Keep The Faith - Issue 114 by Keep The Faith magazine

S E K’ ND IC IN E U K A HN AZ TH AC I-ET MAG BL LT AN U M ISTI R CH

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

ISSUE 114

GEORGE FLOYD: We need to feel uncomfortable

A Father’s Day tribute TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR RAVI ZACHARIAS

COVID-19:

Gangs, knife crime and county lines

DAWN THOMAS-WALLACE

EMPOWERED TO MINISTER

£4.95 where sold

Editor’s

NOTE

Welcome to issue 114! Shirley McGreal FCMI

Dr Daniel Tulloch Jackie Raymond Becky Wybrow Diverse Media Group Limited advertising@diversemediagroup.co.uk T: 0203 868 0664 Josie McFarlane Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash Keep The Faith Ltd 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden London WC2H 9JQ keepthefaithteam @keepthefaithmag keepthefaithmagazine www.keepthefaith.co.uk www.keepthefaithdirectory.co.uk

Milton B Allen, Benjamin Harrell, Marnita Coleman, Tina Boyle-Whyte, Amy DiMarcangelo, Phillip M. Holmes, Marcia Dixon, Juliet Fletcher, Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts, Pastor Timothy Oh, Rev David Shosanya, Dr T. Ayodele Ajayi, Rev Alton P. Bell, Dr Joan Myers OBE, Shirin Aguiar, Rev Canon J. John, Pastor Stephen J. Thurston Jr, Gary Clayton, Vic Wilson, Sarah Smith, Shana Dawn Lewis, Natalie Trice, Martins Agbonlahor, Laura Nelson, Jasmyn Allen, Amanda Driscoll, Daniel Reeds, Shelton Thomas, Marcia M. Spence, Elaine Bowes, Dr O, Kimshaw N.M Aiken, Esther Wane, our supporters and advertisers. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Publisher.

his is a bumper digital-only issue, which is packed with articles that I hope will inform, inspire and entertain you. Life as we know it has changed for so many, with COVID-19 spreading to the UK, and thousands upon thousands of people losing their lives to this killer coronavirus. Our thoughts and prayers are with those of you who have sadly lost family members, friends and colleagues. This pandemic has joined communities together, armies of volunteers - men, women and children - of all cultures, religions and nationalities, providing support to each other and to the most vulnerable in the community. Our NHS staff and colleagues have been under tremendous pressure, working in the most difficult of situations, putting their own lives at risk, but they have stood together in times of crisis. The streets were deserted, families remained in their homes, and life has stood still for so many. But it was also a time to reflect. We have also had the opportunity to learn so many new and different ways of communicating and working. Soon we will be able to hug our family members and friends again, and show them how much they were missed. Then there was the brutal murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. I remember watching the incident in disbelief and gasping for breath myself as Mr Floyd took his final breath. No words! The world mourns and is sickened by his murder. His death has led to massive Black Lives Matter protests, and calls for an end to police brutality against often non-White suspects in America. Huge demonstrations have taken place in 30 cities across America and beyond. Thousands in the UK took part in a Black Lives Matter anti-racism protest march in central London. The world is outraged. In this issue, we address the anger at the murder of George Floyd and the impact it has had on Black mothers in the USA. We also have many great features focusing on how COVID-19 has impacted our lives: our physical and mental health, our finances, taking a holiday and how we worship in our churches. One positive outcome of the pandemic was the dramatic drop in the number of youths dying on our streets, and we have a great article looking at how COVID-19 has impacted gang culture in the UK. We bring you gospel music news, a tribute to our men for Father’s Day, and a yummy recipe for Chocolate and Guinness cake! Go on, treat yourself! Did I mention Keep The Faith was invited to ask a question at the PM’s Coronavirus Downing Street briefings? Rev Stephen Brooks represented Keep The Faith, and the recording is on our website. It’s great to know that our magazine is on the PM’s radar, and our views are being acknowledged. We update our website daily, so if you are looking for some inspiration or aspiration during lockdown, visit www.keepthefaith.co.uk. Thank you for your continuing support. We will be resuming our print issue as soon as lockdown is fully lifted. Stay blessed. Stay Safe!

Shirley McGreal

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CONTENTS ISSUE 114

62 16

26 NEWS

LIFESTYLES

06 COVID-19 fundraiser By Marcia Dixon 07 Lydia sings for World Vision fundraiser 07 Celebrating the life of Gloria Florence Cameron MBE

24 O God, make us angry! By Amy DiMarcangelo

06 Church leaders urge government to reopen churches By Marcia Dixon

26 “I can’t breathe...” We can defeat racism together By Arlington W. Trotman

10 Tributes to iconic Christian Apologist Ravi Zacharias By Shirin Aguiar

27 Weeping may endure for the night - The praxis of lamenting By Rev Alton P. Bell

GOSPEL NEWS 12 The people - the church that matters By Juliet Fletcher 14 God is the best part of ‘People’ By Milton B. Allen with Benjamin Harrell 15 Music Matters By Benjamin Harrell 16 Dawn Thomas-Wallace Empowered to minister By Marcia Dixon

FEATURE 20 A Father’s Day tribute By Marnita Coleman 22 We need to be uncomfortable By Phillip M. Holmes

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

30 COVID-19 and its effects on gangs, knife crime and county lines By Sheldon Thomas 34 Eunice McGhie-Belgrave MBE By Marcia M. Spence

COMMENT 36 Food for thought By Marcia Dixon 38 Wash your hands! Keep your distance! By Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts 39 We will have a summer holiday? By Rev Canon J.John 40 Climbing and not crashing By Pastor Stephen J. Thurston, Jr 41 God calls upon Abraham By Pastor Timothy Oh 42 Forever friends By Gary Clayton

44 Dealing with the financial impact of COVID-19 By Elaine Bowes 46 The Bridge By Tina Boyle-Whyte 48 “Well done, good and faithful servant?” By Dr O 49 The pre-existing underlying health condition exposed by COVID-19 By Rev Alton P. Bell 50 Taking control of your outsized body By Dr Joan Myers OBE 52 Home-schooling strategies By Kimshaw N.M Aiken 54 COVID-19: A sound mind guide By Dr T. Ayodele Ajayi 56 Chocolate & Guinness cake By Shana Dawn Lewis 57 In search of the scapegoat By Martins Agbonglahor 58 Trivialising COVID-19: The Nigerian Experience By Martins Agbonglahor

MISSION 59 Captive in Iran By Laura Nelson 62 A mask-making mission By Daniel Reeds

London School of Theology

Your Theological Education Is Within Reach Have you considered studying theology as a degree? We at LST believe theological study should be accessible to all and it has always been our aim to provide a variety of delivery methods from on campus and online learning, to blended study and distance learning. Whatever your circumstances, your theological education is within reach.

Apply online We are currently accepting applications for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the 2020-21 academic year.

06 NEWS

he recent media revelations, stating that some key workers have not been equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) during this pandemic, has been a great concern to many. In response, The Ascension Trust and its CEO, Les Isaac OBE, have partnered with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), Christ Hospital Ministry (CHM), Dr Joan Myers OBE, Through The Roof, and Marva Bell MBACP (Counsellors Inc) to raise funds that will be used to purchase PPE for frontline workers. Frontline employees, who work directly with people in social care, community care, residential care and charitable settings, will be given PPE, bought with funds raised from this initiative. These funds will also be used to practically support frontline staff and those who have suffered loss. The Ascension Trust and their supporting partners are asking the public to support this initiative and donate financially to this cause. For instance, a donation of £12 can buy four boxes of latex-free gloves. Dr Chi-Chi Ekhator MRCPCH, MRCGP, an Ascension Trust director, stated: “At this challenging time, our thoughts and prayers are with those families, communities and frontline workers affected by COVID-19. Ascension Trust and our partners are here to offer practical assistance in whatever way we can within our means.” Dr Joan Myers OBE, commented: “It is imperative that frontline staff have the protection required to do their work effectively, without fear of succumbing to COVID-19 or taking it back home to their families. We have heard their call for practical support in the provision of PPE, and we would like to do as much as we can by donating PPE to frontline community staff so they can feel safe to go to work.” Richard Reddie, Director of Justice and Inclusion at CTBI, said: “The COVID-19 virus continues to wreak havoc in our country (and around the world), with many of us losing loved ones, or knowing those who have been impacted by this crisis. While it is vital that we continue to pray for those affected, we must also support those in the frontline of the battle to tackle the virus. We can do this via prayer, but also through offering this type of practical support.” There are three easy ways you can make a donation: 1) Visit www.ascensiontrust.org.uk/ covid-19-appeal/ to find out more about this appeal and make a donation

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

COVID-19 FUNDRAISER TO BUY PPE FOR KEY WORKERS IN RESIDENTIAL HOMES 2) A Just Giving page has been set up to collect donations. You can visit this page by clicking here www.justgiving.com/ascensiontrust 3) If you prefer to make a donation via a bank account, the details are: Bank name: Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Account Name: Ascension Trust Account No: 10086387 Sort Code: 16-00-93 Reference: COVID19 APPEAL If you would like acknowledgement that we have received your donations, please email info@ascensiontrust.org.uk Ascension Trust is a Christian interdenominational charity, established in 2003 and the umbrella body for a number of church-led initiatives - the best known of which is Street Pastors. Ascension Trust also serves communities, through initiatives such as Prayer Pastors, School Pastors, Rail Pastors, Response Pastors, the Synergy Network and Urban Youth Mission. Ascension Trust’s motto is ‘Equipping to Serve’. For more information, visit www.ascensiontrust.org. Churches Together Britain and Ireland (CTBI) serves the churches in Britain and Ireland on the shared journey towards the full visible unity in Christ. As an agency of the churches through the four nations of Britain and Ireland, we aim, among other issues, to facilitate effective collaborative working. For more information, visit www.ctbi.org.uk.

Christ Hospital Ministry (CHM) serves those suffering from long-term illness and some of the most vulnerable groups in society. Their services include practical help for young people with mental health challenges, rehabilitation after hospital discharge, counselling and pastoral care.For more information, visit www.chmworldwide.org. Through The Roof is a Christian disability charity that changes the lives of disabled people around the world, and helps others to change lives too. They want to see everyone valued equally, fully included, and able to contribute their gifts and skills. For more information, visit www.throughtheroof.org. Thank you! Marcia Dixon

NEWS 07

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF

GLORIA FLORENCE CAMERON MBE

C Lydia sings for World Vision fundraiser Lydia is an 11-year-old girl, who has been self-isolating with her family in Aylesbury since lockdown measures were announced. She was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in 2019 and has found lockdown very tough.

hristian award-winning community champion and trailblazer, Gloria Florence Cameron MBE, recently passed away quietly in her sleep. Born in Jamaica, she migrated to Britain in 1957 and settled in Brixton, South London, where she devoted her life to serving the Black community. Gloria’s community work started in 1958, when she joined St John’s Interracial Club in Brixton. She went on to start the Caribbean Folk Cultural Company (CFCC), which preserved Black culture and heritage through music, storytelling and dance. In 1987 the late Edward Seaga, the then Prime Minister of Jamaica, presented her with the Medal of Appreciation for her Cultural Awareness and Community Development in the UK. Throughout her life, Gloria achieved a number of firsts, as well as founded community initiatives. In 1973, she became one of the first Black women to be appointed as a Justice of the Peace, and worked in the role for 16 years. She was also a lay visitor at Rochester Borstal, where she provided support for young boys.

