represented one or more children as shown in the next figure. Of all the courses run, Positive Parenting had the most impact in terms of numbers – 30 parents attended, representing 48 children.

QUOTES FROM PARENTS

The next chart shows two separate measures of progress made in reading, writing and mathematics by the children who were represented on the course. The first measures the percentage of the group making expected progress and the second measures the percentage of group that are making accelerated progress.

I feel better when I come here. I learn about anger and how to control my anger as well as my children’s anger. Very educative. Wish to have more of this. Thank you very much. This course has really helped me understand how to relate with my children in line with communication and respecting their point of view. I recommend this course to all parents.

Genesis Impact also runs a Bible Club in St Augustine’s of Canterbury School and Hawksmoor School. It focuses on teaching children from all backgrounds about Christianity and Bible Club offers pupils the opportunity to learn the message of Christ, in a fun, loving and affirming environment, through Bible Stories, games, music and art. Bible Clubs are run after school and lesson outlines are approved by the Head of Religious Education to ensure that they maintain a healthy and positive relationship with the participating schools. These clubs are often over-subscribed, although

Genesis Impact strives to provide an opportunity for as many children as possible to attend. The main focus of the club is building a ‘Godly Character’ which draws on a range of themes, including Self-worth; Forgiveness and God’s Love, and are supported by Bible Stories and Parables. One of the highlights of the year was a fun-packed Christmas party with games, food, music, and gifts. This was also a time to celebrate the children and older, committed pupils were.

“

A leader’s Feedback

Circle of Parents pilot (Morden Mount)Summer Arts and Craft table top sale. Most of the craft and food items were made by parents.

COP (MM) Crafts in making

COP (Hawksmoor) Craft preparation for summer school fair.

COP (Hawksmoor) Parents celebrating completion of hand made doll.

Parents posing with Headteacher and Foluke at (Windrush) Practical Parenting Awards ceremony.

Parent being presented with her practical parenting certificate at Business Academy Bexley.

Practical Parenting Award Ceremony at BAB.

A jubilant parent accepting her practical parenting certificate at BAB.

Karen Akoto says of the programme: ‘I enjoy working with Genesis Impact and strongly believe that, as an organisation, we have a great impact on the lives we encounter. Hearing the children pray, or tell us what message they received from the lesson, is most rewarding and encouraging as their answers are always so passionate and genuine.’

“

MRS AKINGBOLAGUN

writes in the Genesis Impact 2013 Report:

2013 has been a year of great blessing for Genesis Impact; Jehovah Jireh has truly supplied all of our needs. God has seen us through challenging times and, over the last year, we have received more positive feedback and so we enter the next year full of expectations. We plan to further develop our services so that we can have a still greater impact on more lives, by participating in assemblies and starting Bible clubs in more schools with greater emphasis on intervention and mentoring schemes. We also hope to re-start the Youth leadership programme offered to Year 12 and 13 pupils and plans are already under way to introduce the parenting programme to Children’s Centres and more schools. We thank you again for your valued support, encouragement and sponsorship. Please continue to uphold Genesis Impact in your prayers. We pray that 2014 will be a year of favour and greater impact for you and your family. Abundant Blessings, Foluke Akingbolagun Founder YOU CAN CONTACT GENESIS IMPACT WITH THE FOLLOWING DETAILS: TELEPHONE: 02083057891 / 07887406990 EMAIL: INFOGENESISIMPACT.ORG WEBSITE: WWW.GENESISIMPACT.ORG

Poems By Ifeanyi Chukwujekwu

HE IS RISEN The only one without a blemish He went to the cross to finish With every hammer to nail our sins diminish Our wretchedness He does embellish Our debts He paid in full The thought of it is incredible In the depths He wrest power from the devil’s grasp That we may never relapse He is risen in all His glory That in Him we have victory

For love’s sake He paid the price And made the ultimate sacrifice And yes, it was blood, red and freely flowing That in His word we would keep following Not some amorous gesture in line with any season Highlife for ours was the reason Dwell on this when you claim to love For He is watching from above

BE ENCOURAGED

MY WARRIOR

Victory is sure So hold on and endure

When I drop to my knee The enemy can’t help but flee

Though He may delay Do not dismay He is making a way So when you emerge victorious You would not be oblivious Of His redeeming power so obvious 72

