Maggie: Down memory lane
“of promise”
Alton Towers; a CHOSEN experience Fresher’s affair
Bethel
Behind the Veil When it could be so hard The Art of Leadership POEMS
EVENTS
LIFESTYLE
plus KIDZ
LEADERSHIP
HEALTH
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Are you looking for ways to expand your client base? To reach the people who really matter to your business? Source is a quarterly magazine distributed free of charge and by placing an advert at the cheapest rate ever, you can publicise your products and services to an ever increasing readership For further details contact Eddy on 01707 377 443 or office@rccgfountainoflife.org Terms & conditions apply 2|Source Magazine
EDITORIAL QUILL
CONTENTS
Welcome Readers!
3
Editorial Welcome
4
Pastor’s desk: The Call
6
Church Together
7
POEM: Why I Love
7 HEALTH TIPS: Terrible but Terrific 10 POEM: Love & Faith
Passing through the woods, my eyes trailed after leaves. It was quite unusual that I was not thinking about activities and people. Just leaves. Some leaves were long and narrow. Others were short and broad, oval, spiky, leathery, huge, streaked, tanned, splashed with colours, and often than not, a few were just plain. I realized that as many as they were, the season was drawing near when they would no longer be found. For several months, these leaves have drawn attention from several blocks away and caused many to be in awe. I imagined how the leaves would feel to return back to earth after hanging on throughout the summer. That reminded me of Jesus parable in John 12:24 that unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. No matter, how beautiful life seems; there are re-defining moments in our lives when we must return back to the very source of our existence either in pleasure or pain. This is the place where we are awakened, shapened, sharpened, refilled and reinstructed to fulfil purpose. Welcome to another edition of Source. We have left you wanting for ages because we were preparing the very best. In this edition, we would bring you thought-provoking truths on Bethel “the House of God”, similarly to the earth were all leaves return. We live in a twisted, depressed and pleasure oriented society where it’s so easy for Christians to forget the sole reason for Christ’s death. We are often swept in the tide of life that says we don’t need God and “it doesn’t matter”. No matter where your stand is with God, we all need a refreshing time. Source magazine features Maggie’s story which describes how it’s easy to forget the place of promise and a reawakening. Enjoy Poems and share RACE and CHOSEN experiences. Also, pick a few tips on Christian living. We believe this magazine would serve as a source of Life to all our readers. On behalf of the Source Team, I would like to say thank you for support, patience and patriotism. We look forward to any comments, questions and suggestions for further editions. Happy Reading.
3|Source Magazine
11 CHOSEN: Alton’s Tower: A chosen experience 12 RACE: Fresher’s Affair 14 KIDS HUT 19 ART OF LEADERSHIP 22 LIFE SKILLS: Success BOOK REVIEW
EDITORIAL TEAM Executive Editor: Pastor Kunle Adetola Managing Editor: Ehiosun Edobor Eddy Editor: Tosin Onabanjo Design: Ibukun, Eddy & Tosin Contributors: Babajide Fadairo, Bola Onafuye, Femi Adaramewa, Gbonju Akintola, Tope Dada, Ajibade Adesina, L. Akwa, Ikeoluwapo Oloyede Source is RCCG Fountain of Life magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole part without permission is strictly prohibited Please address editorial enquiries, subscriptions, suggestions, comments, and advert enquiries Fountain of Life 15 Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BU office@rccgfountainoflife.org www.rccgfountainoflife.org. 01707 377443
PASTOR’S DESK
The Call by Pastor Kunle Adetola
What a great privilege to share words from the FOUNTAIN of Life Himself! It is with great joy that I welcome you to this new edition of SOURCE magazine. This issue is centred on “Bethel – the place of Promise” and brings us to issues that are central to our lives and our walk with God. It is most wrongly assumed that God’s calling are for special people but God’s words describe a contrary view. He has called us all for a specific purpose and this goes beyond becoming a pastor or an evangelist (Matt22:14). In this issue, we would be considering the Call God made to Jacob in Gen 35 v 1 to draw him back to fulfilling His call. “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother (Gen 35 v 1).” Prior to this point in Jacob’s life, he had been on the run. He was forced to embark on a journey when it was known that Esau was planning to kill him (Gen 27v42 – 28v5). This journey turned out not only to be a rescue plot from Esau’s threat, but was his encounter with the true source of destiny. At a “certain place”, which later became an “awesome place”, God introduced Himself to Jacob as the “God of Abraham and the God of Isaac”. He was willing to be the God of Jacob too. He revealed His plan to him. However, as interesting and memorable as this experience was, Jacob still did not learn the ways of God. He wanted to excel at all cost. These nature and character were evident in his marriages, the way he coordinated his wives and children, and how he lived in Laban’s house (Gen 29 – 31) as a grabber. 4|Source Magazine