“Lydia’s ASD presents itself in anxiety, friendship issues and social skills, but she is very kind and has a nice heart. Lockdown has made her very anxious and feeling very trapped,” says Lydia’s mother, Lisa. Lydia, who has been singing and dancing from an early age, had been looking forward to an upcoming live musical performance she was due to give at a local theatre. Unfortunately the performance was cancelled, due to the social distancing measures. She is currently practising with her theatre group virtually, but misses seeing her friends and going to school. She says: “I do love going on stage with my friends – just singing and dancing to the songs. I just miss all of it.” Knowing how much Lydia enjoys singing, a member of her local church - Berrysfield Church - wanted to give her the opportunity to perform for the church members via Zoom. Lydia was very excited and really wanted to do more with this opportunity, so she has decided to raise money for the international children’s charity, World Vision UK COVID-19 Response. Though she is grateful for all that the NHS and other key workers are doing in the UK, she also considered the struggles of people in poor countries around the world due to the pandemic. “We have the NHS here, which has been amazing, but they [the children living in poverty] don’t have the medicine that they need. I feel so bad for little children who could lose everything from it, and it’s upsetting for me,” she says. So far, Lydia has raised £355 for World Vision UK and is very thankful to everyone who has donated. Her mother is extremely proud of her, and overjoyed by her amazing gesture. Despite the challenge of lockdown, Lydia’s condition has been improving over this period, thanks to support from her local community, her friends and family, and her dog, Chico.

She was a founding member of the West Indian Parents’ Action Group (WIPAG), which ran a day nursery and family services. Between 1978 and1987, it is estimated over 410 children and families used and benefited from the service. In 1980, Gloria received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II, for services in Community Development, Social Community and Race Relations. Her commitment to culture and heritage extended to becoming one of the original executive board members of the Black Cultural Archives in 1980, paving the way to the development of a dedicated building, which is now a focal point in Brixton. In 2016, Gloria wrote Case Dismissed, an autobiography of her amazing life. She believed passionately in knowing your heritage and culture, and loved being able to perform with the CFCC to educate, motivate and entertain. She helped many during her lifetime, and will be greatly missed.

If you would like to donate, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/lydialive

Gloria Cameron MBE is survived by seven children, 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

08 NEWS

CHURCH LEADERS URGE GOVERNMENT TO

REOPEN CHURCHES Keep the Faith were given the opportunity to ask a question at one of the Government’s daily COVID press briefings on Sunday 31st May. Our columnist, Pastor Stephen Brooks, posed this question: “Social distancing has an important role in limiting further transmission of coronavirus, yet congregations and the assembling of ourselves is intrinsic to our faith. When restrictions are eased, will the government give churches clear instructions to prevent any unnecessary breakout of COVID-19, similar to the COVID-19 guidance for educational settings?” In response, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick responded by stating that churches can open for individual prayers from mid June. However, they won’t be able to engage in worship or congregational singing. He said: “I think the first logical step is probably to open places of worship for individual or private prayer, and that’s what we’re working towards with the faith leaders, and then that will be a springboard, hopefully, conditional on the rate of infection obviously, to small weddings, for example, again very important to many people, and then in time to services.” The Housing Secretary’s comments came in the wake of a letter, signed by leaders of some of Britain’s high-profile churches, that was sent to the government, asking ministers to urgently review lockdown measures that uniformly ban churches from opening.

Robert Jenrick MP

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

The letter argued that the blanket lockdown restrictions imposed on all churches were unlawful and unnecessary, asking the government to prioritise reopening churches as part of the government’s exit strategy. The letter stated that if the government fails to address the matters, the group will seek a judicial review of the ban. Signatories included: Rev Ade Omooba MBE and Dr David Muir, Co-Chairs of the National Church Leaders’ Forum, A Black Christian Voice Rev David Hathaway, President, Eurovision Mission to Europe Rev Dr Brad Norman, Salvation For The Nations International Churches Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Senior Pastor, Kingsway International Christian Centre Bishop Alfred Williams, Presiding Bishop, Christ Faith Tabernacle International Churches Pastor Dennis Greenidge, Senior Pastor, Worldwide Mission Fellowship Pastor Chris Demetriou, Senior Pastor, Cornerstone The Church Bishop Lovel Bent, Presiding Bishop, Connections Trust Pastor Sunday Okenwa, Regional Overseer, Deeper Christian Life Ministry Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, President, Oxford Centre for Training, Research, Advocacy and Dialogue (OXTRAD) Canon Yaqub Masih MBE, Secretary General, UK Asian Christians; Secretary General & Founder, New Horizons

Prior to lockdown, nearly all churches had already put measures into place, suspending services and small groups. Whilst recognising the urgency with which the government acted in March, the letter says that blanket impositions on churches are unnecessary, and are preventing church leaders from putting responsible measures in place to restore worship. Rev David Hathaway said: “The government has failed to recognise the centrality of faith to a Christian’s life. Sunday worship and access to church buildings have been treated like a mere hobby or pastime, rather than foundational to national and Christian life.” Pastor Ade Omooba MBE, one of the signatories of the letter, said: “It cannot be right that at present it is lawful to go to a bike shop, to B&Q, visit a chiropractor or dry cleaner, and not be allowed to receive Holy Communion or engage in silent prayer in a church. Churches have traditionally been at the centre of communities, able to offer counsel, prayer and comfort at times of national crisis. They are at the heart of our communities, helping to combat mental health problems, addictions, risk of suicide, domestic violence, poverty and risk. “Churches deliver an essential service to the community. The government should not be putting churches as the lowest priority services for reopening from the lockdown. We look forward to the response from the government to this letter, and hope that we can engage with the government to see church ministry prioritised as we start to exit the lockdown.” by Marcia Dixon

Ministry Experience Scheme can aid clarity of calling

rimary school teacher, Selwyn Cush-Etter, completed his Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) year in Shadwell, in the East End of London. He had known from a young age that God was calling him to church leadership. He says: “What led me to MES was the breadth of opportunity that meant there was room to express your relationship with God in the way that was right for you.” During his year, Selwyn preached, led services, supported Alpha, ran a playgroup, and helped with community outreach. He also experienced the practical management that helps a church run smoothly. MES is a unique initiative that gives young adults from all backgrounds, like Selwyn, the space and time away from the pressures of modern life to test God’s calling on their lives. If you are aged 18-30, and looking for a year-long opportunity to explore what God is calling you to, then MES could be for you.

You will be placed within a church context where you can experience practical ministry, such as kids’ and youth work; chaplaincy; community work; preaching; pastoral visiting or event organisation. The year will also include some theological study, which can be tailored to you. It doesn’t matter whether you have no prior experience of theology or already have a degree in it. MES can become a step towards ordination or other church ministry; others say they have a clearer sense of God’s purpose as disciples in wider society and the workplace as a result of MES. During Selwyn’s year, he was encouraged by his mentors to reflect on what he was doing and where he was heading. He said: “During the year, I came to know more clearly that God was leading me into church ministry.” Selwyn is now exploring more fully an ordained ministry within the Church of England. MES is free to do, with expenses provided.

During 2019-20, there have been just over 100 people involved across 25 locally-based schemes in the UK and Europe. To find out more, please visit our website, where you will be able to read other stories of past participants and make an enquiry with any of the local schemes.

If you are aged 18-30 why not spend a year servin Ministry Experience Scheme.

You will have the opportunity to explore your calling a

whilst gaining experience of Christian ministry and dev It is free to do, with accommodation and living expenses provided.

Local schemes are based in many locations across the

Where is God sending you? Find out more at cofe.io/m

If you are aged 18-30 why not spend a year serving God through the Ministry Experience Scheme.

You will have the opportunity to explore your calling and learn more about yourself, whilst gaining experience of Christian ministry and developing your leadership skills. It is free to do, with accommodation and living expenses provided. Local schemes are based in many locations across the Church of England. Where is God sending you? Find out more at cofe.io/mes

10 NEWS

By Shirin Aguiar FREELANCEJOURNALIST

“The story of the Gospel is the story of eternal life. My life is unique and will endure eternally in God’s presence. I will never be ‘no more’. I will never be lost because I will be with the One who saves me.” These are the words of world-renowned Christian evangelist, Ravi Zacharias, from his last book before his death from cancer aged 74 in Atlanta on 19th May 2020. In a statement, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), which he founded, said that Ravi had spent the past 48 years ‘commending the Christian faith and addressing life’s greatest existential questions of origin, meaning, morality and destiny with eloquence and grace.’ Under his leadership, the organisation launched a global team of nearly 100 Christian scholars and authors, who continue to speak, resource, train and address the questions of millions around the world. He spoke to audiences in over 70 countries, with his answers to life’s biggest questions viewed by millions on YouTube.

BORN IN INDIA BUT BELONGED TO THE WORLD Born in India in 1946, Ravi was a self-avowed atheist until he converted to Christ following a suicide attempt aged 17. A local Christian worker brought a Bible to his hospital bed in Madras, and he heard the words of Jesus in John 14: “Because I live, you also will live.” In a tweet, US Vice President Mike Pence described Ravi as his friend, and said he was “deeply saddened”. His ministry “impacted millions around the world,” he added. Reverend Canon Yemi Adedeji, director of One People Commission at the Evangelical Alliance, was a speaker alongside Ravi at the Advance conference in Birmingham last October. He described him as spiritual, simple and compassionate.

“A GIFT, UNIQUE AND RARE. A LEGEND” “He was a gift to us all, unique, rare and a legend. He challenged the spiritual to be Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

US VICE PRESIDENT JOINS BLACK CHURCH LEADERS IN GLOBAL TRIBUTES TO ICONIC CHRISTIAN APOLOGIST intellectual and the intellectual to be spiritual…. I love his apologetic presentation of the Gospel. He brought the thinking into the spiritual narrative of the Gospel. He brought an understanding of the intellectual without losing the spirituality, and the spirituality without losing the intellect. He was one of those few people who can combine both together.”

THE PAIN OF ITINERANT MINISTRY Poignantly, Rev Adedeji revealed that Ravi

spoke to him about the pain of itinerant ministry, including jumping from one airport to another, one hotel to another, one conference to another. “He said there is a lot of pain that comes with it, which most people would not know. But he said the biggest pain is always being away from your family, which I totally identify with, being in the itinerant ministry myself. It’s something that most people don’t understand and it’s more demanding even than being a local pastor.” He said Ravi had no sermon notes to speak

NEWS 11

“Every time I listened to him I began to reflect on my thoughts, my life, my attitude, my relationship with Jesus and the Scriptures. That was what he was good at.” REVEREND LES ISAAC

to the audience of 2000. “All he had was from his heart to the book, and from the book to his heart.”

