Sunrise april 2015 by Sunrise

SPRING 2015 £2.50 Where Sold

IN CHRIST ALONE NO REVIVAL WITHOUT PRAYER

RCCG CHURCHES IMPACT COMMUNITIES AND NATION

PRAYING FOR UK GENERAL ELECTIONS

INSPIRATION

YOUTH

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FROM THE GENERAL OVERSEER FROM THE CENTRAL OFFICE EDITORIAL NOTE IN CHRIST ALONE COMMUNITY RCCG GRACE CHAPEL: POSITIVELY IMPACTING TOMORROW’S LEADERS RCCG OUR SAVIOUR’S PARISH OVERCOMING LANGUAGE BARRIERS COVENANT PARTNERS 2015 “CHIBOK GIRLS: ONE YEAR AFTER”

16 MISSIONS WATER POVERTY 18 CHURCH AND STATE IN 21ST CENTURY BRITAIN 19 THINK ON THESE THINGS 20 THE NEXUS OF PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION 22 INSPIRATIONAL THINKING ON PURPOSE 24 FINDING LOVE STARTS WITH YOU

26 RCCG YOUTH MINISTRY 27 APPRENTICESHIPS 28 HEALTH PROLONGING LIFE THROUGH HEALTHY EATING HABITS AND EXERCISE 29 SPORTS DAY 30 IT IS ALL ABOUT JESUS 31 HELP ME TO SHARE MY FAITH IN CHRIST 34 AFRICA MISSIONS 36

37 38 40 42 44

EVENTS 17TH GRADUATION AND AWARD CEREMONY OF CHRIST THE REDEEMER BIBLE COLLEGE COVENANT PARTNERS’ MEETING OCTOBER 2014 PASTORS’ AND MINISTERS’ SEEDFAMILY UK EVENT WORKERS’ RALLY OCTOBER 2014 FESTIVAL OF LIFE OCTOBER 2014 RCCG UK PARENTING SKILLS

46 48 52 54 56 57 58

60 63 68 66 68

ORDAINED MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE GOOD WOMAN CONFERENCE CAN YOUR CHURCH WEBSITE PASS THIS CRUCIAL TEST? NEW LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENT EXPLORING PROFESSIONAL CHRISTIAN COUNSELLING MATTERS OF THE HEART IT SECTION CAN YOUR CHURCH WEBSITE PASS THIS CRUCIAL TEST? TRIBUTE A TRIBUTE TO DADDY G.O. 73 REVIVAL LEGAL IMMIGRATION LAW UPDATE!!! NO REVIVAL WITHOUT THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER RCCG UK 2015 NATIONAL EVENTS DATES IN CHRIST ALONE

SUNRISE Magazine ISSN NO: 2042-6542 EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief: MODUPE AFOLABI Managing Editor: YINKA ODUWOLE Editor: ANDREA ONDUKU Photography (RCCG Events): KUSH Contributory Photographer: FEMI ONATUGA Designed by: Marlon Adekoya Published by: The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), United Kingdom facebook.com/rccguk twitter.com/rccguk youtube.com/rccguk All communications to: Sunrise Magazine, RCCG Central Office, Redemption House, Station Road, Knebworth, SG3 6AT. Disclaimer: The ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. The publisher, editors,contributors and related parties are not responsible in any way for the actions or results taken by any person, organisation or parties on thebasis of reading information, stories or contributions to be found in this publication. Tel: + 44 (0) 208 171 1030 Email: info@sunrisemagazine.org. Web: www.sunrisemagazine.org

CHRIST

ALONE

(Transcribed from a message at the Holy Ghost Service, Redemption Camp, Nigeria)

FROM THE CENTRAL OFFICE

Spring Forth

BY PASTOR MODUPE AFOLABI

Spring Forth SPRING FORTH

As Spring unfolds and flowers begin to bloom, it might be helpful to share some thoughts with you, three months into the year. Hopefully, these may inspire or comfort you, irrespective of how the wind has blown thus far. When you think about it, so much wisdom can be unearthed from the word ‘spring’, deeply hidden beneath its surface meanings. Spring, for instance, could mean ‘to arise’, to move forward suddenly. This has relevance for our everyday lives. From time to time, it may be helpful to rise up from where we have been stationary and be intentional about moving beyond our comfort zones. This is the place where true growth often takes place. In a related way, the word ‘spring’ suggests an emergence within a very short time, usually in a positive direction – upwards. When we choose to come out of the mundane and the familiar, we can very easily spring into our ultimate purpose in a surprisingly quick manner. There is also a deeper sense embedded in the word ‘spring’, that which refers to someone or something being suddenly released from a constraining or limiting position. To spring forth from where you are is, therefore, to intentionally set yourself free from every limiting terrain. As springtime beckons, make up your mind to take your life in your own hands! Your life is precious; you have only one life. Life is fragile; handle it carefully. Since 1st January, you have already grown three months older. Who has put the brakes on your life? By the grace of God, your new season begins this 2015.