How you received God’s promises and instructions for your life but chose to run it the way you want? Are you substituting gold for GOD? Like Jacob, Have you become a Grabber, “at all cost”? Jacob strayed in the quest for marriage, wealth and power. He was more concerned with the issues of life that led him to making wrong choices with unnecessary burdens, a characteristic of any life that had lost touch with God. True to God’s character of love and mercy which reaches out to us always. He called out to Jacob again and this Call in Gen 35v1 was very instructive and this is still applicable to us today. Arise…Jacob who has journeyed for several years pitched his tent in Shechem. God had previously instructed him in (Gen 21v13) to return to the land of his ancestors. He seems to have forgotten God’s plan and where he was going. He pitched at the wrong location. Have you been tried on the way and distracted by goodies? Do not pitch your tent there for that place which is not God’s destination. Are you stagnated under the pretence of world’s progress rather than God? Have you slept on the path to fulfilling what God has called you for? Don’t stop friend, Arise, move on to your destiny! This Call is to arouse you from sleep and awake you to Righteousness. …go up to Bethel: Jacob was not just to move on to nowhere. There was a specific destination – Bethel. Why Bethel? That was the place of Jacob’s initial contact with God. Many have lost that place in their lives. They have gone lukewarm – forgotten how they
met Christ and how their love for him was very strong. Get back to the place of the beginning! God would not instruct Jacob to move on to any other place than Bethel – the place of personal experience with God – where your heart and passion was all out for the Lord! That is only the way UP. Any other attempt is in futility…Go up to meet God. …and dwell there: The place of our personal encounter with Christ is not a place that we go occasionally, maybe when we have issues to solve. The place of constant awareness of God is where we are to live continually. We are to remain and dwell there. Not just to visit there. It is not a once-a-while experience; we are to be consistent in knowing God. This is the only place that our safety and provision is guaranteed. …make an Altar there: Why will God tell Jacob to go and build an altar again in Bethel? “But Jacob had built an altar there before?” would be your question. Gen 28v18 said Jacob set the stone he used as headrest as a pillar - not an altar. It is instructive to know that whatever Jacob built then did not matter to God because the life he lived at that time was that of an exploiter – a sinner. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination unto God (Prov 15v8). However, after the encounter Jacob had with the angel of the Lord in Gen 32 v 25-31, his name was changed. His identity changed and that began to affect his way of life. Although God had been speaking to him (Gen 31v3, 11-13), it was only this time in Gen 35 that he had the moral justification to ask the
people who were living with him to destroy their idols (Gen 35v2). He knew all along that they had idols but could not confront them because his own life was still very crooked and not straight with God and before men. We cannot effect any change in our society if we do not keep a clean record before God and man. The world is tired of fakes. They (society) want to see genuine people who will live and do righteousness. It was only after Jacob’s change of identity, that he could summon courage to embark on the journey God had been calling him to take, living the life God had intended for him. The defining moment for Jacob was when he knew that there was a life beyond material possessions. He had riches before now but he was not blessed yet. He buried the passion and ambition to pursue possessions and instead went for the Possessor. He dissociated himself from working for what will perish and reached for that which will last. Jacob’s personal wishes and desires were sacrificed here and only then could he pursue God’s desires for his life. Jacob had presented his life to God and emptied himself. His life has been altered by God and he was not dependent on himself any longer – he could not struggle to have his way any longer (Gen 32v25,31). God’s Call is a higher calling. The Call is more than the outward message of the Word of God to men. It is internal, and is the result of the enlightening and sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit (Acts 26: 18), effectually drawing men to Christ, and disposing and enabling them to receive the truth (John 6:45; Acts 16:14; Eph. 1:17). It is a call to a life and godliness and beyond grabbing possessions and self-fulfilment. It is a Call to a place where “bread” is no longer the motivation and target of living. God is making a demand on our lives today! Purpose and the fulfilment of it is not elusive neither is it a goose chase. It is achievable – in God! The Promise of God is “Ye and Amen” but He is more interested in our lives reaching out for Him than just obtaining the Promise (2 Pet 5|Source Magazine
3:9). Jacob knew the Promise by stumbling into the place (Gen 28v10-22) but could not lay hold of it until he came to that defining moment in his life – that critical point that redirected his life forever. Just as God called Jacob in the days of old, He is still calling out! Quit your search, all you are looking for is in Christ. It is only in Christ we find true identity and what we are living for (Eph 1v11 Msg). Heed the Call and keep your heart on the road that leads to Him because it is only in Him your life can find true meaning. HE IS THE SOURCE!
SALVATION PRAYER Do you want to have a relationship with God? Do you want to reconcile with your creator? There is no sin too great that He cannot forgive or too small to overlook. Ask HIM to be your Saviour & Lord today. Simply pray the following prayer, believing in your heart and Jesus would be your Lord. Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. Your word says, “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved and “if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shall believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved (Act 2:21; Rom.10:19). I believe your word. I confess my sins and I acknowledge you as my Lord and personal saviour. Thank you for coming into my heart, for giving me your Holy Spirit as you have promised and for being Lord over my life. Amen If you have prayed this prayer, contact prayer@rccgfountainoflife.org to pray with you. We would send you a free salvation package to help you begin your new life in Jesus.