“HE ARTICULATED THE REALITIES OF MEN’S HEARTS” Reverend Les Isaac, founder and CEO of Street Pastors, was part of a team scheduled to host Ravi this year in London. He described him as a great evangelist and apologist: “He had a deep conviction about his faith, but also clearly articulated the realities of men’s hearts.

He was very clear about the redemptive work of the Cross and of our Lord Jesus Christ. “He helped you see yourself, your heart, your society and Jesus. He painted pictures in people’s minds and intellect about God, and enabled them to reason within themselves. “Every time I listened to him I began to reflect on my thoughts, my life, my attitude, my relationship with Jesus and the Scriptures. That was what he was good at.”

A memorial service to celebrate Ravi’s life and legacy was streamed live on YouTube and on Facebook on 29th May 2020. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Margie, daughters Sarah and Naomi, son Nathan and five grandchildren.

SAME LEAGUE AS BILLY GRAHAM “He will be greatly missed by the church and by millions of people, because his ministry had such a great impact on the world. I would put him in the same league as Billy Graham. He reached a lot of intellectuals, academics and influential people globally. His ministry was global, people from all over the world were strengthened, challenged and encouraged.” Esther Ema Essien, a Nigerian evangelist based in Spain, said: “Ravi was a true minister of God. True ministers go through the worst. You can see the glamour but behind the glamour is a story of pain. He fought the good fight, worn many souls for God, and built giants for the Kingdom of God.”

With Rev Adedeji

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www.keepthefaith.co.uk

12 GOSPEL MUSIC

THE PEOPLE - THE CHURCH

A personal look at music, life, death and eter JULIET FLETCHER

is a former BBC Producer and funding Executive of the GMIA

“Eat, drink, for tomorrow we die...” is the stark suggestion made by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:32. As my column is normally about music, you’d be right to wonder, What has this verse of Scripture got to do with music? I’d like to offer some closing thoughts about this season we’ve called ‘lockdown’.

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

MUSIC - A CARRIER OF HOPE Even though I have had limited interactions with all forms of social and online media since lockdown started, I have witnessed the crucial role music has played amongst ordinary as well as professional practitioners. Can you imagine how dry, droll and totally devoid of hope we all would be without music during lockdown? Unimaginable, right? The arts - but very specifically music are a means by which all levels within our communities have been able to participate in very simple but dynamic ways. I know of individuals who have started collective singing of hymns and inspirational songs with their neighbours, which has sparked a whole new meaning of community relations. However, there would seem to be a massive gap within our UK gospel music that speaks of a disconnect between a spiritual dynamic of God in our lives and the reality of our everyday experiences, particularly in human suffering. The stark fact of this was frankly expressed by Dr Pauline Muir, Lecturer in Arts Management, Institute for Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship at Goldsmiths University. During her interview for theologian and broadcaster Dr Robert Beckford’s mini documentary, ‘Better Must Come: Black Pentecostals, the Pandemic and the future of Christianity’, she stated: “We don’t have a catalogue of sorrow; we don’t have a catalogue of songs that may reflect the day-to-day reality of some people’s lives.” So we only have to lean on the spirituals and deep hymnody, many of which are rooted in the US African American

Dr Pauline Muir

experience. And it’s these melodies and prose that have succoured us much throughout these times, as they have for centuries. We must change this. These extraordinary circumstances give us a chance to register a new history for our future referencing and needs should it arise (!!).

GRASPING THE DIGITAL THORNS FOR THE VIRTUAL ROSE When the sudden shutdown of our churches occurred, leaders had no choice but to grasp the digital strands to become more effective in reaching out to church members. And the youthful and digitally savvy individuals came to the fore and led the way. It really does mean that many of our churches and Christian fellowship groups have embarked on a new way of working - even where they have struggled before to come to terms with the digital age. Some of our seniors have even had the delight of being included as a real part of the Zoom digital age.

GOSPEL MUSIC 13

H THAT MATTERS

rnity out of COVID-19 With this ‘new way’ of having church, it’s virtually impossible for our fellowships to take a backward step in the way they communicate. And no one is reporting this as a negative. Into church services have been posted more of our UK writers’ music, as well as not-sowell-known artists and worship leaders presenting music. That’s so good. People are really appreciating the skill and knowledge of those who have long (in some cases fought and) championed the progress of trying new songs, new artists and ministers of music. And we pray this will continue.

VIRTUAL CHOIRS The most dynamic development has been the virtual choirs. This phenomenon was started some years ago, but has now come into its own. Lurine Cato’s singular efforts have been well noted by gospel industry colleagues, which included exposure on national television and radio networks. She (and her team) highlighted the cause of the Cavell Nurses’ Trust, which supports thousands of nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants, and who were recipients of the fundraising benefits. These and other virtual choirs have highlighted even more the power of singing. Virtual choirs will be a feature that will stay with us in a greater way far beyond COVID-19. The united effort, as shown with ‘The Blessing UK’ recording (spearheaded by worship leader and pastor Tim Hughes), was very impressive to people, as it portrayed a strong representation of all types of churches, including BAME churches, in a powerful way. These gospel virtual choirs, also from the USA and African continent, are showing how much we can cooperate with each other; conduct genuine outreach, and communicate the power of song – whilst working really great arrangements. One of the best of these is the House Gospel Choir that has maintained a wide range of arrangements, producing more than a dozen virtually created videos during lockdown. Virtual choirs, as well as similar collaborative vocal and instrumental pairings, will become increasingly popular and are likely to grow. As technology develops more features, these choirs will become the normal way of sharing collective voices across local communities and continents.

LEST WE FORGET After observing these mainly positives in this ‘Coronavirus Season’, there is something our churches – or rather WE - must not forget, and it is my ONE SINGLE REASON from which the opening Scripture “Eat, drink, for tomorrow we die...” is derived. The Apostle Paul said these words because there were people who said there is no resurrection of the dead. He then speaks of the apostles’ witness of JESUS seen alive; he speaks of his own experiences, and then reminds the saints of their own experiences of the living JESUS, who today we ourselves have encountered in our lives through the living Spirit of God. The context is that we are not confined to the material quest of existing or living in this life. THE PICTURE IS FAR BIGGER. If you think about it, COVID-19 has had us enclosed in our homes; most of us not able to work; many of us having time on our hands to do many things we haven’t been able to do in our homes previously… but most of all focused on eating and drinking, and buying up all we can because we don’t know what tomorrow may bring - we may die. And, sadly for some of us, family and friends have died. Personally, I’m thinking very much of one of my favourite (I have many) Pentecostal denominations - COGOP - which experienced an awful statistic of deaths related to COVID-19. Bishop Theophilus McCalla MBE, Bishop Horatio Fearon, and my very dear sister-friend Colleen Laing, who served in the central office of COGOP under numerous Administrative Bishops. Her mother, Agatha Laing, also died within days of her passing. Like all others, the usual Homegoing and Celebration Of Life

Colleen and Agatha Laing

services were not permitted - tens of hundreds would have attended. It makes me miserable just thinking about that. Indeed, in the 19th verse of the same 1 Corinthians 15, Paul says: “If in this life only we had hope, we would be

Bishop Theophilus McCalla MBE

of all men the most miserable.” We must still find a way to celebrate them, to mark and express our mixture of joy and pain. We simply MUST! This may sound odd, but I believe through the quoted Scripture that what we have of ETERNITY begins in the believer NOW. Within this current experience I see it as a present possession. I cannot look at what we do with our music - with “the reason why we sing” or why we become involved in the arts and culture - without this fact to guide us: JESUS LIVES and He is coming again to change the physical earth and renew all systems - social, political, cultural. You name it; it will be made new. I am convinced that we need to look at all our experiences and all our teaching and preaching through the lens of ETERNITY, otherwise all we hope for here will be vanity. It isn’t about being too heavenly minded to be no earthly good. We need to pray “Lord, help us to be practical in bringing Heaven’s values - Your Kingdom principles – here, so that we can be of greater impact - more than ever before.” I’m so deeply impressed and am looking more into the ministry of Ravi Zacharias, founder of RZIM who died recently (not of COVID-19). Known as a Christian Apologist, an apology (in the conventional sense of the word) was the furthest thought from his work. He preferred the term Christian Thinker. His organisation’s strapline is ‘Help the Thinker to Believe and the Believer to Think’. He’d spent more than five decades speaking, teaching and lecturing around the world, and has a fantastic international team and an incredible legacy, which included a passion for the Arts. My prayer is that our ‘salt value’ and ‘light power’ will be experienced in new ways that transform the individuals in our communities and societies more than ever before. Hopefully we can see that it’s the people who matter more than the brick and mortar and, through the POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT, we will be better doers. Open our eyes, Lord, to creative methods in maintaining and celebrating all that we are and what we do as people of faith and the Way. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

14 GOSPEL MUSIC

BY MILTON B. ALLEN WITH BENJAMIN HARRELL

God is the best part of ‘People’ A look into Jonathan McReynolds’ new album

onathan McReynolds’ new album, ‘People’, has captivated fans with his genuine lyrics. His relatable life music underscores God’s power to direct, heal and forgive. The album shows us how to turn fear into faith and pain into love. Jonathan paints a realistic picture of life and its challenges, while reassuring listeners that they are not alone. He reminds us that humans have flaws, that we are not perfect but through our imperfections is the message that God is the best part of people. The Best Thing about Church People Jonathan’s first three songs emphasise relationships - how we interact with people and God. He demonstrates how people can build or break us, and how God restores us. ‘Best Thing’ – ‘The best thing I can do for me is You.’ This song reminds listeners to let go and let God. We cannot do it all, nor should we. God is with us in the fight.

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And we are all fighting to survive, using social distancing to combat COVID-19. Through our quarantines, Jonathan reminds us that the church is still open. “It’s all about the phone, texting, making sure everybody is good. Church, in a biblical sense, is more about unity than a building. In 2020, we can stay connected to people.” ‘People’ – ‘Heal me from people.’ Jonathan explains how we as people can hurt others. What makes us human, our opinions and our expectations can be projected onto others, which could cause pain and stress. We have to remember to turn to God for deliverance when we need peace from others, and when we are affecting the peace of another. Jonathan knows all too well about this topic. “It came at the hands of me assigning too much power to people;

assigning too much weight on the opinions of people; the thoughts of people; what they wanted to say; how they felt… just those types of things. It wasn’t even necessarily their fault. It was my fault and the significance that I put on what they had to say versus, more importantly, what God had to say about me.” ‘Church People’ – ‘Hurt people, hurt people.’ This is a song of prayer, a moment to turn to God for healing from people. ‘The Best Way to Move On Is to Let Him Move In’ The next three songs highlight who we are and what makes us. Jonathan talks about our imperfections and our failures, but pivots to God’s ability to answer our prayers and move us into our next season. The beauty

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‘Jonathan’s album provides relief in a time where we are learning to live together from a distance.’ of his message is the transformation that we encounter that serves as a testimony for another. ‘Cathedral’ – ‘I am good because you are.’ We are imperfect creatures. Despite who we are and where we have been, God can still use us. He saw the light in us when we were in the darkness, and can use us as an example to draw someone else in. ‘Movin’ On’ – ‘I am forgetting what’s behind me.’ Jonathan and Mali Music have teamed up to remind you to focus on God’s plan for you, not what happened yesterday. This motivational masterpiece does not give your flesh a moment to sulk; the rhythm captures your spirit and forces you to look ahead. ‘Situation’ – ‘You see the big picture.’ Have you ever asked God for something but He did not exactly give you what you asked for?