TRUE LOVE ARISE CONTACTS Peter Ikuobase Email: Peter.ikuobase@ofnc.org.uk Telephone: 020 7097 3908 To receive your free copy of the next edition with your free gift, please call us quoting ‘ARISE’ or register on our website at: http://www.ofnc.org.uk/arise/register

For He takes up my fight And sets the coward to flight How awesome is His power Mighty legions quake and cower Call on Him in time of trouble He’ll send an army at the double 73

OFNC

More about

OFNC

We are non-denominational Christians, predominantly (but not wholly) Nigerians by nature, nurture or affiliation, who all have a passion for the universality of Christianity. We see Christianity as “a way of life” which grants us access to spiritual gifts, principally for service to the body of Christ and humanity at large, in completing the ‘good works’ for which we were created.

Pictures from Leaders Training session at the NEC on 12th July 2014

affiliates should be members of the OFNC. You are therefore welcome to join us as we work towards making everyone an effective agent for change in our community.

OFNC Overview The OFNC is a registered charity, (registration number 1126774) and a company limited by guarantee (6534207). Apart from creating obligations to regulatory authorities, registration creates formal recognition, integrity and accountability.

Leaders Training session at the NEC on 12th July 2014

OFNC NEC - The OFNC NEC at the National Conference 2013.

he unity and extension of the Church is at the core of our quest and has been the central message in our objectives. We are particularly passionate about the unity of Nigerian Christians in Diaspora, as we believe that they are imbued with needful fervour for much needed Christian renaissance. We therefore see the OFNC as complimentary to organised churches, hence our providing a neutral interface for cohesive interdenominational relations. Members are encouraged to

T 74

avail themselves of the enormous opportunities for service and spiritual development within the OFNC, with the goal of being more effective in their local churches. The fellowship’s emphasis on this aspiration is encapsulated in our motto: “Everyone a Faithful Disciple of Christ”. The OFNC, which has its modest beginnings in small house groups started by Nigerian students in the UK in the 1960s, has mushroomed over the years into twenty

branches across the UK, with representation in all the major cities. The fellowship has evolved to meet the needs of Nigerian Christians today and in addition to its student members, now includes professionals and their families, up to second and third generation Nigerians in the diaspora. Our focus has been primarily grassrootsbased, with a commitment to providing ‘a family’ to every Nigerian Christian, particularly those in multi-national churches. OFNC continues to proliferate as collaborative and flexible relations with local churches birth new branches in relatively isolated communities, thus bringing that much treasured sense of family. At the national level, we also work in collaboration with large church groups, ministries and other Christian organisations to spread the gospel, encourage fellowship and address issues of faith. We have vibrant ministries for children, youth, women and men, all with popular conferences and events. We are of the view that all Nigerian Christians and

In the last year, the OFNC has continued its collaboration with Christian organisations in Nigeria, such as the Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES), and UK bodies such as Midnight Oil. Both organisations are primarily concerned with youths, reflecting the fellowship’s growing awareness of the need to prepare and encourage the next generation of impact makers. As well as collaborating with several ministries who have participated in our range of conferences, we have also continued in our secretarial role with Nigeria Prays UK. We continued our financial support the work of the Stefanos Foundation (an organisation that works with the persecuted Christians in Northern Nigeria), Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES) and the Nigerian Chaplaincy. Furthermore, we undertook medical mission trips to Nigeria and recently to Hungary. In addition, this year, new doors of opportunities have opened for collaboration with Compassion UK, Christian Research Centre and other charities. We have also been invited to participate in secular events, such as the Nigerian Centenary Awards UK. Most recently, we

were asked to attend a round table consultation with the Department of Health who were keen to increase awareness on dementia. In all our activities, our objectives have remained the propagation of the gospel and the welfare of our members. We recognize that in order to achieve these two objects and remain relevant in our time, the fellowship must continue to be the main point of contact on all things pertaining to Nigerian Christians. We remain concerned about the current Ebola virus which has now affected some Nigerian citizens, as well as the ongoing violence in northern Nigeria. Our members are encouraged to keep these matters before the Lord in prayer and to take practical steps to address them.