Prayer & Fasting Seek God’s face for the Coming year 2011: December 6th -19th RCCG Global Fasting: Feb 1-Feb 28 (dates subject to confirmation) Weekly Prayer meeting: Every Thursday (19:00hrs-20:00hrs) Fountain of life, WGC
CHURCH TOGETHER
Coming Events & Programs From Fountain of Life
Gideon’s army “…and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Rev5:10)
Sayings of King Lemuel (Prov. 31:1-10)
Events: Community Carol Service: December 4, 2010 Howard Centre | Welwyn Garden City| Herts, UK JAM (Jesus and Me) Party: December 16, 2010 Fountain of Life| Dec. Night Vigil Service: December 17, 2010 Fountain of Life| Church Carol Service: December 17, 2010 Fountain of Life|
The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle his mother taught him: “O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. “It is not for kings, O Lemuel—not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Watch Night Service: December 31, 2010 Fountain of Life| 2011 Special Thanksgiving Service: January 2, 2011 Fountain of Life 8th Anniversary: April 4, 2011 Fountain of Life| Special Training Discipleship Training: Dec 5th- Dec 26th Fountain of Life| Every Sunday| 8:30am-9:00am Discipleship Training: Jan 5th- Dec 26th Fountain of Life| Every Sunday| 8:30am-9:00am
Welcome to the Men's Ministry known as the "Gideon's Army" (Judges 7:7). For more information about the MEN’s MINISTRY at FOUNTAIN OF LIFE, E-MAIL US @ men@rccgfountainoflife.org
Quick Note: Events at Fountain of Life take place at 15 Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BU, Herts, UK
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Why I love
Terrible but Terrific
I can understand why I love you you set me free from chains, Chains that many today mistake for an accessory Chains of a self induced hell. You stepped into my hell And held me above the flames
I cherish nature most especially plants and believe in its use for curing various ailments. Plants are wonderful gifts from God. There are number of plants mentioned in the bible with different uses among which are the fig, hyssop, garlic and mustard. I never realized the power of garlic until I used it to treat a terrible cough. I could also remember vividly during my childhood days that “Ewuro”, a common medicinal plant was my favourite, although very bitter. Surprisingly, I preferred it to these white and yellow tablets, and was amazed by the sudden cure. I know most people dislike garlic because of its pungent smell but it is an amazing food spice. Garlic was a favourite of Kings and highly treasured by Egyptians. It serves as a medicinal herb in curing cough, catarrh, eczema, diabetes, toothache and even most dreadful disease “cancer” according to health research (Bergner, 1996). Although, garlic is a terrible smelling spice, our everyday meal should not miss it. At least a clove blended into food is sufficient in making us healthy. Let’s learn to appreciate nature because it’s a gift from the almighty God. Ikeoluwapo Oloyede
7|Source Magazine
I can understand why I love You You lifted me out of depression You saw beyond the made up smiles and made me smile You lifted me out of addiction You gave me a reason to live when I thought I had none You filled me with your precious Holy Spirit I can understand why I love You You cut a path through a field of confusion And brought me to a strange land Here you have fed me, clothed me, cured me Kept me company on my lonely days, weeks, months You have given me peace and a sound mind where others have lost theirs I can understand why I love you In abiding with you I shine. It’s so true Like a rose in the summer of its life You made me more than what I am I can understand why I love you You who is the Glory and the love of all infinity I can understand why I love you But why you have loved me? I will never understand Your Word is true; You haven't left me Draw me closer, take me deeper in love with You Jesus hold me close and never let me go By L. Akwa & B. Onafuye
If you are interested in contributing to any of the features to Source, or indeed, have suggestions for other editions, then send us a very brief email with your ideas. Submit your write-ups to office@rccgfountainoflife.org or submit articles directly to www.rccgfountainoflife.org
“
… to HER was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for
the fine
linen is the righteousness of saints.
”
8|Source Magazine
BEHIND the COLOURS I walked down the aisle carrying flowers. Everyone was standing, carrying hymns books in their hands and singing. They were looking in my direction. I felt so special. Beside me was a very young man. Would it be proper to call him a young man? May be it’s more appropriate to call him a boy since we were just six years old. This day I was a little bridesmaid. As I walked I remembered the previous chaotic midnight. Everyone was panicking. The bride had fever. I could hear a woman pacing the room. She said, ‘She must be well before tomorrow or else…’ Should we give her chloroquine, ask another. Another woman replied, ‘do not make her go worse. You don’t know if she reacts to it’. Everyone sat around her to ensure she was feeling well. It did not make any sense. Was she that important I had asked? Ha, she is, replied a woman. She is the bride. I therefore grew up with this opinion that brides are the most significant part of any wedding. I only realized years after that grooms play a part in the scene. I must point to you at this point that I am still thrilled by the bride simply because of her costume; the gown, veil, flowers and her looks. Probably, because the groom’s costume welcomes me everywhere; I see it in the bank, at the church, at dinners and at other ceremonies. Weddings are significant for a day but there is something larger than this, which is often not well prepared for but last a life time. Marriage! Marriage is not a contract; it is a covenant relationship. Genesis 15 demonstrates the covenant between God and Abraham which was a symbol of God’s sacrificial offering to mankind. Hebrew word for covenant is berith, which comes from the root meaning "to cut." A vow or pledge, formal, solemn, and binding agreement — between two parties made by "cutting" or dividing of animals into two parts. In Genesis 15:9-10, the blood covenant began with the sacrifice of animals. Traditionally, covenants with animals were made after splitting them precisely in half. The animal halves were arranged opposite each other on the ground, leaving a pathway between them. The two parties making the covenant would walk from either end of the path, meeting in the middle. The meeting ground between the animal pieces was regarded as holy ground. The two individuals would cut the palms of their right hands and then join these hands together as they mutually pledged a vow, promising all of their rights, possessions, and benefits to the other. Next, the two would exchange their belt and outer coat, and in so doing,
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take some part of the other person's name. There are evident symbols of this practice in Christian weddings. The bride working down the aisle to join the groom mid-way as they solemnly vow while exchanging materials such as coats, bibles, rings, candles depending on denomination. Families are also found to be separated in halves as they watch couples make their vows. The pledge also involves a complete surrendering of possessions, loyalty and commitment. My main focus this moment is the white bridal costume. How significant are they to marriage that nowadays every woman tries to fit it into their weddings and spend a fortune for a dress that would be worn only once in a life time. As Christians, are their biblical values for this white bridal costume? The white wedding dress has two-fold significance. It is a symbol of the wife's purity in heart and life, and in reverence to God. It's also a picture of the righteousness of Christ described in Revelation 19:7-8. “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints”. White bridal dresses are not ceremonial wear but a sign of purity, not in the body but also of the spirit. Sad enough, many lies have been told to keep young unmarried women from remaining chaste. 1Oh, it would cause marital intercourse difficult and uninteresting, 2it is the cause of painful menstruation and other illness, 3virgins no longer exist, and 4virginity is no more in vogue. All these are lies from the father of lies and deception to justify misbehaviours from fallen ones. Why risk your entire marriage on a platter of gold for a few minute pleasures to an unmerited, indisciplined man. Preparing for a wedding between a man and woman is stressful. Just as Jesus Christ is energetically working on us now to prepare us to take Him as our Husband, the bride and groom must commence a multitude of arrangements to blend their lives together to ensure a successful marriage. In traditional times, women went through a preparation time before they were brought before their husbands as described in Esther 2. The scripture described that the bride was adorned with a white robe because of her careful act of preparation.