This might be because God knows a better outcome for your situation. We only see life through our eyes, but He sees the big picture. Seek Him first and let Him guide you. Grace The last two songs highlight God’s grace. Every lesson. Every win. Our life. It is all because of God’s grace. ‘He Knows’ – ‘God knows.’ No one knows you like God. Your downs, your ups, your story and your victory. Are you ready to thank Him? Jonathan put a song together that will put you in praise mode. So, what are you waiting for? ‘Grace’ – ‘I need Your grace.’ This song gets straight to the point. It is a confessional to God, letting Him know that we need Him. His grace has given us hope, strength and life. ‘People’ is another example of how Jonathan illustrates God’s impact on our lives. His lyrics and melodies remind us that we are defined by God’s grace. Jonathan’s album provides relief in a time where we are learning to live together from a distance. He has given us more life music that brings us closer to God.

Music Matters

A COLUMN BY BENJAMIN HARRELL GLOBAL MUSIC LINK EDITORIAL TEAM

Don’t let coronavirus stop you sharing your music

ith lockdown restrictions in the UK continuing, recording artists will need to find creative ways to perform for their fans and followers. I am not referring to free platforms, like Facebook or Instagram. As an artist, with plans and budgets, you need income to grow your operation. How do you put on a show and position yourself to obtain a return on investment (ROI)? After all, you desire compensation for your talents from time to time. Your next live concert should take place in your living room. Stageit, an online venue, can show you how to do it. With strict limits requiring people to stay home, how do you perform on stages? Stageit gives you the artist the opportunity to perform beyond the walls of your traditional venue. Host the concert from the comfort of your home. Ready to perform anywhere? You should be. Think of all of the strategies you can implement. You could decide to play some of your already released music on social media, pre-recorded or live - with each performance mentioning your live show on Stageit. After all, you are more than an artist; you are also a promoter. Your live show gives you the ability to connect with your fans. Do not underestimate the value of building relationships with your followers. A live Q&A session before or after the

show is quite valuable. This gives your concertgoers what they crave: an experience. Imagine all the music lovers, spread throughout multiple time zones, seeking the next chance to get to know you. Stageit has bridged the gap between artist and fan, by maximising one of our greatest resources: time. Do your own research on the platform; watch a couple of performances; create an account; explore the features, and prepare for your first event. COVID-19 has prevented gatherings of more than two people in the UK, but it doesn’t have to stop you sharing your gift with the world.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

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Dawn Thomas-Wallace

EMPOWERED TO MINISTER In the 1980s and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s, Dawn Thomas-Wallace was one of the stars of the UK gospel scene. Alongside her sister Winsome, brothers Tony and Samuel, and cousins Lloyd, Monica and Pauline, they comprised the group, Trumpets of Zion (ToZ). Their unique style won them many fans, and music lovers were particularly drawn to Dawn with her powerful vocals and dramatic stage presence. Fast forward to 2020, and Dawn Thomas-Wallace remains an artiste to watch, but this time as a soloist. She has just released her new album, Live in Luxembourg, on Zoe Records and is busy telling the world about it.

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GOSPEL MUSIC 17

The album features covers of popular songs, like ‘We are not Ashamed’ by Andraé Crouch, one of her favourite artistes; ‘I Know Who I Am’ by Sinach; ‘Jesus Will’, by James Cleveland, and ‘Made A Way’ by Travis Green. Dawn’s reasons for recording these songs for the album are deeply spiritual. She said: “The songs were chosen with much prayer and fasting, asking the Lord, ‘What would have me to sing?’ A lot of it is about taking people back to gospel music. And a number of the songs are very close to my heart, as I grew up listening to these gospel songs.” Live in Luxembourg is a recording of a church concert. Dawn views its release as an opportunity to spread the Gospel. She said: “At the time, I wasn’t thinking so much about recording; I was thinking ministry. It was great to be at the church, to share the Gospel with people who were hungry, thirsty and excited, because a gospel concert is a big thing out there. You could feel the energy. My joy is to minister the Gospel. Every opportunity to share the Gospel is a privilege.” And she has high hopes for the album. “I want the album to go viral, especially at a time like this. It is my prayer and hope that these songs will reach a new audience. Lockdown, as a result of COVID-19, has caused great alarm and fear in so many people throughout the world. I want to give people hope when they are at their lowest. This album is an opportunity for people to hear God’s voice at this time.” Never in a million years did Dawn envisage she would be recording an album in Luxembourg. Now a recognised soloist, Dawn has performed throughout the UK, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Denmark, Barbados, Australia, Indonesia and the home of gospel music - the USA. Dawn is the daughter of Bishop and Mrs U T Thomas (Jamaican Christians who migrated to the UK in the late 1950s/1960s) and, together with her three siblings, served at Faith Temple Church of God, Slough, for many years. Music played a big part in their lives. Her brothers were the church musicians and Dawn and her sister sang. Music is in her blood. Her mother and aunts, whose children were also part of ToZ, used to sing when they were younger. ToZ came about by chance. At one time, the members all attended the same church and sang in the youth choir. As a teenager, Dawn noted that many of her fellow young people left the church, but she and her cousins remained and continued singing. Dawn recalled: “We had to attend church whether we liked it or not, because our fathers were ministers and our mothers were mothers of the church, so we weren’t going anywhere. We kept on singing to the point that we found a different style of music that we loved.” The music they discovered was that of the popular American gospel artistes of the time. They heard the music of Andraé Crouch and, when Dawn’s sister and brother came back

from a trip to America, they brought back albums by James Cleveland and other choirs. When ToZ discovered the music of the Clark Sisters that was it. They experienced musical heaven. Dawn recalled: “There was an ocean of gospel music, and then ToZ found music that we identified with as a group, loved, and were good at singing - which was the Clark Sisters. Their songs inspired us, and we rehearsed and rehearsed and ended up singing a number of their songs.” ToZ started singing in their church, then at events and one day when they were singing, Bishop John Francis was in the audience. At the time, he was directing the Inspirational Choir, one of the most popular gospel groups during that time. He became a huge fan of ToZ and championed them.

“I WANT TO GIVE PEOPLE HOPE WHEN THEY ARE AT THEIR LOWEST.” The group were part of the thriving gospel music scene of the 1980s and ‘90s. The period, called by some as the Golden Age of UK Gospel, saw artistes like the London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC), the Inspirational Choir, the Angelical Voice Choir and Lavine Hudson make inroads for the genre. Packed concerts took place every weekend, and some artistes, like LCGC and the Inspirational Choir, were performing regularly on TV and had record deals. The gospel concert scene provided young Black Christians the freedom of having a social life that was separate from the church, but which reflected their faith. During her years performing with ToZ, Dawn sang to audiences of all cultures and races up www.keepthefaith.co.uk

18 GOSPEL MUSIC

and down the country. This included singing at church events, the Royal Albert Hall and Westminster Central Hall, as well as at Greenbelt (the leading Christian festival in Britain at that time) and Scotland. Trumpets of Zion disbanded in the early 1990s, because members were ready to move on to different phases of their lives. Dawn hadn’t wanted it to end. “When the Trumpets stopped singing as a group, I thought ‘That’s it for me’ in terms of singing as a featured artiste. I would continue to be faithful in my church, but I thought for me personally, being a gospel artiste was over. I was at a church convention and the moderator suddenly said: ‘Oh we’re going to ask Sister Dawn to come and sing.’ In those days, you weren’t given any notice, so I sang. They loved it, and word went round. This continued for a number of years. Churches all over would ask me to sing at their services.” Since stepping out as a soloist, Dawn, a wife and mother of two sons, has been a regular face at gospel music and church events across the country. After signing with Zoe Records, the only UK Gospel label with a host of artistes, Dawn has been a regular visitor to the US to either attend events like the Stellars, or perform at the world’s premier event for gospel - the Gospel Music Workshop of America.

“I’ve studied American gospel music for many years now, and I feel part of it, so when I’m around American gospel artistes, I am really stimulated and stirred up,” says Dawn. “When I’m in America, I hear the kind of music I love and enjoy, and the crowd is what I have become used to. When I’m with them, I’m very respectful. I appreciate them and make that known, which I think is very important. You should respect those that have gone before you and made a pathway for you. What you respect you attract; what you lack is what you haven’t respected. In the past, when I have sung in the US, they have responded positively.” As someone who has been involved in UK Gospel since the 80s, Dawn has witnessed the growth of the African Church and its artistes coming to the fore. Whilst she welcomes this development, she feels it’s important the foundation laid down by the Windrush Generation must not be forgotten. She stated: “When we hear about the expansion of gospel, in terms of opening up to African artistes, it’s good to embrace this music, and yet we have to maintain a mixture of what enabled us to be where we are today. Don’t lose it. “It’s also important that new and upcoming gospel artistes understand our history. There

are some really great artistes out there, who’ve established themselves. But it’s very easy to forget those who paved the ground for them to build on, which I am very cautious of.” Dawn added: “You’ve got to maintain history. I remember when the elders of the Windrush Generation came to the UK and weren’t accepted. They were thrown out of indigenous churches. I’m not going to blame anyone, as I think good came out of this. I’ve spoken to bishops of Anglican churches, and they’ve apologised for the behaviour of their churches at that time, but my response to that is: Don’t apologise, that was God. God had a bigger plan. “Caribbean Pentecostal churches have made an important stamp on this nation, which must never be forgotten. Worshipping in bedrooms, front rooms and then community halls… I remember going to services in front rooms, and it’s during those times that we found God. “Young gospel artistes must show honour to those who have gone ahead of them, to those people who have paved the way for us. Our history must be put out there for them to learn.” Although she has been singing for many years, Dawn still has dreams about the type of music projects she’d love to be involved in. “I would really love to sing in movies. I am not ruling out going back to the theatre. The most important thing, though, is being true to the gospel and my faith. “You cannot be a gospel singer unless you are a Christian. It’s important for us to be consecrated to God. For me, it’s important to be close to God, so that I’m empowered to minister in song. When we sing, lives must be changed. My desire, as a gospel artiste, is that the music I sing will destroy yokes and bondages - webs people may find themselves entangled in – and point people to Jesus.” Live in Luxembourg by Dawn Thomas-Wallace is available to either stream or download on Spotify, Deezer and Google Play.

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GOSPEL MUSIC 19

Foster with Islington. You may have more to offer than you think.