OFNC Organization ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE The highest policy and decision-making body in the OFNC is its National Executive Council (NEC), which is made up of National Officers and Area Secretaries. The NEC is chaired by the National Chairman who is the Chief Executive Officer. Area Secretaries are the executive and spiritual leaders of their respective branches. The figure below describes the different levels of decision-making in the OFNC. The General Assembly meets once each year at the Annual National Conference, which incorporates the AGM; the NEC meets quarterly. Each Branch has a Branch Executive Committee that meets according to local arrangements.

NATIONAL OFFICERS

National Chairman Dr Albert Okoye

National Secretary Dr Bamidele Adebisi

NAME Mr Femi Olatunji Mr Olugbenga Daramola Mr Olugbenga Abimbola Dr Abel Adegoke Dr (Mrs) Funmi Durodola Dr Ifeolu Akintunde Dr Nosa Uwubamwen Mr Martin Oguzie Mrs Gladys Muphy Mrs Liz Ikuobase Dr Deji Jayesimi Mr Olaolu Baikie

ROLE Financial Secretary Ass. National Secretary Treasurer Ex-officio Ex-officio Publicity Secretary Men’s Leader Youth Leader Women’s Leader Children’s Leader 18-30s Leader 18-30s Leader

EMAIL ADDRESS TELEPHONE femi.olatunji@ofnc.org.uk 07737430399 olugbenga.daramola@ofnc.org.uk 07577244825 gbenga.abimbola@ofnc.org.uk 0785847381 abel.adegoke@ofnc.org.uk 07803159105 funmi.durodola@ofnc.org.uk 07803287805 ifeolu.akintunde@ofnc.org.uk 07817734663 nosa.uwubamwen@ofnc.org.uk 07949550409 martin.oguzie@ofnc.org.uk 07930636706 gladys.murphy@ofnc.org.uk 07789804848 Liz.ikuobase@ofnc.org.uk 07956573853 deji.jaiyesimi@ofnc.org.uk 07794266250 olaolu.baikie@ofnc.org.uk

AREA SECRETARIES NAME Mr Akaji Odo Dr Sunday Ochogwu Mr Gibson Anorue Dr Tudor Chinnah Dr (Mrs)Modupe Akomolafe Dr (Mrs) Ronke Ajai Mr Joseph Ogedengbe Mr James Jeje Mr Isaiah Adediran Dr Emmanuel Baikie Mr Ubongabasi Inyang Dr Onyebuchi Eseonu Dr (Mrs) Sylvia Okoye Mr Ebenezer Tope Igunnu Dr Chukwugozi Elumogo Mr Ademola Oshodi Mr Titus Abayomi Dr Akin Oluwatundimu Mrs Arinola Adebekun Mr Kayode Adeboye

BRANCH Bedford Birmingham Doncaster Exeter Hull Lancaster Leeds Lincoln Liverpool London (C) Manchester Newcastle London (N) Nottingham Norwich Oxford Sheffield South Essex Southampton Teesside

EMAIL akaji.odo@ofnc.org.uk Sunday.ochogwu@ofnc.org.uk gibson.anorue@ofnc.org.uk tudor.chinnah@ofnc.org.uk dupe.akomolafe@ofnc.org.uk ronke.ajai@ofnc.org.uk joseph.ogedengbe@ofnc.org.uk james.jeje@ofnc.org.uk isaiah.adediran@ofnc.org.uk emmanuel.baikie@ofnc.org.uk ubongabasi.inyang@ofnc.org.uk onyebushi.eseonu@ofnc.org.uk sylvia.okoye@ofnc.org.uk ebenezer.igunu@ofnc.org.uk chukwugozi.elumogo@ofnc.org.uk demola.oshodi@ofnc.org.uk titus.abayomi@ofnc.org.uk akin.oluwatudimu@ofnc.org.uk arinola.adebekun@ofnc.org.uk kayode.adeboye@ofnc.org.uk

TELEPHONE 07851345375 07759111338 07578256011 07957926847 07713585504 07533774542 07515882820 07506074498 7828294062 07949344759 07961507501 07751390355 07886924074 07939230512 07958714020 07932596567 07900157681 02085505989 07810360798