What kind of preparation? 1 Tim 2:9 describes a preparation which is not of an outward appearance but of a gentle, meek spirit and of good deeds. Single years are times for careful preparation of the mind, body and the soul. According to Prov. 31:25, she is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. In doing such, your joy would be full. Therefore, as Christ demands a bride with preparation to take her place beside Him, a bride who yields to God to be ready exactly when He is, so does He demands that we keep our body and heart pure for marriage. Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral (Heb 13:4). The veil on the other hand is also a symbol of purity of the bride and her reverence for God. In addition, it is a sign of modesty that reminds us of the temple veil which was torn in two when Christ died on the cross. (Matt 27:50-51). “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life”. The removing of the veil took away the separation between God and man, giving believers access into the very presence of God. Since Christian marriage is a picture of the union between Christ and the church, we see another reflection of this relationship in the removal of the bridal veil. Through marriage, the couple now has full access to one another. (1 Corinthians 7:4). “The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife”. Therefore, next time, you dream, get thrilled or sight a bride wearing a white wedding dress, remember that they are not just traditional fables but biblical symbols of an event that is about to take place. It is also a reward of a preparation. If you don’t want a part in waiting, remaining chaste and keeping your bed undefiled, you have got no business dreaming of a white bridal gown. Every woman needs wear this dress in dignity. If you have lost this physical virginity at some point due to ignorance or victim of circumstances, don’t give up on yourself, there is hope in Christ. All you need is a repentant and complete dedication to a godly life. It is time to make amends and get yourself right with God. Guard your skirt sister, your price is far above rubies. Oluwamitomisin 10 | S o u r c e M a g a z i n e
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are we not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others…quote by Marianne Williamson
LOVE & FAITH
Let love be without hypocrisy Because life is finite and fragile Created in his image We should live to love just like he did Love is not a democracy, no win or loses It knows no boundaries and knows no pain Let love be without hypocrisy It’s patient, gentle and kind Let love be without hypocrisy It loved me before I knew how. Through this freedom, I was set free When I became trapped as I fell away from grace Through faith love loved me though I was unclean Through love faith expressed himself to me Let love be without hypocrisy So I say live by the spirit Live a life of love He is not selfish or boastful so don’t be afraid
Love never fails and faith moves mountains Without them, I am uncertain, nothing If you don’t know love then you don’t know my father and u don’t know me Because my father’s love is made complete in me By Bola Onafuye
Alton Towers: A Chosen Experience By Jide Fadiro
I can say this about Alton Towers that dreams come true. For three years myself and some members of chosen have tried to plan a group trip. Finally, the day came! Not alone with excitement but also with lovely people and lessons. It was a bright summer morning in the month of June; I took a short walk to our meeting point and found a few others joining in from their respective streets. With ten very enthusiastic single adults, we headed out with a short word of prayer. As you would expect, some people snored their way through the trip (I’m sorry I can’t give any names) while others kept to the chit-chat. We thought a quick stop over would be good for the legs and for pictures; little did we know that the bus that easily started in the morning would have to be pushed to work. It was no easy treat for us guys. Finally, we arrived at Alton Towers. We were really expectant for a pleasant surprise having heard of a brand new ride called ‘Thirteen’ that kept all hair rising. We arrived at the gate and picked up our tickets from the box office. As hierarchy exist in nature, we got started with this ride called Oblivion strapped in rows of four. Our curiosity increased as we cruised. About 10 seconds, the mechanism held us inclined at an angle of 45° peeking over an edge (about 15 storeys perpendicular to the horizon). Oh sorry, mathematical jargon, I mean vertically. We were in this position long enough to realise that we were about to freefall 15 storeys down a straight vertical cliff. I squeezed my eyes shut and just then opened it to get the full effect. All this happened within the space of 5 seconds. We free fell and 15 seconds later the ride was over, but not without leaving us all with “catch your breath mechanism” and feeling like we just got off the international space shuttle. Oh wow. It really was oblivion. The experience was so breath taking that we all agreed that next time we won’t hurry for such a ride. We went off to the next ride which compared to the first was rather plain, dull and practically not so much fun. This was called ‘Submission’, but if you ask me I would tell you that this ride was in submission to Oblivion. While on this ride I noticed that one of us was staying out of the rides. Why? I thought. I realized she was really scared of the rides. Anyway, we did our very best to get her on the next ride but she would not budge. This got me thinking. Sunday after Sunday, we meet new friends but we never get to know them enough on a Sunday alone even if we see them a couple of times on the street. Of a truth, we learnt things about ourselves that we would never have learnt on a Sunday. This was a big lesson for me and these moments would remain etched in my memories. Anyway with the help of a few not so scary rides, we were able to get the lady onto six rides and I’m sure she had a blast! We also took in the scenery of the entire Alton while riding in one of the pods of the Wire cars hanging off high tension wire cables. The view was just gorgeous! Some of the rides were called Rip-Saw, Rita, Sonic the Hedgehog, Air, Nemesis and Thirteen. I am sure half of this magazine is not enough to do justice to all the rides. While waiting for the winding cues for rides, we chatted and took loads of pictures. At the expense of been ridiculed, I dare to say, ladies love taking pictures.