Foster carers play a vital role in looking after children and can change lives with their love and support. Being a foster carer can be challenging but brings great rewards. Your care and support really makes a difference and helps young people achieve their best. Don’t be put off by myths. People hold back from enquiring, thinking they need to own their home, must have a partner, or that their faith may hold them back, which are all incorrect. There is no ‘standard foster carer’ and, just like the young people in their care, Islington carers come from a range of ethnicities, backgrounds and beliefs. If you’ve had children or have worked with young people, you will have life skills you can use. You don’t need formal qualifications but must be good with children and be able to keep them healthy and safe. You will also need to have a spare bedroom. In mainstream fostering children may stay for a short or long time but there are also other types of care. Family-based short breaks are overnight stays for children with disabilities, while supportive lodgings help 16 to 21 year olds prepare for independent living. Respite care is for shorter stays overnight or of a few weeks, and may suit those who are not currently able to foster full-time. Whatever scheme suits you best, your care and support will help young people achieve their best, whether through education, sports or special interests, or by preparing them for independent living and future relationships. Some things will be big, some will be small, but all count. Fostering is increasingly considered a career choice, with generous allowances and a wide selection of training available to help build your skills. Islington carers receive 24-hour support from the service and benefit from strong peer support from the Islington Foster Carers Association.

Not afraid to ask about menopause It’s about Be heard in decisions about your HIV health. Visit TreatingMeRight.co.uk to find out more.

If you are interested in making the difference, please call us on 020 7527 7933; email fostering@islington.gov.uk, or have a look at our website fostering.islington.gov.uk.

Developed and paid for by Gilead Sciences Document number: UK-HIV-2020-02-0017 Date of preparation: February 2020

20 FEATURE

A Special Father’s Day Tribute BY MARNITA COLEMAN GLOBAL MUSIC LINK EDITORIAL TEAM

On every Father’s Day, we acknowledge all fathers because, without them, there would be no you or me. Fathers literally bear the seed of our existence, and for this we are grateful. We honour them because they gave us life. “Listen to your father. Without him, you would never have been born. Respect your mother, even when she is old” (Proverbs 23:22 NKJV). This Father’s Day, celebrate indiscriminately with me. Allow this holiday to resonate within you beyond a tie, catchy gadgets, personalised tools, or a ‘Real Men Love Jesus’ teacup. Let’s forego the typical Father’s Day routine to reflect on how wise our God is to know that we needed earthly fathers to feed, guide and protect us.‘The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him’ (Proverbs 20:7 NKJV). A noted professor of sociology, Dr. Robert Tutman, PhD stated: “Fathers have a parenting style that is significantly different from that of a mother. Their presence promotes healthy development, and is a deterrent to destructive influences, such as substance abuse, suicide, runaway and school dropout. The father-factor gives children a greater rate of success.” However, keeping it 100, dads are not perfect. They are after all, human. Nevertheless, their influence is forever impacting, and there is no doubt something inherently “special” about everyone’s dad, for the glory of children are their fathers. ‘Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father’ (Proverbs 17:6). Unaware of how great or grievous their dads have been in their lives, I took this poll to the streets and asked folks to share what is or what was special about their dad. The responses range from genuine joy to severe pain. Here are their uncensored responses:

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“

“Fatherhood is one the most amazing things that has ever happened to me. To have the awesome privilege to play a part in the nurturing of a new life, being a father to three beautiful daughters has brought purpose and focus in my life - one full of joy, laughter and sometime challenges. Real fatherhood to me means unconditional love, commitment and sacrifice.” Brian Martin - Worship Artist, Writer, Producer Brian Martin & Worship 4 Life will be releasing their new album, The Greatness in You, this autumn.

FEATURE 21

“What makes my dad special to me is the fact that he’s super funny and I’m always laughing. We are huge movie buffs and it always brings us together. I can remember when my sister and I would spend weekends with him, we’d lounge around the house and watch as many movies as we could and enjoy being around each other. That will always stay with me.” Jessica, 25 “My dad was very special to me. He constantly spoke words of affirmation, setting the bar high; he often referred to me as his model daughter. After our mother passed, he took on the responsibility of being a full-time, single dad, taking us to school, showing us how to prepare meals, pay bills, and he attended all of our school functions. My dad was a true dad.” Monique, 37

“My dad was young when I was born, and though I knew of him, we didn’t have a dad-son relationship. He was not able to give me the care that a dad should, because he didn’t have it. From a distance, I have developed some of his traits of hard working, always saying Yes to helping others, and sometimes I am too laid back, like he is.” Dean, 38 “I am a huge Marvel fan; they remind me of my hero, my dad. I have known him for 11 ‘long’ years. He knows how to handle me and my sister’s temper tantrums, because he is an expert with children. He takes care of my mum, my sister and myself. He just loves making us happy. Thank you for being the hero!” Sammy, 11 “My dad - with nine sons and one daughter - in my opinion, is Superman. He is a man that took care of an ill wife and son (who lived in the same house) until their deaths two weeks apart from each other, and still he had the strength to hold our family together. I appreciate everything he has done for me.” Melvin, 52

These sentiments are extraordinary glimpses into fatherhood. Between us, it doesn’t take much to be special in the eyes of your child. Indeed, each person could have taken the opportunity to put their dad on blast for his shortcomings; but, instead, they all chose to accentuate his “specialness” - even if it was for only one thing. I’ll leave on this note: After having made several bad choices that separated him from his family, the prodigal son arose, cast it all behind him and, not knowing what the reception would be, returned to his father anyway. ‘But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.The father restored his son back into the family with a great celebration’ (Luke 15:20-24).

Happy Father’s Day, dads. You rock! Marnita Coleman is an author and host of The Marnita Show, a parenting show heard daily across the globe. For more about parenting, log onto TheMarnitaShow.com. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

22 FEATURE

By Phillip M Holmes

n June 2016, my wife Jasmine and I prepared for the arrival of our oldest son, Walter Wynn. At the time, we lived in Minneapolis, but we were fleeing the frozen tundra for my home state, Mississippi, in a matter of weeks. While at the birth centre for an appointment, Jasmine mentioned our plans to relocate to Mississippi. An employee immediately voiced her prejudices about Mississippi and encouraged Jasmine to be careful. Less than a week later, however, a Minnesota police officer killed Philando Castile, a 32-year-old African American man, during a traffic stop. The aftermath of Castile’s death was caught on video. Even though Castile’s girlfriend insisted he was reaching for his wallet, defence lawyers convinced the jury that the officer feared for his life. The officer was acquitted on all charges.

We need to be uncomfortable

This week, Minneapolis is making national headlines again after the release of chilling footage of another African American male, George Floyd, being choked to death by an officer. (Four officers have been fired.) This comes just weeks after a video was made public, showing the death of Ahmaud Arbery at the hands of two vigilantes. As I reflect on the unjust deaths of these Black image-bearers, and others before them, I’m deeply concerned about prevailing views, reactions and opinions coming out of the church. While so much progress has been made over the last decade, we still have such a long way to go. The more I observe Christian commentary around race, the more I see that truths and realities surrounding race that seem obvious to me are not obvious to many of my White brothers and sisters. Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

Photo credit: Darnella Frazier (Facebook)

FEATURE 23

AMERICA STILL HAS A RACE PROBLEM

The phrase “Let’s take race out of it” is the new virtue signalling, when offering commentary on a controversial shooting that involves people of different ethnic backgrounds. Two groups tend to use this phrase. First, it’s sometimes used by those with good intentions, trying to reach and disarm their conservative audience. Second, it can be weaponised by Christians as a way to avoid talking about race when it’s not on their terms. Whether used to advocate or to avoid the issues, we should stop viewing it as universally helpful. While it certainly has its place in some commentary, we won’t experience progress if the only people we listen to are the people who “take race out of it.” America still has a race problem. And, even though it isn’t as blatant as the racism experienced by my ancestors, it is still threatening Black lives across this country. We have to confront partiality by listening, learning and engaging.

ONLY SAINTS GET SYMPATHY

My wife, Jasmine, recently released Mother to Son: Letters to a Black Boy on Identity and Hope. (You can listen to TGC’s

Photo credit Tony Webster

podcast interview with her, ‘From Mother to Son on Race, Religion and Relevance.’) At one point, she reflects on the death of Black men, and expresses fear for our son’s physical safety: ‘My fear for you, my son, is not so much that you will be lynched like Emmett Till. Make no mistake, I will train you - as I was trained - to respond to authority in a way that will make you appear as non-threatening and compliant as humanly possible. And I will hope and pray that this compliance will serve as some kind of barrier against the brutality that your young Black form may incur. I will watch every news story of a Black man gunned down by police with a twinge of fear, wanting so badly to trust that those charged with protecting our communities would not harm you without just cause, but fearing every scenario where they might.’ Jasmine is not alone. Mothers of Black sons across the country live in constant fear. It’s easy to shrug and say this fear is irrational if we raise our sons right and they respect authority. However, there are a couple of problems with this view. First, parents are helpless, unless God intervenes and opens a child’s eyes to the beauty of the Gospel. Sometimes this happens later in life. If a wayward son’s life is taken prematurely, simply because he didn’t follow an officer’s command to

the letter, what a tragedy that would be. Second, it may expose a popular but immoral view that says the victim has to be a saint in order to receive sympathy. When we allow our view of justice to be persuaded by footage of the victim in his best moments, or footage of him in his worst, we’re not thinking biblically about justice. Was he a law-abiding person? If an injustice occurred against him, it should not matter. Why? Because he was a person.

UNCOMFORTABLE HOPE

I don’t grieve as one without hope. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I am, however, uncomfortable. My model is Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, where He was both distressed and hopeful. We all should be uncomfortable about the injustice in our country. For many Christians, facing the reality that America still has a race problem is uncomfortable. Until we’re able to listen to the cries of Black advocates, sympathise with Black mothers, and express righteous anger over dead Black bodies, we might remain comfortable - but it’s a poor substitute for the love to which we’ve been called.

Phillip Holmes is the vice president for institutional communications at Reformed Theological Seminary (http://www.rts.edu) and owner of Highest Good, a digital marketing and strategy agency. He and his wife, Jasmine, have two sons, Walter Wynn and Ezra Langston. They are members of Redeemer Church in Jackson, Mississippi. You can follow him on Twitter @phillipmholmes

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

24 FEATURE

O GOD, MAKE US ANGRY! BY A m y D i M a r c a n g e l o

ike relentless waves, the news keeps crashing: Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd. Each one, an image-bearer of God. Each one, beautifully woven by their Maker and bestowed with brown skin. Each one, senselessly killed. These three people, three deaths, three situations point to a larger issue with broad implications. It is godly to get angry. I’ll say it again: it is godly to get angry.