NATIONAL MEN’S CONFERENCE Leeds 19th October 2013 Hinsley Hall, Headingley Lane, Leeds

Featured Branches In this edition, we bring you some information some of our branches. The following section outlines the branch membership, the meeting venue, how they are proclaiming the Cross, how they are impacting the local community, what local partners they work with and a brief message to you, the reader. We also provide contact details should you want to contact the branch. BIRMINGHAM NOTTINGHAM OXFORD LONDON SOUTH ESSEX

DONCASTER NORTH LONDON LEEDS LIVERPOOL SOUTHAMPTON

Proclaiming the Cross

Some members are involved in pastoral work while others lead house groups and children’s ministries. One member participates in street ministry outreach on Friday nights.

Impacting the Community by

We partnered with a Zambian lady Mwiko, who lost her son to sickle cell disease in promoting her charitable purposes on sickle cell awareness in Zambia.

Local partners

We partner with the RCCG Kingdom Life Assembly Doncaster.

To the readers

We are open to all for the Kingdom business of soul winning! We are looking at having a summer fayre or barbecue.

Contact

Gibson Anorue (Area Sec).

OXFORD

Proclaiming the Cross

Financial Support to Prison Ministry and a local charity. Regular Bible study sessions for members. Joint program with International Churches in Oxford. Annual summer social as an outreach (picnic). Men’s fellowship organise a visit to a local nursing home every Christmas, and family outing with interested non-members.

Impacting the Community

Through its relationship with Oxford International Churches and local nursing home, support of a local charity.

To the readers

We meet at the family centre on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month - if you are visiting Oxford it would be a pleasure to have you with us!

Raising Awareness e.g. Health Awareness, Influence of Islamic extremist in schools and encouraging members to be more active at school boards and politics. We are planning to support very a deprived primary school and food bank in the Ladywood community area are on the table. Collaboration with local churches is in progress.

Contact

Ademola Oshodi.

Membership

40 members.

The branch is working with MANSAG ( Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain), Igbo Community Birmingham branch, Local churches are; The Christian Life Centre, Selly Oak, Six Ways Erdington Baptist Church, Erdington, Rev George Kalu’s United Reformed church.

Meeting Venue

Oasis Christian Centre, Number One Willoughby Street Beeston Nottingham NG9 2LT.

Proclaiming the Cross

Our meeting days are: 1st Sunday of the month normal fellowship. Prayer meeting on 3rd Sundays as house fellowships. We have varieties of activities with Men and Women fellowships on date to date basis. Our branch is very caring and supportive. All readers of Arise magazine who reside in the West Midland are encouraged to visit Birmingham and share in the love of Christ.

Through quarterly bible study. University outreach to new students every October. Through youth events. Through men’s breakfast meeting. Through Evangelism.

Impacting the Community

Our members are active in the local church and contribute to community development.

To the readers

We meet on the first Sunday of every month from 3pm - 5pm. We always share meals at the end of our meeting.

Please do not hesitate to contact Dr Sunday Ochogwu, the Area Secretary on 07915600652 for any queries.

Contact

Ebenezer Temitope Igunnu.

Ladywood Methodist Church, St Vincent Street West, Birmingham, B16, 8RW.

Proclaiming the Cross

We invite people to normal fellowship meetings. We invite people to special events e.g. Men and Women breakfast meetings, Christmas party. We practice lifestyle evangelism. We get involved in community activities. We distribute Christian literature e.g. Arise Magazine.

St Mary’s church, St Mary’s Road off Beckett Rd Wheatley Doncaster DN1 2NR.

St Clements Family Centre, Oxford OX4 1 DA (1st and 3rd Sundays of the month).

Meeting Venue

Contact

Meeting Venue

35-40 adult members. 12-15 young adults and children.

To the readers

The branch has 12 families: 22 adults and 26 young people including babies.

9 families are regular attendees, with 17 adults and 22 children.

Membership

Local partners

Membership

BIRMINGHAM

Impacting the Community

DONCASTER

NOTTINGHAM

NORTH LONDON

LIVERPOOL

Membership

There are about 10 families in the branch.

Membership

About 30 families consisting of parents and their grown up adults, youths and younger children.