Anyway, I was surprised that ten adults had just spent the whole day at Alton towers riding cars together, getting wet in upside down rolling chairs and sharing experiences. The day rounded up and most importantly we had an awesome time! I must confess that as an executive member of the group, during the planning stage I was worried about so many things. Thank God, for God was with us we returned to Hatfield with no incident except for the fact that we had to push the 11 | S o u r c e M a g a z i n e
bus. At this point, I would like to end, not before saying a big thank you to Pastor Kunle, Aunty Gbonju, Uncle Dele and Peter Ayeni for being very influential in the success of the trip. Many thanks also to Sarah D. and Debbie A. Not forgetting Olajide, Nike, Lanre (hope you have gotten off the phone by now), Ruphine, Eunice O and Bros Eddy! The day would not have been complete without you all. Alton Towers was a real BLAST!
FRESHER’S AFFAIR Hi there!!! Welcome to this edition of the Source magazine. For those who don't know, R.A.C.E (Running According to Christ's Example) is a Christian Fellowship birthed by the Fountain of Life (R.C.C.G) and run by students at the University of Hertfordshire. We are a group of young people with a common purpose of understanding, living and sharing the Gospel of Christ to the world while in the process building and empowering ourselves to reach our full God-given potentials. Fresher's week is something that sticks in the memory of students as it heralds the beginning of a social life at uni. Its not uncommon then to hear students often describe it with much conviction as the 'best week of my life!!'. This year, we had the opportunity to be well represented as a society at the fresher’s fair held at the University. With a team of about eight people, we reached out to over 350 students with freebies - sweeties, word for today, pens, bags, badges and even a free audio message from our pastor!! We also treated them to a movie-night; but more importantly, we shared the love of Christ with them and invited as many as were willing to a relationship with Him! It was a rewarding, pleasurable yet tasking experience! Our deepest appreciation and gratitude goes out to the church and everyone else that contributed to making the event a huge success! ~AJ~
Join our weekly meetings at University of Hertfordshire, Key Centre, College lane, Hatfield every Wednesday 5:30pm- 7pm (Term Time). We love to see you. 12 | S o u r c e M a g a z i n e
STUDY SKILLS
WHEN IT could be so difficult
Studies could be so difficult at times. It seems no one understands. Deadlines calling, phones beeping, facebook flashing, friends complaining, loved ones demanding and the dozen books with voluminous pages won’t sink in. No matter how hard it seems, you can prepare yourself to succeed in your studies by appreciating and developing the following habits: 1.
Take responsibility for yourself Recognize that in order to succeed you need to make decisions about your priorities, your time, and your resources
2. Center yourself around your values and principles 3. Put first things first Follow up on the priorities you have set for yourself, and don't let others, or other interests, distract you from your goals 4. Discover your key productivity periods and places Morning, afternoon, or evening? Find spaces where you can be the most focused and productive. Prioritize these for your most difficult study challenges. 5. Consider yourself in a win-win situation When you contribute your best to a class, you, your fellow students and even your teacher will benefit. Your grade can then be one additional check on your performance. 6. First understand others, then attempt to be understood When you have an issue with an instructor (a questionable grade, an assignment deadline, etc.) put yourself in the instructor's place. Now ask yourself how you can best make your argument given his/her situation. 7. Look for better solutions to problems For example, if you don't understand the course material, don't just re-read it. Try something else! Consult with the professor, a tutor, an academic advisor, a classmate, a study group, or your school's study skills centre 8. Look to continually challenge yourself 9. Remember the God factor 13 | S o u r c e M a g aPartially z i n e adapted from the audio cassette by Steven Covey, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
KIDZ HUT
COLOUR YOUR WINTER JOSEPH
MARY
Paint Joseph and Mary with different colours and share the good news of Jesus to your friends and family 14 | S o u r c e M a g a z i n e
KIDZ HUT
Genesis 28 Jacob left quickly, travelling all day. When night came, he fell asleep under the stars, using a stone for a pillow. As he slept, he had a dream about a beautiful stairway that reached all the way from earth up to heaven! Angels came up and down the stairs, and God said, "I am the God of your fathers, and I will give you and your children the land that you lie upon. All people will be blessed by you. I am with you, and will go with you.
And I will do all that I have promised." Jacob woke up and said, "Surely God is in this place." And he made a vow to God. Then he took the stone he had slept on and set it upright to remember this special place.
God the Seeker As Jacob slept, God spoke to him in a dream. There's no evidence that Jacob had not been looking for God; God initiated his contact with Jacob. We tend to think that we're the ones who search for God but in reality he seeks us first. He draws us to him by speaking to our hearts and minds. In Jacob's dream, God gave him a promise hat he would be blessed like Abraha and Isaac were. God also promised to watch over Jacob back to his homeland. Although twenty years passed before Jacob returned, he did come back. As we grow in our awareness of God's constant presence, we will walk more firmly on the path God had sent before us. We may fail to undderstand or obey God, but the One who walks beside us will never fall.
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Maggie: DOWN MEMORY LANE By Oluwamitomisin
“There is fire on the mountain, and nobody seems to be on the run. Oh there is fire on the mountain top, and no one is' ah running” chorus beaming from a distance. Why would they run, when they’ve not seen fire? What do these children know about fire? In my days, we sang “there is fire on the mountain, run, run, run” because we saw fire. We saw fire and fled the mountains and that became part of our lives. Maggie peeled the last potatoes and poured them in the frying oil. How time flies and changes things, she thought to herself. Stella, could you get me more oil in the store? Maggie shouted. The fire reminded her of the ruins of Nimotha village. She grew up in her famous uncle’s house. He was one of the town’s council chiefs and well respected until the fire. He had large numbers of cattles, sheeps, goats, ducks, chicken, farm produce and acres of fertile land. His friends and extended families envied him because he was also the closest person to the king. In just one day, except for a few supplies stocked in the church store at the town square, he lost all to the great fire. How the mighty are falling! Nobody knew the cause of the fire. My uncle believed it was a plot. His wife believed it was an attack from the underworld. We were too young to understand these things but we knew wealth had left the household. The villagers blamed him of his misfortune. Others said the ancestors were angry at 16 | S o u r c e M a g a z i n e
him. He was the only man who believed in the God the white men brought along with them. He was the only chief that married one wife and he had summoned others to do the same. He influenced the village to have church meetings in his family compound until a place was built at the town square. Although, he was greatly opposed, they could not conquer him. He fed and clothed many households and several others worked on his farm. The villagers feared him because their attempts on burning the church several times were futile. They loathed him in silence until the great fire. Scrchhhhhhhhhhh!!! Maggie turned to look at where the sound came from. Oh, my potatoes. What was I thinking? She hurriedly packed them off the pan into a bowl. Out of curiosity, she decided to peep to see the children who brought memories this evening. HaHaHa...she bursted into laughter realizing the voices were those of the 11 and 13 year old girls next door named “Alice and Simbi”. They were not alone; many other children in the neighbourhood were doing one thing or the other.