For the rest of the year, speak words of life to yourself. Be assertive. Refuse to fail. Stop believing the lies of the devil. God said He will INCREASE your greatness; which means there is already an amount of greatness inside you. Focus on the ONE main thing you will achieve in 2015. It is not easy to forget things which are behind, but it is possible. Pray. Don’t suppress hurts. A person who looks behind cannot look forward at the same time; worse still, such will have an accident. Whatever does not look like your vision is a distraction! Be alert; distractions can come disguised as attractions. Spring forth! Reach forward. Expect opposition and hindrance, especially from the least expected sources, but don’t give up. Break through the resistance. The things ahead of us are better than the things that have passed. Determine to blossom. The wind of God is behind you. Stay well. Shalom. * Pastor Modupe Afolabi is the Editor-in-Chief of Sunrise Magazine and Executive Administrator of RCCG UK Central Office. Pastor Modupe Afolabi is Editor-in-Chief of Sunrise Magazine and Executive Administrator of RCCG Central Office.

Philippians 3:13-14 advises us to forget those things that are behind and reach forth unto those things which are ahead. Press on! Press on towards the prize of your high calling which is from God. Overcome your mistakes. Pastor Modupe Afolabi is Editor-in-Chief of Sunrise Magazine Failure is not final. It is when one accepts failure that the and Executive Administrator of RCCG Central Office. person truly fails.

SPECIAL

Festival Of Life FEATURE

Joseph Amaeze is a regular contributor to Sunrise.

PASTOR TOYIN TAIWO

Pastor Toyin, you are an ordained Minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God and you are the Pastor of Grace Chapel, Chesterfield, However, in January 2013, I was called into a meeting with please can you tell us more about the church? the officer in charge of the Safer Community Partnerships office and the coordinators of Street Grace Chapel is a multicultural and Pastors, an multiracial church in the heart of organisation who engage with people Chesterfield Town. Our church was on the streets to care for them, listen to inaugurated on April 5 2009 and our them and help them. Together we brainmandate is to bring the grace and stormed how to solve the problems of salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ to young people our town. congregating near the bus station which is also an abode for some Can you tell us about your Social homelesspeople. Grace Chapel Action Project and what inspired decided to open the doors to these you to embark on it? young people while the street pastors would patrol around town directing them We currently have a youth project that to our Drop-in runs on Friday nights in the Centre. churchpremises. The project was recently recognised and branded as a When did the project start and how ROC Café. ROC Cafés are has it impacted your community? multi-agency supported youth drop in projects which provide healthy This particular project started In April diversionary activities for young 2013 and has made a massive impact people and are part of a national in the life of the young people. You must initiative pioneered by Debra Green understand that the young people we who is the Founder and Executive are talking about were on drugs (legal Director of Redeeming Our Communities, a charity whose highs) and some were alcoholics.At the end of our first main aim is to bring about community transformation. In year, we had seen quite a few of the young people quit 2010 God said to me, “I have given you Chesterfield drugs, College”. At this time, the church opened a friendship cafe indeed some have stopped coming to the project because which fed they have straightened out their lives and have moved on, Chesterfield college students for free on Wednesdays. they only come to visit once At this time, I thought that this prophecy was going to be in a while. Just recently one of the young people who used fulfilled through this outreach to the youngpeople in the to attend the project became a volunteer working in the college.

centre to help others and another two asked me if they could volunteer at the soup kitchen which is another socialaction project we run. Also recently, we have noticed that the young people want to come into the building daily, sitting through 1 hour prayer meetings and 3 hour choir practices. They are open to the gospel and are responding as well. How did you raise financial and human resources for such a big project? It is not really financially intensive. All we needed to start was the games equipment which the church had already as we previously ran a quarterly games night and we also served sandwiches weekly while people made use of the games equipment. From experience I would also say that is very important to have partnerships with the council and street pastors in your area. They have at times donated gifts and confectioneries to the project. Likewise we are part of Churches Together and they have also donated snacks to us now and again. Regarding human resources, we often have volunteers come through partnerships we have made with churches in our town and the Street Pastors.

help the young people when they came in to us under the influence of drugs. This also was solved as we sought for training programmes for the volunteers and this is ongoing. What would be your advice to fellow Pastors in RCCG who would like to start such a project in their community? My recommendation would be that they should find out what particular needs are in their community and seek to meet those needs. Another important lesson that I have learnt is that we should not postpone projects while waiting for funding, rather we should start the project and show the results in order to get funding. Lastly, I would like to recommend that we work in partnership with other churches and Christian organisations in our towns and cities to pool together our expertise and financial and human resources. If you are interested in running a ROC CafĂŠ specifically, the ROC National Office provides advice and expertise at each stage of the process. They provide publicity design, social media marketing, fundraising advice and contacts, training workshops and contacts with public services.