Meeting Venue

For now, we meet in members’ homes but mainly at 12, Chambers Walk, Stanmore Middlesex, HA7 4FN; which is the home of the current area secretary and chairman.

Meeting Venue

The Branch meets at Bethany Pentecostal Church, 301 Old Liverpool Road, Warrington, WA5 1BT.

Proclaiming the Cross

All our activities are centred on the word of God and directed at training His people as well as propagating the gospel. Members are encouraged to serve faithfully in their local churches, utilising every opportunity to extend the kingdom.

The Branch proclaims the cross through monthly fellowship meetings which feature diverse lifeenriching events, monthly prayer meetings hosted by various members, organising annual evangelism weekend in collaboration with various local churches.

Impacting the Community

Brethren are encouraged to live out their faith in their everyday encounters as this can be a powerful witness to those who are yet to know Christ.

The Branch is impacting the community through bringing up our children in a godly way, organising programmes for youths and children to prevent and discourage them from anti-social and ungodly behaviours, supporting troubled families and through evangelism.

Local partners

We have worked with Salvation Army in the past through the shoebox appeal b)Our members have also worked with the Harrow Homeless Shelter Initiative-a partnership of local churches in harrow providing relief to homeless people in during the winter months. c) A member has been running ‘Christianity Explored’ workshops for his local church for a few years d) The branch has partnered with Stefanos Foundation to bring some relief to brothers and sisters in Northern Nigeria.

The local organizations the Branch is working with include individual local churches, association of churches, the Romania Mission and the North West Team for National Day of Prayer.

To the readers

The Branch is made up of loving and committed members, from a wide range of ages and professions, who demonstrate the love of Christ within and outside the Branch through caring, sharing and bearing each other’s burdens morally and spiritually. There is an atmosphere of love and spiritual maturity in the branch. Isaiah O. Adediran.

To the readers

North London Branch is a relatively new branch but we are pressing on in God. Our aim is know Him and our saviour Jesus Christ more intimately; fellowship more deeply with the Holy Spirit and be worthy ambassadors of the Christian faith. All are welcome.

Contact

Sylvia Okoye.

SOUTH ESSEX

LEEDS

Membership

About 10 households (22 adults and children), although there are a few others who come sporadically or have shown interest.

Membership

About 102 members from 25 families.

Meeting Venue

Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Vange Basildon, Essex.

Meeting Venue

Bridge Street Pentecostal Church, Leeds LS2 7QZ.

Proclaiming the cross

Proclaiming the Cross

Through regular fellowships. Through seminars, trainings and workshops. Through visitations. Through mass evangelism and outreaches.

Outreach to undergraduates, collaboration with local churches, distribution of literature (including Arise magazine), Seminars/Workshops, reaching out to those in need.

Impacting the Community

Raising awareness of educational and health issues, signposting essential services and linking Christians with churches and other organisations. Shining the light of Christ and proclaiming faith in Him as a viable life choice.

To the readers

We have a passion for Christ and kingdom principles. We are keen to build relationships with Christians in the Essex region and to raise awareness of OFNC. Many more children come to the annual OFNC Youth Conference from the South Essex area, than those who attend our fellowship meetings. This is because many parents tell us they recognise the impact and value of this initiative, even though they are not attendees.

Contact

Akin Oluwatudimu.

Impacting the Community

We encourage members active participation in their local church. We get other local church ministers involved in some of our programmes. We create an awareness of OFNC activities and events among local churches and seeking collaborative work with them.

Local partners

Caring For Life, WEC, BSPC, Church Of Nazarene.

To the readers

In the Leeds branch, you will find warm and dynamic fellowships, caring atmosphere and sound teachings of the word of god.

Contact

Joseph Ogedengbe.

LONDON

SOUTHAMPTON Membership

About 14 adults and 9 children.

Membership

20 families and a vibrant 18 -30s group.

Meeting Venue

In people’s homes once a month (home fellowship).

Meeting Venue

Upper Chamber Hall, St Mark’s Church,337 Kennington Park Road, Oval, London SE11 4PW.

Proclaiming the Cross

Our members are active in their churches and serving in leadership roles. Through radio, Preaching engagements, Tract distribution. Regular consistent monthly prayer meeting.