Righteous Anger Lest you worry that I’m dismissing the many references in Scripture that call us to repent of sinful expressions of anger, I’ll be the first to admit that I must repent of it often. By God’s grace, I pray I continue to put such sin to death. There is, most certainly, ungodly anger in all our hearts, requiring repentance. But there’s another kind of anger righteous anger against sin and evil that is rooted in a love for what is good and just. And I worry that we sometimes fail to embrace this Christian virtue, because we view all anger as rooted in sin, when it is actually rooted in our image-bearing of a righteous God, and has only been warped by sin. God, who never sins, gets angry. And we are called to be like Him. God hates injustice. He hates racism and oppression and abuse and corruption. And so should we. Romans 12:9 says: “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil.” How interesting that the first instruction to demonstrate genuine love is to ‘hate what is evil’. It is ungodly to be apathetic. It is unloving to not be angry in the face of evil. Mere sympathy toward the oppressed isn’t enough. If I found out that one of my children had been molested, I would Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

Photo credit Fibonacci Blue

be filled with intense grief and anger - and it would be a righteous response! If I were not angry, there’d be good reason to question the depth of my love. Likewise, if we see news of brutality and don’t feel angry, we should probably question the depth of ours.

Where Righteous Anger Leads Godly anger doesn’t mirror outrage culture, where crowds fume for a few seconds and then move on with their lives until a new headline grabs their attention. Such reactions are vain. Godly anger is supposed to elicit a response. When we see injustice, the anger we feel should drive us to action. Though tangible steps are not always immediately clear, we can always start with prayer. In the Psalms, there aren’t just prayers for the oppressed to be delivered, but for oppressors to be judged: “May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!” (Psalm 72:4). There is a call for vengeance: “O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O Judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve!” (Psalm 94:1-2).

Crying out for justice - for the vindication of the innocent and the punishment of the guilty - is as important now as it was then. Do you think abolitionists were merely sympathetic toward slaves? No! They were angry. Godly anger fuels the pursuit of justice. Godly anger rouses a right response to abusers. Godly anger calls corruption to account. Godly anger against injustice spurs the pursuit of justice. What evils have gone unabated because of our passivity, when we’ve chosen superficial ‘peace’ over godly anger? (This is easy to do when the evil at hand doesn’t affect us.) Or when we’ve traded justice and righteousness for a shallow deposit of ‘nice’? Refusing to get our hands dirty in the messy pursuit of justice only ends up staining them with guilt. O God, have mercy on us!

Asking God for Righteous Anger These callous hearts of ours must be changed! We must beg God to kindle godly anger within our hearts. For, in a world wrought with racism, violence, corruption, crooked justice systems, oppression, exploitation and abuse, the heat of angry love will enflame our resolve to keep contending for justice.

FEATURE 25

Ahmaud Arbery, a Black American man, was out jogging on 23rd February, when two men chased him down in their truck, and one shot and killed him. They claim they suspected he was a burglar, though the story is unconvincing and reeks of racial profiling. Furthermore, even if that were true, they still pursued and killed him. That is not self-defence. That is murder. Travis and Gregory were only charged with murder three months later, when a 36 second video of the killing was leaked. Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old Black American emergency medical technician, who worked to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, was shot eight times and killed during a “botched raid”, when officers entered her apartment in southwest Louisville just before 1am on 13th March. Police were executing a search warrant at Taylor’s apartment as part of a narcotics investigation, but for an unrelated suspect who was already in custody and did not live in the apartment complex.

While we engage, we must look to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as our ultimate hope. For in the darkest hours of history - when it seemed like evil had triumphed - Christ’s suffering won redemption and vanquished evil. The Cross brings hope to the mistreated, for while evil plagues the earth, Christ’s victory ensures that justice will prevail. And the Cross brings hope to the guilty, for God’s mercy is great enough to cover even the most heinous sins. If you are buckling under the pain of injustice, remember that Jesus sympathises with you. If you are fearful, find hope in your victorious King. And if you are guilty - complacent toward or complicit in evil - turn to Christ for forgiveness. While we have breath, it is never too late to repent and receive His mercy.

On 25th May, George Floyd, 46, a Black American, was involved in an incident with the Minneapolis Police Department. It is alleged that Mr Floyd was trying to use a forged cheque in a grocery store. Footage of his violent arrest by four police officers was posted on social media, showing an officer with his knee on Mr Floyd’s neck, his hands were handcuffed, and he could be heard groaning and saying repeatedly: “I can’t breathe” for nine minutes. In the footage, Mr Floyd can also be heard saying: “Don’t kill me!” before he becomes motionless with his eyes closed. Mr Floyd eventually lost consciousness and later died in hospital. At the time of writing, ex-police officer Derek Chauvin and his three colleagues have been charged with his murder, and protest riots have broken out in Minneapolis. Photo by munshots on Unsplash

Amy DiMarcangelo is a wife, mum of three, and taco enthusiast from New Jersey. She co-leads mercy ministry outreach at Sovereign Grace Church of Marlton, and works part-time teaching children diagnosed with autism. You can find more of her writing on her blog https://equippedformercy.com/.

Photo by Josh Hild on Unsplash

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

26 FEATURE

BY REV DAVID SHOSANYA

esterday evening I cried. My tears were not tears of sadness but of relief, of humbly recognising that, despite the travesties that are taking place in the world and the anger that rightfully accompanies those travesties, God is still at work. Seeing White police officers ‘Take the Knee’ in full uniform and in solidarity with Mr George Floyd’s family and protesters softened, actually melted, my broken heart. It may not be what we ultimately hope for, but it is a beginning, a much-needed sign of hope, an encouragement I think from the heart of God. I took it as a reminder that in this indescribable pain and madness of the evil and human complicity with the dehumanisation of Black bodies, God IS still at work. My gladness and hope were almost cut short, as I took my eyes off what God had done and became distracted by the DEAFENING SILENCE of White leaders, some of whom have Black bodies worshipping in their very congregations and financially supporting their ministries. Had it been a Black knee kneeling on a White neck, I am 100% sure many White Christian leaders would have something to say! If White American police officers, that are daily in the line of fire and at loggerheads with AfricanAmerican communities, can see the reality of the situation, and ‘Take the Knee’, why can’t you speak out? The problem lies front and centre in the answer (or lack thereof)! What happened in the US can and does happen here in the UK, where there are untold cases of MYSTERIOUS or UNEXPLAINABLE deaths of Black bodies in custody and within mental institutions. One can find out about them if one desires to do so. It is a LACK of interest and CULTURAL COLLUSION - and not ‘know how’ - that is the sin of many White leaders, and I am CALLING THEM OUT as I did with the Ahmaud Arbery case. Half-baked ramblings are an affront to our community. Silence is complicity and collusion with White supremacy and the attitudes that bring about the demise and death of Black bodies. Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

If you find yourself being silent about the PUBLIC execution of Mr George Floyd, you may want to ask yourself how you would have responded had you been alive and present when the Roman authorities crucified Jesus. It’s easy to look back and say: ‘I would have stood with Him if I were there.’ Well, I am not too sure, as you are not STANDING against the sin of RACISM now, and it is far less dangerous.

‘Seeing White police officers ‘Take the Knee’ in full uniform and in solidarity with Mr George Floyd’s family and protesters softened, actually melted, my broken heart.’ Finally, this is not the time for diplomacy that detracts from the ISSUES, or for misguided calls for a mutual and equal recognition of the humanity of Black and White bodies. It is time for ADVOCACY, a Christian prophetic imperative for justice, that is inspired and informed by the Gospel we say we live for, and the Christ of that Gospel who died for the very same Black bodies that are being murdered with impunity. We are quick to call out young Black men who take each other’s lives, and ask our communities to take control of feral young people. We are doing what we can. We most definitely do not condone their actions either explicitly or by our silence. I am kindly asking White leaders and friends to do the same. Wishing you a good day. Blessings. PS: I want to thank those White leaders who have put their neck on the line for Black bodies - your voice has been heard!!!

Rev David Shosanya is an Itinerant Speaker and Church Consultant

FEATURE 27

“I CAN’T BREATHE...” We can defeat racism, together! BY ARLINGTON W TROTMAN

overnment and the Church - and British society generally - must intensify their efforts to extinguish the effects of 400 years of racism and the legacies of enslavement, ie. gruelling racial inequalities in our country. White Americans, in almost unprecedented numbers across their country, are emphatically calling for justice and an end to racism and racist police behaviour, following the gruesome killing on 25th May of an African American man, George Floyd, at the hands of the Minneapolis police. Not since the Civil Rights demonstrations of 1960s America has the world witnessed Whites joining forces with Blacks in such diversity, across states and in huge numbers to plead for justice and freedom. Floyd’s ignominious death focuses the issue there, but Black, Asian and minority ethnic people (BAME) here in Britain continue to suffer the persistent indignity of racist hate - overt and subtle - and all the ills of systemic oppression, as the government’s ‘hostile environment’, Brexit and COVID-19 have devastatingly revealed. Indisputably, racism is rife in our country! It can be shown, perhaps metaphorically that, indeed, we ‘can’t breathe’! BAME communities are:

Photo by Koshu Kunii on Unsplash

• more likely to die in prison, police and immigration custody than White British people • excluded from the number of clergy and staff, when these positions should at least reflect the community they serve • failed by mainline churches for historical and modern-day rampant racism • twice more likely to die from COVID-19 than White British people • suffering from high levels of unemployment (9% - the highest in 2019 – compared to 4% White) • over-represented at almost all stages of the criminal justice process • disproportionately targeted by the police • more likely to be imprisoned and more likely to be imprisoned for longer than White British people • nearly three times more likely to be arrested than White people • more likely to be stopped and searched than White British people • experiencing a lack of promotion and/or opportunity in education and housing • disadvantaged by the disproportionate use of ‘Joint Enterprise – Not Guilty by Association’ (JENGbA), eg. of 500 prisoners, around 80 per cent are from BAME communities. The need for increased political will in church, in government and respect in society is urgent and unmistakable. Despite some progress in Britain’s community relations, eg. following the racist murder of 18-year-old Stephen Lawrence on 22nd April 1993, among others, and the publication six years later of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report, BAME people are victims of structural racism and discriminatory attitudes and policies, as evidenced in BREXIT, the hostile environment and COVID-19.