What challenges did you face and how have you been ableto conquer them? The first challenge we faced was how to gather the young people and get them to come into the Drop In centre but this was quickly resolved as the Street Pastors went into town to bring them in. Next we had the problem of how to

Pastor Ladokun, please can you tell us about your church? RCCG Our Saviour’s Parish is located in Norton - on Tees in the borough of Stockton, North East England. The parish was inaugurated on the 4th December, 2011 and has grown to be a multinational congregation with about 15 countriesrepresented from across the world. Can you tell us about your Social Action Project and what inspired you to embark on it? As a result of the influx into the parish of French-speaking families (from Congo DR, Congo Brazzaville, Cameroon and Ivory Coast to mention a few) who are members of the local community, a communication problem arose which needed to be resolved if the parish is to keep these precious people and be a blessing to them. At this point there was no French-speaking church (to the best of our knowledge) in the borough. Prior to this problem arising, the Holy Spirit had ministered to me that a brother and his family will join the church soon and he will share a vision with me which I should accept as the vision is from Him. At the fulness of time, the brother appeared (Harmony Lumonamo) and behold I discovered he was fluent and very comfortable speaking both English and French. We immediately appointed him as the French interpreter for the church services and he has remained in the position ever since then. How has this impacted your community? We began French interpretation in our services in December 2012 and as a result, there has been a positive growth in the number of French speaking

people in the church. News has gone beyond the Stockton borough as far as the borough of Middlesbrough that the spiritual needs of the French community are being met in Our Saviour’s Parish. They now have a sense of belonging. Also, a 15 seat minibus had been dedicated to bringing them to and dropping them off church on Sunday driven by the interpreter himself Br Harmony Lumonamo and the parish flyers reflect the French translation. The interpreter was made the International Officer of the Church and an ‘International Sunday’ service was organised to underpin what God had started. This service attracted many other nationals and in the end people willingly contributed towards organising a bigger version of the International Sunday to be called ‘International Day ‘that will run for the whole day. Plans are underway to hopefully secure the attendance of the Mayor of Stockton and other dignitaries. We have also commenced the French translation of the RCCG Workers in Training Manual in order to recruit more French-speaking members into the work force of the parish. What would be your advice to fellow Pastors in RCCG who wish to start a similar project? I would advise Pastors to embrace the congregation that God brings their way because God has already made provision for their spiritual needs in a language they will understand.

Pastor E.A. Adeboye Unveils New Covenant Partnership Scheme BELOVED Calvary greetings in Jesus’ name. I want to thank you all for your continuous support for this work of the Great Commission ordered by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world and the Son of the Most High God. I have prayed for you, I am still praying for you and I will continue to pray for you always until victory is yours on all fronts in Jesus’ name. I also pray that you will grow as I grow too in Jesus’ name. Amen. This time around, those who choose to be my Covenant Partners in the work of the Great Commission will have to set aside at least two days in a month to fast and pray for me. Your prayers, among other things shall include telling God to give us more grace to do this work. I promise you also that I will fast and pray always for you too and I believe as we join our faith together in prayers, all will be well with you and with me in Jesus’ name. Amen!

GROUP 1: Those who pledge £10 per month GROUP 2: Those who pledge £100 per month GROUP 3: Those who pledge £500 per month GROUP 4: Those who pledge £1,000 per month GROUP 5: Those who pledge £5,000 per month GROUP 6: Those who pledge £10,000 per month GROUP 7: Those who pledge £50,000 per month

Another thing is that as God gives you grace, my partners can choose to belong to any of the groups below to contribute to the work of the Great Commission and as the Spirit leads. For this new partner’s contribution programme ,we have the following pledge groups:

To become a Covenant Partner, please contact the Central Office of the Redeemed Church of God in the United Kingdom for your membership form: Email: covenantpartners@rccg.co.uk Tel: 0208 171 1030 Address: RCCG Central Office, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Redemption House, Station Approach, Knebworth SG3 6AT

Church and State in 21st Century Britain

he relationship between Church and State in most jurisdictions has never been easy to manage. The historical record bears witness. Take a leap back to the Middle Ages and images of Papal absolutism come to mind, with a sudden interruption in the 16th century following Martin Luther’s enlightened but vexatious quest for answers to established societal norms.

must wisely review the key issues, arguments and individuals leading to the elections. Voters will do well to critically examine political parties’ policies in such sectors as housing, transport, infrastructure and local government; home affairs, health and social care; international development; education; business and financial services; energy and the environment; as well as cultural matters.