She decided to peep to see the children who brought memories this evening
“Thinking to herself again, who would have thought... memories, pains, promises and several other thoughts kept gushing into her head. Nimotha! A beautiful village full of its own tales”. The playground brought good memories of the household of Amechiala. She could hear bicycles screeching, children stamping their feets and others running with excitement. It reminded her of grandpa’s tales, dance, drama and evenings of “hide and seek”. Oh, the nights they took turn to display new dancing steps to their famous uncle in order to win his favour. It was a large household of children and mothers from different background. Maggie lost in her childhood memories smiled and said, ‘it was a good time. She realized her own son was sitting under the tree adjacent to the garden and breaking something with a stone. I thought this boy said he was going out with his father. Children would always be children, she said, walking in the direction of the back door. On a second thought, probably the father left him in the company of his friends. As long as he is not far from the house and other children, I am also fine with him. She made a turn back to the kitchen. Mothers would always be mothers; she added, pulling the curtains widely apart to keep an eye on her last child. Thinking to herself again, who would have thought, I would be nursing a seven year old boy after eight years of childbirth. Memories, pains, promises and several other thoughts kept gushing into her head. Nimot-ha! A beautiful village full of its own tales. Stella “Maggie’s daughter” walked into the kitchen with a bottle of oil and found her mother smiling. Mummy, I don’t like my new dress. I am taking Cindy’s role. The dress is not pink, it’s red. Mom!! Mom!!! She realized her mother was lost in thought. Mummy, what are you thinking of? Maggie realized, ‘she had not shared some tales with her children. Have I told you about Nimot-ha before, Stella? Her 17 | S o u r c e M a g a z i n e
daughter replied, “Over a thousand times”. What about Adamu-la village? asked Maggie. Adam what! You have never mentioned any Adam’s place to me, replied Stella. Sit! Ok, mum, I am listening, Stella replied. I know Nimot-ha is a beautiful village full of unending tales. What about adam-whatever. Hope this one is not infinite. I am going for rehearsals in an hour and have to eat dinner and dress up. Maggie took her daughters arms and said, ‘if you have not heard of any story of my life, you must hear this. This is where I found … (silence). Umm Umm (clearing her throat) Several months after the great fire at Nimot-ha village, my uncle struggled to feed over twenty eight children and eight mothers. He and the sons of the family worked morning and night to revive the lost lands and properties while the women traded their clothes for money at the market square. My uncle also travelled far to get seeds to plant and sometimes went hunting to get us meat to eat. We slept in the cold, shared pain and most importantly prayed together. After nine months, the well in our compound dried up. It was mysterious that the only well that has served these household for decades could dry up in months. My uncle thought it wise to return children and mothers back to their families, although, they found more comfort around him. It was obvious that he could hardly feed his own household. The church tried to support with a few supplies but got exhausted. At first, my uncle shared the story of Job to everyone and how God restored all he had but after a few weeks, he knew he had to do something fast before he lost his life. My uncle was sore afraid of the calamity that befell him and his enemies. Even the king countenance had changed. He did not know where the attack was coming from or were his enemy were residing, so he decided to leave the village for the city. Himself, his wife and seven children left silently one night after a huge village festival. We were left in the company of other children and mothers in the church. A day after his departure, news spread fast across all the small villages nearby about Amechiala’s disappearance. Everyone returned to pick their children from the church. News also got to my people
in Adamu-la village and they returned to get me and my young ones and that was the beginning of torture. We were returned to our sick father and wicked step mother. She was brutal and blamed us for our childlessness. Our father felt ill when he heard the news that our mother had passed away. Maggie looking in the direction of her small child under the tree continued. My mother did not survive the fire in Nimot-ha village. The fire broke out few hours after she gave birth. Other women thought my brother was the evil that brought calamity to Amechiala family in Nimot-ha. No one cared for him. They were afraid of bringing him into their homes. I was just eleven when I became the mother of three children. I took care of my one, three and five year old brothers. I stole fruits from my step mother’s backyard and sold them during market days. I had to do something to keep my brothers alive. We were loathed by our step mother. Several nights, we were locked outside the house in the dark and cold nights. Countless nights, we slept without food and several hours of the day, we were whipped. We grew under torture. The worst day of my life was the night I was caught stealing grapes at her backyard. She tied my hands to the tree with legs hanging over the night. After several hours of standing in the cold night, I knew I could not make it alive to the next day. I was in pain and hungry. I could feel life passing out of me. Umm Umm (clearing her throat again). My experience at Nimot-ha village had thought me a little about God. At first, prayers were rituals to please my uncle but gradually I began to learn that the God my uncle served was very powerful. He laid his hands on us when we were sick and we got healed. I knew my uncle woke up in the middle of the night to enchant words. He called it prayer. Although, he knelt to pray and I could not kneel and talk on the tree, I cried silently to the God he prayed to. I cried all night for God to keep me alive to take care of my younger ones and in turn I would serve no other God. I swear to serve him and to do greater deeds than my uncle in service to the lord. I knew my stepmother had no children and my father was dying. I therefore vowed to build a house for the Lord in my father’s house. I wanted to help people and save lives unto God. A few minutes after, the breeze started blowing strongly. I felt a light moving in my direction and that someone carried me on his arms and then I slept off. The following morning I was woken up by a 18 | S o u r c e M a g a z i n e
whip. I could not believe I slept in that position on the tree. My step mother was so furious that I had a wonderful sleep on the tree when she could not. It became a norm for me to sleep on the tree. You would not believe I stole more grapes to sleep on the tree. I felt comfort of a supernatural being keeping me safe and most importantly my step mother woke up much tormented. But one early morning, I found our last born in blue blood, lying lifeless in the room. I was away as usual sleeping tied on the tree. I don’t know what happened to him. I screamed, just to find my step mother at the corner of the room trying to shut me up. She urged me to take my brother to the river quickly before the morning broke that he would wake up. I did as she asked. As I approached the river, I remembered in Nimot-ha village, my uncle dip people in the river and shouted “alive in Christ Jesus”. They called it baptism so I did likewise and he came to life. I was filled with joy, praising and jubilating. As I was about returning, I heard a crowd of people running to the river screaming my name. “Margaret” Where is she?