Lasting progress can only be achieved when White British people, en masse, accept that racism prohibits their freedom too, at least psychologically, and when they join Black and Asian people in the struggle for lasting change. No longer must our White counterparts fear that sharing power at all levels in society and defeating personal and structural racism equate with Black-on-White retribution. Systems of oppression are built on greed, fear and abuse over many generations, not on love, justice and respect. The outpouring of love (not an affectionate emotion), the call for justice, and the moment of respect now witnessed across the world to George Floyd’s last words, “I can’t breathe… Mama… Mama…”, signal love as understanding, redeeming, good will. As Dr Martin Luther King Jr reminds us: “If we retaliate with hate and bitterness, the new age will be nothing more but a duplication of the old age” (James M Washington, ed., A Testament of Hope, p.140). Arlington W Trotman: Former Secretary, Churches’ Commission for Racial Justice (CCRJ) and former Moderator, Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME). arlington@awtrotman.co.uk

28 FEATURE

REV ALTON P BELL

is Chair of Movement for Justice and Reconciliation

WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR THE NIGHT – THE PRAXIS OF LAMENTING A reflection for Pentecost

s we approach the feast of Pentecost, the time when Christians celebrate the birth of the Church, we will hear many sermons about the coming of Holy Spirit and the tongues of fire that empowers the believers in Jesus to be witnesses in Jerusalem and to the ends of the earth. My concern is that many will not consider the significance of the 10 days prior to the day of Pentecost. In Acts 1:4, Jesus commands His followers to wait in Jerusalem until the first day of Pentecost, then they will be filled/baptised in or with Holy Spirit. What were they supposed to do in the 10 days’ waiting period? Luke does not tell us, as he cites Peter preaching and quoting from Joel 2:28ff as a fulfilment of that prophecy. I want to suggest that as we try to come to terms with the impact of COVID-19, we reflect on the events prior to the day of Pentecost, include them in our liturgies and sermons, and develop a theology of lament. What are the antecedents for this? It was 10 days before the first Pentecost that Moses received the 10 Commandments (the Law) from God and gave them to the people. In fulfilment of the law (Matthew 5:17), Jesus was crucified on the very day of Passover (14th Nissan); rose from the dead on the Feast of Firstfruits (17th Nissan), and ascended to heaven 40 days after His resurrection. However, before His ascension, Jesus reminded His disciples that ‘everything written about Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled and that the Messiah Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His Name to all nations beginning at Jerusalem.’ Finally, Jesus says: “Stay in the city as I am going to send you what My Father has promised, and you will be clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:44-49). Whilst waiting for the day of Pentecost to come, Peter and the other 119 believers spent these 10 days praying earnestly to the Lord (Acts 1:14). ‘When the day of Pentecost finally came, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with other tongues’ (Acts 2:4).However, when Peter preached to the gathered crowd at about 9am, he quotes from Joel 2:28-32 and Psalms 16 and 110 as the fulfilment of those prophecies. He says nothing about the preceding prophetic utterance of Joel in chapter 2. As we celebrate Pentecost this year, I believe the Lord is calling His Church to embrace a theology of lament. As Joel says in chapter 2:12 - ‘The Lord is calling His people to ‘return to Him with all their hearts with fasting and weeping and mourning’ and He wants us to ‘rend out hearts and not our garments and return to the Lord.’ The act of lamenting must be led by the Priests who minister before the Lord. They must ‘weep between the portico and the altar’ (verse 17). Lament is a grief experienced and expressed, and reflects the grief that God feels when we sin against Him and break His heart. Jesus experienced and expressed grief.

And the apostle Paul knew how to lament. Weeping for the churches he planted became his normal response, consequently when he heard of sexual sin and the other misdemeanours of the Corinthians, his response was: “Godly sorrow brings repentance and leaves no regret” (2 Corinthians 7:10). The coming joy of Pentecost must be preceded by a time of lamenting for the grief and sorrow that the COVID-19 plague has wrought on the land, and particularly on those from the BAME community. Many were not able to attend funerals to pay their last respects to loved ones, friends and colleagues. Many lost jobs, businesses and careers. We all had to navigate the supermarkets and shops employing the new norm of social distancing whilst in lockdown. Conclusion 1. The Church needs to restore the practice of Lamentations as a normal, appropriate, spiritual response. 2. Institute a National Day of Lamentation. Use the Christian festival of All Saints’ Day (Sunday 1st November 2020), to remember our loved ones and friends within a Christian context, by holding a service in which the Church can invite the community to come and share their grief for their loved ones. 3. Institute a National BAME Memorial Day. Set a day (Windrush Day on 22nd June) for the BAME community to remember their loved ones and friends within a Christian context, to come and share their grief for their loved ones.

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New recruits patrolling across London When Yanique Bailey first applied to join the Metropolitan Police Service in 2017, she thought she knew most of the challenges she would face. What she didn’t expect was a London with far fewer people on the streets and having to remind herself to stand two metres away from her new colleagues whenever possible. “It’s obviously not what we thought things would look like when we came out of training school,” she said. “At the moment, we don’t really know any different – this is the only London we have policed! But it’s a learning curve for everyone, not just us. “We are really trying our best to make sure the public follow the rules and guidelines and are only leaving the house when necessary, and so far most people I’ve spoken to have been very understanding and co-operative. “In reality, a lot of what we are doing is exactly what we trained for and what we will always do – talking to the public and engaging with them – and I already feel like I’ve learnt so much in just three weeks.” Like Yanique, just over 300 recruits joined their new command units on Monday, 6 April and have now spent almost a month out in their communities, supervised by some of the Met’s most experienced officers. Earlier this year, two probationers on street duties were on patrol with three experienced constables on Great West Road in Hounslow when a passenger in a taxi came to their attention. The officers signalled for the vehicle to stop and detained the passenger as he attempted to make off on foot. Following a search, he was found to be in possession of a firearm and a quantity of cash and drugs and was arrested. Commander Helen Millichap, said: “There is no denying that the London our newest officers are now policing looks very different to what they would have expected when they applied for the job, but it is clear that our recruits are playing a more vital role than ever in keeping our communities safe. “I know they are extremely proud to be doing their bit in maintaining our visibility on the streets, engaging with the public and responding to calls for assistance where necessary.” For more information about becoming a Metropolitan Police Officer visit https://www.met.police.uk/car/careers/

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30 FEATURE

COVID-1 9

and its effects on gangs, knife crime and county lines BY S H E L DON T HOMA S (Gangsline consultant, author, speaker and trainer)

veryone wants to know how and why knife crime is down by 30% in London and by as much as 50% in some of the other cities, depending on which city’s stats you use. As for county lines, knife crime has almost come to a complete standstill, as all the major cities, towns and counties are on lockdown, resulting in virtually deserted streets in all parts of the UK. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only swept across the UK, but also across the globe. To date, over 38,000 people have been confirmed dead in the UK, and sadly more will die from this virus. What does this really mean when it comes to gangs, serious youth violence and county lines? The lockdown has had such an effect on reducing knife crime, the movement of county lines and on UK gang members that some commentators feel we may need to look at introducing curfews as a way forward. Such is the desperate need to find a cure for this epidemic of knife and gang-related violence - I prefer to use ‘gang-related’, because ‘knife crime’ downplays the fact that gangs have been a serious problem for over 20 years – that I believe a completely different approach is called for, requiring the injection of some serious financial resources. Certainly far more than the £100m suggested. Nearly all Home Office reports on youth crime are written by a professor claiming to be an expert in gangs, with contributions from the Police, and many individuals and organisations

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

believe that its latest report on serious youth violence will contain answers. However, for the past two decades, we have seen no evidence that these reports have impacted the lives of the very people they are supposed to affect. Why is that? Because people, including myself, those with real insight into the issues, have had their testimonies edited down to just a few paragraphs, whilst the opinions of those with agendas and politically correct statements have carried more weight. I have travelled across the UK, and have visited different trap houses (where illegal drugs are sold). The stench is overwhelming, yet I have witnessed children living in these houses.

I have engaged with gang members - some of them marked up - in dark alleyways and seen first hand how 10- and 11-year-olds in some parts of London, Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham and Liverpool are selling drugs on their BMXs or mountain bikes. I have observed 12 to 14-year-olds being groomed and exploited to run county lines some 200 miles away from home. Over 10 years ago, I sat in a room with the then Home Secretary Theresa May, Iain Duncan Smith and various individuals from 20 organisations – each with well presented reports, stating that they had ‘engaged’ with this ‘hard-to-reach cohort’ - knowing full

“

Neither the government nor the community seem to want to address a major problem in the UK: society’s acceptance of fathers being absent from their children

well that they hadn’t been to a trap house or darkened alleyway, nor interacted with hardened gang members, and had no idea the lengths gangs would go to to attract the attention of those in power. Yet these individuals were advising the Home Office, yet failing to mention the elephant in the room: absent fathers. Neither the government nor the community seem to want to address a major problem in the UK: society’s acceptance of fathers being absent from their children, and the rejection and physiological effects on the children. It is hardly mentioned in forums or by think tanks; it is hardly publicised in newspapers. An internet search produces very few organisations that are actually looking into the problem of absent fathers: Dr Martin Glynn (Dad And Me report); Sonia Shaljean (Lads Needs Dads organisation); Courtney Brown and Gangsline (myself), to name but a few. We are so desperate to find a solution to this epidemic that we blame the police, local authority and various government departments, but for me, parents must also acknowledge their share of the blame. Despite the many organisations giving politically correct advice to many parliamentary committees, and the many feel-good discussions taking place in the Home Office, Mayors’ offices and various UK agencies, there has been no impact made on any local communities. Why? Because the solution has been staring them in the face: the need for societal change.

FEATURE 31

The epidemic of gang violence, which originated in small, poor White and Black communities in a few deprived areas, only attracted mainstream attention from the Media and government when young White middle-class people started getting caught in the crossfire. This discriminatory reporting has been operating for decades. Now we have trap and drill music spreading this gangsta-drug-dealing lifestyle ideology not only across the UK into White middle-class surburban neighbourhoods, but also into middle-class counties, like Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Sussex. Now we have a new generation of White middle-class children, who are not only selling drugs on behalf of the gangs from London, Birmingham and Liverpool, but also enabling them to get a bigger share of the market. These are not the stereotypical gang members of broken homes and absent fathers; they are the new breed who speak and act Black and, to a large extent, even think they are Black. Most of this assimilation can be put down to the fact that they are listening and digesting trap and drill music, and they no longer hang out with the White friends they used to have. I appreciate there are some White kids who have grown up in highly populated Black areas, so I am not including them in this category. Since the 80s and 90s, hip-hop music and culture have done much to bridge the colour divide – followed by grime and now drill – and have changed the way many White kids in the UK see and respect Black kids. You would be hard pushed to find many White kids under 18 who do not have a lot of Black friends. In my opinion, many of the Black artists they listen to (most of whom are just talented drug dealers and gang members) are misguided, and have no idea who they are. They are disillusioned and trapped in their own egotistic paranoid lifestyle, which only reinforces the stereotype that racists already believe, namely that all Black kids carry themselves the same way. The so-called ‘badman image’ further reinforces this

Photo by Ben Wiens on Unsplash

stereotype, which then goes deeper into some serious mental health issues. I won’t begin to address all the issues now, but let’s just say that rejection, trauma, damaged brain cells and anger are some of the demons controlling their thought processes. This stereotype has been cultivated over time in a parallel world, and has been the gateway for White and Asian kids to now join this new culture. There is nothing wrong with listening to drill music; HOWEVER, if they are then going to assimilate what they see and hear in the YouTube videos, and become what they are listening to, then that is a problem!