Accounts of the enigmatic German theologian being hunted down in the wild by an enraged spiritual cum political establishment must have undoubtedly made great drama at the time. Of course, much good was to come out of this spectacle, what with the birth of Protestantism, the consequent multiplicity of Christian denominations and the move towards democratisation of society.

The policy pledges and achievements of the political parties prior to the last general elections should also be carefully reviewed. Furthermore, a co-ordinated manifesto for action by faith groups can also prove helpful, such as that recently published by the National Church Leaders’ Forum (NCLF) in the United Kingdom. Churches and related Christian organisations should participate in the voter registration campaign - www.gov. uk/register-to-vote. Most importantly, as Christians, we must pray for God’s will to be done at the forthcoming UK General Elections, as the Holy Scriptures admonishes us in 1 Timothy 2: 1-3: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour,”. By Dr Yinka Oduwole

The point is this: religion and politics often make strange bedfellows; yet, it appears one cannot really thrive without the other. This dilemma continues till today. How the modern State should relate to matters of faith remains a tricky question, especially for democratic societies: should the State distance itself completely from religion or rather seek to cultivate a pragmatic relationship? In the United Kingdom, the debate continues in various dimensions, albeit mediated by the usual pragmatism of the British: the historical reality of a State Church – the Church of England – is somehow delicately balanced side-by-side a commitment to institutional respect for all faiths. In this scenario, politicians often have a most difficult role to play: just how close should they be to matters of faith in an increasingly multi-faith society? The quandary is often manifest whenever public discourse borders on the role of faith in public life: should a politician not do God while in office, or is s/he permitted to live out their faith publicly during their tenure, while still, of course being the defender of all citizens irrespective of whether they are people of faith or not. The latter construct appears to be winning the day in today’s UK politics. In other words, religion can be both a matter of private and public life. It need not be one or the other. This, in the view of many, is as it should be. Matters of faith should rightly be in both public and private spheres. Against the backdrop of the UK General Elections in May 2015, people of faith should also seek to be intentionally involved in the deliberations in the public square leading to this historic poll. Christians from all expressions of the faith

Intercessory prayers for the nation at the Festival of Life in London

Think on these Things The 10 Commandments

Are the Ten Commandments still relevant today? This was the thought that jumped at me as I mused over this column, seeking illumination about what to pen in this edition. Frankly, it was a somewhat awkward writer’s moment; there are easier topics to write about. The spiritual and moral compass which God gave to Israel through Moses on Mount Sinai surely set out an extraordinary behavioural standard for the recently-liberated nation still making its way to the Promised Land. Of course, you and I know that all said and done, the Scriptures – Old and New Testaments alike – point clearly to Jesus Christ, and Him alone. God’s principles and standards really do not change, although the requirements of particular dispensations may differ. This is the sense with which one could approach the recurring and sometimes controversial matter of the 10 Commandments. Let us examine them one after the other, as written in (Exodus 20:1-17) 1. You shall have no other gods before me. Few disciples of Jesus Christ will dispute that the Scriptures clearly teach that salvation of the soul can only be attained through belief in Messiah as the One who gave His life for the redemption of humanity. There is no name under Heaven by which men must be saved except Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). In a post-modern dispensation characterised by an intellectual appreciation of the validity of other belief systems and world views, only the brave could still say, with love and humility, that Jesus is the only Way to God. We are still to have no other gods besides Jehovah. 2. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them. Yet, more controversial territory. The Scriptures, however, remind us that our God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Enough said. 3. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Did God really say that to you? Think about this when next you tell someone ‘God told me such-and-such’. The ease with which many of us who are Christians today attribute agency in many matters to God may indeed be a cause for reflection and prayer. Did God really say?

5. Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. The example of our Saviour Jesus Christ settles the matter. At the wedding in Cana of Galilee, He honoured His mother’s request to save the day by miraculously providing extra wine for the party guests (John 2:1-11). His life ebbing away on a Roman Cross, He makes arrangements for His mother’s welfare (John 19: 25-27). In addition to biological or adoptive parents, we should honour our spiritual fathers and mothers. 6. You shall not murder. This commandment still carries a literal interpretation, which is why penal codes everywhere disallow murder. Yet, people can be assassinated by what we say. Did you always wonder why the Scriptures say the tongue has power over life and death? (Proverbs 18:21a). Mind what you say. 7. You shall not commit adultery. A commandment so simple but so easily breakable if anyone were to let their guards down and not follow God’s strategies to protect our hearts and minds. God’s wisdom is supreme. 8. You shall not steal. Anyone who has been stealing should steal no longer, but work with their own hands, so they can share with others in need (Ephesians 4:28). 9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour. Put simply, is it the truth? 10. You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. The sin to avoid here is covetousness. The dictionary defines it as being jealously eager for the possession of something belonging to another. It is a state of mind. The answer to covetousness is contentment. A man can only have that which is given to him from Heaven (John 3:27). Godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. Think on these things. * Dr Oduwole is the Managing Editor of Sunrise and Parish Pastor of The Risen Christ, Knebworth.

4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Here, deference to God’s principles may save the day. The short answer is this: Whatever your Sabbath is, keep it holy. Set aside time to worship, reverence and commune with God. Most of us do this on Sundays.

Rccg Youth Ministry “Successful young people are never an accident” - pastor bajo akisanya

7. Exercise can be fun It is a way to unwind It is a good way to enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy It is a good way to connect with family and friends in a fun social setting Make exercise fun - take a swimming class, join a football team, athletics team. Find a physical activity you enjoy and just do it, if you get bored, try something new.

BY PASTOR DANIEL AKANMU

MEETING of COVENANT PARTNERS

With Pastor E.a. Adeboye

2014

ORDAINED MINISTERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CONFERENCE (OMC) 2015

he yearly retreat of all RCCG UK Ordained Ministers took place at Bournemouth in April 2015. The conference was a glorious opportunity for inspired teaching and mentorship from the General Overseer Pastor E.A. Adeboye and other senior leaders of the church.

GOOD WOMEN FELLOWSHIP (GWF) UK 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

hemed “The Woman Shepherd”, the annual conference of the Good Women Fellowship (GWF) of the Redeemed

Christian Church of God (RCCG) was held at Bournemouth in April. Hosted by RCCG’s Mother-in-Israel Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye, the meeting featured interactive sessions, talks, lectures, and an abundant amount of worship to the Great Shepherd our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.

THE PASTORS’ SEED FAMILY UK CONFERENCE

he Pastors’ Seed Family (PSF) UK held its 2015 Annual Conference in Bournemouth. Attended by children of Pastors and Ministers from across the country, it was a forum for worship, teaching and fellowship.

Join Daddy GO for the 2015 Israel Tour – 7th to 17th May, 2015 For more information, please call Kemi on 07832334867

Mobile: + 44(0)7832 334 867 Email: info@httravel.co.uk

CONGRATULATIONS

We congratulate and rejoice with

PASTOR SHOLA ADEAGA on his appointment as Member, Executive Council RCCG United Kingdom Signed: RCCG Central Office On behalf of the members and parishes of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, United Kingdom

CONGRATULATIONS

We congratulate and rejoice with

PASTOR WUNMI OLADUNJOYE on her appointment as Member, Board of Trustees RCCG United Kingdom Signed: RCCG Central Office On behalf of the members and parishes of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, United Kingdom

RCCG UK

SCHOOL OF PRAYER for all nations

Part time Evening and Weekend Professional Acting Course that will run You can request an application form by sending an email to from June 2015 to September 2016. info@rccgdramaacademy.co.uk How to Apply and Auditions The Application process will involve an interview and an audition. The Application: To apply by post please send the completed application form to:

Open Day Saturday, 2nd May 2015 Time: 10am to 4pm Audition Date Saturday, 13th June 2015 Time: 10am to 4pm

Admissions Office RCCG Drama Academy London School Start Date RCCG Central Office Monday, 22nd June 2015 Station Approach Time: 6.30pm Knebworth, SG3 6AT www.rccguk.org For more information please visit our website: www.rccgdramaacademy.co.uk or send an email to info@rccgdramaacademy.co.uk

career@trinitysolicitors.com

RCCG MUSIC SCHOOL presents

For choirs, worship leaders and anyone interested in learning about worship.

London - Manchester - Cardiff - Aberdeen

KEY FEATURES INCLUDE: • Biblical principles of worship • Worship from God’s perspective • Vocal health and techniques

• Microphone techniques • Stage vs Studio • Songwriting • Working in a team

• Leadership in worship • Worship and instruments (for musicians)

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE E-MAIL: FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT RCCG CENTRAL OFFICE ON 02081711030 schoolofworship@rccg.co.uk

In Christ Alone written by Keith Getty and Staurt Townend.