I felt a light moving in my direction They found my brother in my arms shaking with cold. They collected him and almost beat me to death. I later learnt that my step mother had told the villagers I was possessed and that she saw me drowning my brother at the river. My punishment was beyond imagination but it was a battle for my soul and that of my brothers. Several nights, she had begged me to renounce the name I prayed in. According to her, it was a reason for her childlessness. She promised to take care of us if we did but I knew that was the only thing that tormented her and kept us from harm. I never did. Gradually my young ones began to know God as well. We prayed together as we were thought and grew in stature like we were fed by heavenly beings. Something supernatural kept me and brothers from foods poisoned with dark powers, from attacks from the underworld. continue from page 19
The Art of Leadership One of the greatest needs of man is leadership. It is the ability to inspire and influence a group of people to achieve a worthwhile goal. It’s characterized with exemplarity, responsibility, problem-solving, optimism, sacrifice, good vision, service and discipline. The essence of leadership is service. We could learn a lot from the life and ministry of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He became a servant and even washed his disciples’ feet (Gen. 37; Matt. 9:35-38; 1 Cor. 9:27). Levels of Leadership
Level 1 – Position: required by appointment or election. A title is usually attached to it. These titles are the things that make followers carry out instructions. Level 2 – Permission: When the followers jointly surrender to an individual to lead them. Level 3 – Production: This is leadership by results. This makes leadership become fun. People tend to respect leaders with results. Level 4 – People Development: Ability to empower other people. Success without a successor is a good as failure © Anonymous. The purpose of leadership is not to produce other followers, but other leaders. A teachable ignorant person is better than a skilful rebel. Don’t be threatened by your followers’ success. Build people and don’t use people. Level 5 – Personhood: This when you don’t need a title to support your name. e.g Jesus. This is the level where everyone should make efforts to attain Note: It is not compulsory to follow these step by step, anyone can jump the queue say from level 1 to 3 or even 4 and 5. Tick me right or wrong
I initiate CHANGE; they don’t leave things the way they were. I have a sense of divine timing (Luke 4:18, Ecc. 3:1). I know and focus on what’s right I have visions. I have commitment not involvement. I connect with people: Leaders touch peoples’ hearts before they ask for their hands. I have a positive attitude: Great leaders are incurable optimists. I am a winner: Leaders have personal messages and victories I am continually learning: They allow and yield to corrections. I have integrity: Being truthful to one’s self and to God, then definitely to others. Ps. 78:70-72. I have anointing of the Holy Spirit: Spiritual leadership is impossible without the Holy Spirit. He even makes all other phases of leadership easier. He supplies answers to difficult riddles. 1 Sam. 16:13, Acts 10:38, Zach. 4: 6, Acts 1:8.
Everyone is a leader, depending on your level of influence. If I am right then I am a good leader but if I am wrong then I am not. Walk your talk! Be a man of integrity. © Tolu-tope Dada.