The branch supported the Feeding programme of a local church financially to ensure that families in need of food could be supported. Regular monthly international prayer meeting and new year’s eve programme bringing Christians together.

Impacting the Community

Through our joint international prayer meetings once a month and our collaborative new year’s eve programme.

Local partners

Nations Light Ministries and International Pentecostal Community Church at the moment.

To the readers

Though a small branch, God has been faithful in sustaining us all these years and using us for His glory. Our members have been very faithful and we thank God for this.

Contact

Mrs. Arinola Adebekun. Email: arinola.adebekun@ofnc.org.uk. Mobile: 07810360798.

Impacting the Community

Through networking and engaging with contemporary issues.

Local partners

Genesis Impact and supporting Stefanos foundation.

To the readers

Please join us and be part of this exciting group.

Contact

Dr Soji Baikie.

RECONCILERS RADIO, making a difference to what you listen to

If you haven’t yet heard of Reconcilers Radio, then you should visit www.reconcilersradio.net to listen. Ife Akintunde caught up with the brains behind this project, Rev Dr Vince Amaechi Onwukanjo who told him all about it. econcilers Radio is part of a larger project, Reconcilers Evangelical Ministries, (REM) which was launched in 1985, but to understand its origins, you need to look even further back to Dr Onwukanjo’s conversion. In the 1970s. After he became a born again Christian, he joined the Reconcilers Band, based in Enugu Nigeria, and attached to the Scripture Union. The band performed in various churches and campuses, sang at weddings and other occasions and even recorded some albums. When he left Nigeria, his church, (Assemblies of God, Uwani Enugu) the Scripture Union and the band prayed for him and commissioned him to take Reconcilers with him.

Dr Onwukanjo has lived a varied life. His initial education was interrupted by the Nigeria/Biafra Civil war, but after that, he got a job with the Nigeria Construction and Furniture Company. He became a Christian in 1976 and after his commissioning by the Reconcilers Band in 1980, he left for St Patrick’s

University Ireland to study BA English, later choosing a wider scope of sociology and philosophy. From there, he moved to Southbank University London for his masters in sociology of education. He later studied theology at the School of Biblical Studies London and PhD with Minnissota Graduate School of Theology. He is married to Ogoma and they have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. Although he is a prolific writer, he has elected to take his theology outside the ivory tower, and to the people. Apart from the radio station, REM has several arms. The very first project was the singing group and from there, he helped set up many church choirs. About this time, he realised that God had blessed him with the gift of song writing. He had already written many poems, but after praying on a bus home one day for God to give him songs, he wrote his very first one on that bus. He has been inspired in such diverse places as buses, at work and at church services. One night, God inspired him to draft the 15-lesson song writing academy workshops. At the end of the 15-week session, participants perform their

new songs in a concert called Feast of First Fruits. In addition, REM also organises drama. In fact, the very first musical drama performance, based on the book of Nehemiah, was at the OFNC conference in Birmingham,

in 1990 or 91. REM also organises a weekly Bible study programme called Scripture Forum, because he noticed that many believers are “takeaway Christians” who just come for what the pastor has prepared for them. Scripture Forum allows Christians to discuss the Bible

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“ Listen to Reconcilers Radio, you will surely be blessed”.

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in an interactive way, for “those who want to know and those who want to grow”. He has also written books, four are out now and another 3 are in the pipeline. Of course we could tell you what each book contains, but then, why don’t you go and buy them to support the ministry. Their titles are intriguing enough, including “The Son of Man Has Come: Isn’t He Joseph’s Son?” Another book, “The Abundant Kingdom, Your Prosperity Guaranteed” does not look at prosperity in the usual way. He believes that prosperity is indeed guaranteed by the Bible, but in interpreting this, many now “hold on to the bathwater and throw away the baby”. The third book is “Christ Yeshua Alone: The Answer to Your Nagging Questions” and the fourth, “Surprise Surprise! Look Who’s In Heaven! How Did He Get Here?” But this was supposed to be about the radio station which was launched on 5 April this year. Yes. Reconcilers Radio provides a great mix of music and teaching, including programming such as “Arise”, an in-house production which is a mix of interviews and other features. He also carries preachers such as Hugh Osgood, whom he describes as the UK pastor of pastors. Reconcilers is already carrying OFNC programming which should increase shortly. In the meantime, you can hear adverts about our forthcoming events if you tune in. Dr Onwukanjo is committed to letting people know about the OFNC because he sees it in the light of the Scripture Union, an interdenominational fellowship of Christians. He is building on from his extensive media experience with stations like NPower Radio, GFM Radio and Voice Of Africa Radio. However, he looks to Premier Christian Radio as the current benchmark for