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Several mornings, we woke up to find strange living things, like birds dead in our rooms. The villagers were afraid of our step mother, but sore afraid of us. We dwelt safely under our step mother’s dark powers and torture. Months passed, years also. One faithful afternoon, we learnt our father passed out. It meant nothing to us as long as we were still under the terrifying step mother. Fortunately, our uncle that fled to the city came to get us. Although the suffering did not end here, but it was the day we were saved from torture. As I grew in the city, far away from torture and years by years from suffering, I forgot about certain things. Suffering in the city was different but that’s a long story I must not share this evening. Maggie looked around; God has blessed me with a home, a family and a faith. I think it’s time you go for your rehearsals. That’s the Adamu-la village story. Call me when you are done. I would come to pick you. Stella looked at the time. Mom, why didn’t you tell me about this story before? So you are from Adamu-la, not Nimot-ha village. I would be back soon, Mom. She kissed her mom goodbye and shut the door behind. As Stella locked the doors, maggie realized for once in decades, she felt complete. But like holes in a dough nut, one more thing was missing. Too weak to stand from the chair, she realized the years in the city have taken some part of her life. She got to the city at sixteen. She was sure about all she wanted to be. All she wanted in life was to serve God. But years robbed off on her. Peer pressure got into her heads. The “I need to belong attitude”, “I need to be observed”, all have shaped her life in the wrong direction. Within three years of staying in the city, she lost her pride to a fellow out of share carelessness and bitterness against Adamu-la people. All she wanted to do now was frustrate any family that frustrated her. Revenge was running through her veins. God was still faithful all the same; she got scholarship for higher education. The handwritten was on the wall that grace was following her but she was lost. University days were times to display all the wonderful gifts and talents for attention. She realized she was one of the most beautiful girls on campus. People would say you’ve got this wonderful slim legs and smile. Countless times, she had caught the
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glimpse of guys stealing a look at her. It appears her voice was also outstanding. I must be very beautiful, she recited every morning. Years after years, she sought the missing link in men and in five years, she had dated four men. That didn’t solve it. Her beauty faded like a flower and hurts re-surfaced. She realized her hunters meant no good to her. May be church activities would quickly fix her. Activities didn’t either. As God would have it, she got married to a young Christian man. The only part of her life that appears to have been rightly done but nights after nights, she found something still missing. Maggie stood to grab some water. She was sweating profusely. Now I understand, now I understand, now I understand, she repeated over and over. Maggie walked to and fro the kitchen repeating, Lord, I now understand. Adamu-la; the place of promise. Lord, I promised to build a house and serve you. Lord, please have mercy on me. Hope it is not too late? I am 45. Can I still fulfil this assignment? May be like Maggie, life swept you away like a ship who’s rudder is missing. Do you feel empty thinking something is missing in the pie or just too afraid to dream out loud? Do you think it is too late to carry out a childhood dream and passion? Have you got visions trapped inside you? It did not make sense it to anybody and you gave up. Sometimes, there are so many stumbling blocks, unbelieving friends, parents and loved ones. If you feel something deep asking you to give back, don’t hold it back. Don’t give up on your dreams. If you allow it die, you have made life loose one piece of the puzzle. You might have failed every test life has asked you but you cannot afford to miss fulfilling divine purpose. You are the answer that solves a mystery so don’t be afraid to stand against the odds, the last piece to complete a puzzle. You are a unique key to one world’s problem. If the author of the first plane had given up, American Airways, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic won’t exist. You have got to hold on to your dreams and get back to the place where you once found it. Start today and you won’t regret it. Every step takes you closer. Maggie’s story is similar to Jacob’s in Gen 35:1-29. He had a purpose; almost missed it with life’s quest for love & wealth, but at the near end, God drew his attention to his promise in Gen 28. He returned back to bethel and that’s where he found it all. My friend it’s time to get back to bethel, the place you made a promise. God bless.
LIFE SKILLS
Whether we are consciously aware of them or not, every individual has a core set of personal value.
By Gbonju Akintola Values are not morals or principles, they are who we
intensity of psychological energy we are able to bring
are. Whether we are consciously aware of them or not,
to our action. There is a clear distinction between
every individual has a core set of personal value.
setting goals and the values we have. Your value
Examples of values are security, freedom, punctuality,
transcends your goals as it is the bigger picture.
fun, adventure, risk, independence, concern for others,
Goals are the steps you take along the way, and you
power, tradition, hard work e.t.c. Values cannot be
can achieve your goal only when they are in congruent
labelled as right or wrong, that’s why it is described as
with your values. Discovering values are not
who an individual is.
necessarily constant as change is part of the game of
We all have values that determine our decisions and guide our lives. Those who value their individuality take responsibility; are self-reliant and act with selfrespect. Those who value truthfulness cannot bring themselves to tell a lie. Those who value family or friendship sacrifice their personal interests for the good of others. On physical grounds, we may place great value on cleanliness, punctuality, orderliness, accuracy, quality, and physical perfection in whatever we do. Recognising ones value, that which drives you, will help a person understand his/her result. A self employed person who values fun and adventure above financial freedom, will struggle or even give up at a period when things are not moving as fast as expected in the business. Accomplishment in life depends not only on physical energy, but even more on the
life. We can energize our lives by making the full effort to implement the values we subscribe to. Once we identify values that are meaningful to us, we can develop strategies to implement them. When we make the determined effort to implement those strategies, good fortune is sure to follow in the form of new opportunities, new sources of revenue and income, and other forms of material and psychological benefit. When our values and actions conflicts, there is a problem! These mixed messages cause internal conflict, frustration and disillusionment. So ask yourself the following questions: 1. What would I do anything to avoid? 2. Am I honouring my values? 3. Do my goals align with my values?
“It’s not only the questions we ask ourselves but those we fail to ask that shapes our destiny”. Anthony Robbins
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LIFE SKILLS
TIPS By Femi Adaramewa
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age”. Matt 28:19b Step up to the new series of Training Five Sundays, five lessons, five treasures
DISCIPLESHIP Success can mean happiness, joy or accomplishment Success can mean you are loved, and you look forward to each new day Success should not be measured by money or things Success is being the best that you can possibly be. Some people believe money is the way to success, but you do not need to be a millionaire to possess life’s riches. To be successful does not mean that you have power or wealth. Look fondly upon the small successes like holding a door for a stranger or helping a friend complete a chore, for they bring others happiness and joy. Your successes outnumber the stars, outreach the highest tree, outshine the brightest sun, and make you happy to keep trying You are always a success as long as you have hope. The way toward success begins and ends in your heart. If you want to have success, you must not be afraid to fall. You are never a failure as long as you can smile. To be a success all you need is a dream and a heart. When you approach every day of life as though it is another chance to grow, you will never have regrets and each day will be filled with success. 22 | S o u r c e M a g a z i n e
Every Sunday starting from December 5th 2010 Time: 8:30am-9:00am Fountain of Life, WGC
Money Many will be in trouble for my Sake On me, People will depend” None will be happy without me Engage Me in Everything Yet I am the Root of all Evils.
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grieves”…1 Tim 6:10 By Femi Adaramewa
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