Christian/internet radio. He hopes that within 18 months, Reconcilers Radio will have 200 simultaneous listeners at any time of the day or night. He’s counting on our readers to make this happen. Listeners will be able to hear great music, life changing preaching and teachings, drama news, views and current affairs. He believes that this station is “the Home of Fantastic Gospel Music”. His motivation is that what people hear is what builds them up. Reconcilers Radio is built as a help to Christians and to counteract what people hear in other media or radio stations. Of course, he is aware that there are other Christian radio stations around; however, he believes that there are not enough. Although there is no specific target audience, he prays that Christians will listen and introduce their friends to it. If non-Christians listen, great! They will become addicted. Already, listenership is growing, not just from UK but from the USA, Canada, Pakistan, Nigeria and many other countries. Pakistan was a welcome surprise because it’s a majority Islamic country, but it fits in with his vision. When I asked if Reconcilers Radio is the flagship of REM, he said “sort of”, but as a teacher and preacher, his main focus is on the Scripture Forum because people get to discuss the Bible. He does not feel led to plant churches, nor does he want grandiose titles such as Bishop, Apostle, Prophet….. Though an ordained minister, he loves it when brethren call him Brother Vin, Vince or Vincent, rather than Reverend. Then I asked what message he would like to send to readers. He said, “ Listen to Reconcilers Radio, you will surely be blessed”. He thanked God that he became a Christian before University, where it is so easy to get sidetracked with the philosophies of this world. His hope is to leave a legacy of a place where people can hear and learn God’s word, irrespective of denomination.

CONNECT CONFERENCE Friday 15th – Sunday 17th November 2013

OFNC Events Calendar WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS CONFERENCE

18 OCTOBER 2014 THEME: Beauty for Ashes/Widowhood and Beyond - The Challenges and Solutions for fulﬁlling God's plan for your life - Isaiah 61: 2-4 VENUE: the Barnes Hotel, Cardington Road, Bedfordshire, MK44 3SA

WOMEN IN BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP WInBLe 8TH NOVEMBER 2014 THEME: "God's Grace In Every Spectrum Of Our Lives" – Hebrews 4:16 VENUE: Kenwood Hall Hotel Kenwood Road Sheﬃeld South Yorkshire S7 1NQ

CONNECT 2014

1416 NOVEMBER 2014 THEME: Commissioned - Matthew 28:19-20. VENUE: De Vere Venues, Wychwood Park Weston Crewe Cheshire CW2 5GP

ANCHOR MEN'S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 30 NOVEMBER 2014 THEME: Impacting the Nation Matthew 5:13-16. 14-16 February, OFNC Couple's weekend

AMPLIFIED YOUTH CONFERENCE 4 APRIL TO 6 APRIL 2015

CHILDREN’S OUTING 6 JUNE 2015

OFNC WOMEN'S CONFERENCE 13 JUNE 2015

OFNC ANNUAL FAMILY CONFERENCE 28 AUGUST TO 31 AUGUST 2015

NIGERIA PRAYS

6TH SEPTEMBER VENUE: Christ Faith Tabernacle, 186 Powis Street, Woolwich, London SE18 6NL OFNC CONTACT DETAILS OFNC currently has branches in Bedford, Birmingham, Doncaster, Lancaster, Leeds, Lincoln, Liverpool, London (Central), Manchester, Newcastle, North London, Nottingham, Oxford, Sheffield, South Essex, Southampton and Teesside. 020 7097 5153 info@ofnc.org.uk London Office: 12 Chambers Walk, Stanmore, Middlesex, London HA7 4FN Manchester Office: Top House, Shawheath Close, Manchester, M15 4BQ