So what do these middle-class White kids have in common with poor White kids? Simple: the attachment theory says it all. Britain is in an epidemic of vulnerable children from all classes and racial backgrounds experiencing a lack of family love and real emotional attachment to parents, who are either absent (mainly fathers) or work long hours. The many attachment theories also include parents who themselves have been carrying a troubled, unresolved past. This results in the child possibly looking elsewhere for what they believe is family and love, quickly provided by street gangs - the new version of the surrogate family. An East London gang member once told me: “If you don’t raise your boy, we will.” Britain has one of the worst records of raising children in loveless households. This was highlighted in a UN report five years ago and, according to the Maslow Hierarchy of Needs, step 3 - which looks at belonging and love needs - really explains why gangs have become a culture. A former female Guatemalan gang member said: “The gangs filled a void in society, and the void was the absence of family life.” The gang had become the ‘family’. No single intervention can fix this systemic breakdown in families within British society. I am not suggesting that intervention does not have its place - it clearly does - but it can only www.keepthefaith.co.uk

32 FEATURE work if we recognise that we must give up feel-good reports and short-term, knee-jerk reactions to violence. We must be prepared to look at societal change as the only solution to this epidemic crisis of teenagers and young adults killing each other at an alarming rate, as well as being groomed, exploited and trapped into a life of gangs and county lines. As parents, we have to admit that we need to do more. We have to stop blaming everyone else for our own failings. We must invest more emotional time, nurturing, loving and giving our children security and a safe space by which they can really grow, with a rounded sense of morals and principles. If we continue as parents to lay the blame elsewhere, and not address our own flaws, then nothing will change. Parents, we need to fix up. Especially the men! There is nothing the government can do in respect of interventions that will work, unless we as parents face up to our past and present mistakes. Everything begins in the family home - not in some government department! Societal change is the only way forward. Every report published thus far has failed. Even if, in the short term, COVID-19 does seem to reduce the violence on the streets, when we come out of this lockdown,

everything will go back to the parallel world of gangs and serious youth violence. The government must develop a real vision for children, and change what is being taught in both primary and secondary schools. As part of their safeguarding policy, gangs prevention assemblies and workshops must be delivered by individuals or organisations that actually employ former gang members or, at the very least, delivered by people with real credibility, who are also seen as credible by the young people. The government must address the inadequate and underfunded mental health agencies, which have constantly failed a generation of young people. They must create a fairer society, demanding that employers - both in the public sector and the corporate world - prove how they intend to recruit a diverse workforce from the Black, ethnic and poorer White communities, as well as how they intend to train, support and encourage promotion amongst this group, enabling them to break through the proverbial glass ceiling.

‘As parents, we have to admit that we need to do more. We have to stop blaming everyone else for our own failings.’

Turning poetry and prayer into podcast to persevere through this pandemic

ith the COVID-19 coronavirus taking the world on a journey no one ever expected, people are looking for ways to cope and make sense of the unravelling of life as they know it. Voice actor and storyteller, Esther Wane, who has been featured in The Telegraph, has created a new podcast based on poetry, prayer and prose requests from family and friends, and she hopes this will help lift others up and give them some calm in a sea of corona chaos. As someone who was born with a congenital heart defect and an asthma sufferer, Esther knew she was at risk of complications should she contract the virus and, like so many others, went into self-isolation long before the government made this official. Her new podcast - plus an online community for creatives, where she will offer a series of workshops and practical coaching and gratitude sessions - is Esther’s way of giving back to the Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

community she is a part of and dearly loves. Esther says: “My initial response to the outbreak of the coronavirus was one of denial, but I soon saw that if I didn’t take care of my health, I could be at risk of serious illness, and that wasn’t fair on anyone. I had the idea of creating the podcast, as I know how soothing words can be, and I was delighted that people came forward and started to give me ideas

of what to record. We are all trying to process this pandemic, and its impact on mental health and wellbeing is huge. I hope that what I am doing will give people a chance to step away from the noise, and take time out for themselves, so they can start to deal with their thoughts and emotions. She adds: “Whether it’s a poem, the words to a song, a prayer, or a few lines from the Bible, words can be extremely powerful and reach out to people when they are most vulnerable. As well as the podcast, I am holding online sessions for actors who are struggling - both mentally and financially - and giving them the tools to see a way ahead in very challenging circumstances. We all have something to give, and now is the time to do exactly that – give back to those around us and see this through together.” Details can be seen at https:// soundcloud.com/estherwane/sets/ poems-prayers-and-prose

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34 FEATURE

Supporting each other through the challenges “I was brought up believing in education, hard work and serving our community. With this wisdom and understanding of life, I have embraced opportunities, and I have achieved and accomplished much more than I could ever have conceptualised. Now more than ever, in these times of the coronavirus, we need to help and support each other wisely, and work as one community.” These are the inspiring words of 85-year-old grandmother, Eunice McGhie-Belgrave MBE. Eunice, who began life as a poor illegitimate child in Jamaica, came to England in 1957. Through her varied work to support and help local people, she has brought together all ages, races and faiths to work, learn and grow together. She received her Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2002 for her services to the community. In her recently released book, ‘Learning and Growing’, Eunice talks about her life and work in Jamaica and England, and the importance of her family teachings. The book also includes lots of photos, which showcase her wonderful smile and many achievements. She says: “The way a parent trains their child is important. It takes time to teach them how to follow instructions, and to answer their questions in a positive and straightforward manner. Children should always be taught to be humble, to have a good attitude and to work hard to achieve excellent results

with deep satisfaction. Almost all children are very intelligent, and with help from their parents, they will be inspired to achieve their goals, and meet any changes, struggles and discoveries on life’s journey.” Eunice did many jobs at home and in the wider community from a young age, and she believes this helped her gain resilience and understanding. She currently lives in Stechford, Birmingham, and documents her experiences of living through World War II, of being a single mum, and the struggles, exclusion and racism she received from many when she came to England. These are important recollections for today’s generation to hear about and to learn from. Even when faced with such difficulties in the 1960s, Eunice helped others who couldn’t afford food, and did sewing for others. She notes: “It was my childhood upbringing that gave me the confidence - in spite of the humiliation - to work hard and, with a positive approach, make a difference.” Eunice’s abiding message is around educating and supporting each other. She adds: “Putting others first is a respectful way of working together, and is an excellent way of learning basic life skills that benefit us all.” Certainly, in these times of coronavirus, supporting each other and working together are the key.

“It was my childhood upbringing that gave me the confidence - in spite of the humiliation - to work hard and, with a positive approach, make a difference.” Eunice has been involved in community action networking in the Handsworth, Aston and Stechford areas of Birmingham since 1960. She has pioneered and spearheaded numerous initiatives, and is a regular attendee at Stetchford Baptist Church. At Shades of Black, which was created to build cohesion after the 1989 Handsworth riots, children undertook educational visits and learnt new games and artwork. Adults and senior citizens learned about first aid and

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FEATURE 35

health and safety, and also took part in flower arranging, sewing and cookery sessions, and found out more about history and mental health. Whilst a school governor, Eunice suggested and obtained funding for the ‘HELP’ (Help Enables Learning Positively) Uplands Allotment project, where young people discovered a new open-air style of learning, based around growing things. Eunice also developed the Social Inclusion Greenland Nurturing Scheme – SIGNS - and was also the instigator of other gardening-related projects in Stechford. Now she has small groups of children come to her own garden to learn skills. “Small groups are better,” Eunice says. “That way we all get to know each other.” She has been nicknamed ‘The First Lady of Allotments’, and the police have also credited her with helping reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. Eunice has inspired generations of children to grow and cook their own vegetables and take pride in their community. But it is not just gardening that has been her focus. Eunice also developed the Best Education Structure Training In Sewing Art programme, which was delivered to parents and pupils in Handsworth and Stechford. Some attendees enhanced their English skills as well through this programme.

“I came to England and I served the community right from the beginning, all the way through.” Through her work with the Probation Aftercare Service and studies at Birmingham University, Eunice enhanced her skills and gained a qualification in Community and Advice work at the age of 58, which propelled her to help and inspire even more people. She has always been keen to utilise effective communication, fundraising and publicity skills to maximise the impact of her achievements to help others. Eunice has also been involved in campaigns to clean up a war memorial, and get disabled access at her local railway station. As a result of her inspirational community work, Eunice has appeared on several television programmes, including Gardeners World, and met many celebrities and dignitaries, including Lenny Henry, Gordon Ramsay, the Queen and Prince Charles. She has also received lots of awards, including the Queen’s

Jubilee Award and two Pride of Britain Awards (a decade apart), as well as her MBE. Documents about her work are housed at the Birmingham Museum and in the Central Library. Summing up, Eunice says: “I grew up in Jamaica. My family served the community and that was instilled in me. I came to England and I served the community right from the beginning, all the way through.” She continues to serve in her local area and encourages others to do so, to help each other and learn from each other. You can buy Eunice’s book, ‘Learning and Growing’, published by Marcia M Publishing House, on Amazon. There will be a celebratory event to mark the book’s publication later in the year. Marcia M Spence

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

36 COMMENT

FOOD 4

THOUGHT marciadixonpr.co.uk

marciadixonpr

MARCIA DIXON

A leading PR specialist and journalist

Marcia-Dixon-Public-Relations

What an amazing 12 weeks...

t started off with the world being overwhelmed by the destructive force of COVID-19 and, as lockdown in many nations started to come to an end, people started campaigning for an end to racism and police brutality, following the release of a video showing a member of the Minneapolis Police Force squeeze the life out of George Floyd by pushing his knee on his neck. The common denominator of both occurrences is that Black people suffered the most. As COVID-19 spread through communities in the UK and North America, it became apparent that Black communities were being disproportionately affected. Every day I logged onto my social media during lockdown, I saw posts from my friends/ followers announcing the death of their loved ones. The majority died from COVID-19. Things got so bad the government commissioned an enquiry to find out why Black people were more likely to die of coronavirus, and served to highlight the stark inequality, underlying health issues and life outcomes that exist in BAME communities, when compared with the wider population. And, just as the number of people dying from COVID-19 started to go down, and the government eased the lockdown in the UK, news of the murder of George Floyd hit the media. This brought #blacklivesmatter to the fore, and caused worldwide campaigns across the globe to call for an end to racism and police brutality in America. Of all the isms that exist in the world, racism is the most insidious. It is rooted in the enslavement of Africans and their descendants in the Caribbean and Americas, where they were systematically brutalised, terrorised and made to work - for nothing - for 400 years. Following the ending of slavery, the White community have found ways to discriminate against Black people, denying them access to quality education, decent housing, good healthcare and higher paid employment. And, whilst we live in an era where more and more Black people are accessing higher education, and achieving amazing levels of success in all sectors of society, we are still experiencing discrimination, especially in the criminal justice

Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

Photo by Obi Onyeador on Unsplash

system and are heavily policed. Amidst the suffering, Black people have found solace, hope, inspiration and strength from the Holy Scriptures and their churches – many formed in response to the racism they experienced. Many who have fought against racism, in the UK and abroad, have been Christians, highlighting the important role faith has played in combatting the issue. It’s imperative that all Christians understand that God abhors injustice; He sides with the poor and oppressed, and He loves everyone, no matter what their race or ethnicity. With this in mind, churches must continue to lift their voice like a trumpet to call time on racism. As our experience with COVID-19 has shown, it impacts every aspect of life. In moving forward and taking a stand against racism, it’s important for church leaders to celebrate and affirm Blackness through the worship and liturgy. They must also highlight the Black presence in the Bible, and promote and support activities and initiatives that address social inequality and raise the level of Black achievement. We are at a pivotal point in our history. Society – that means everyone - can choose to end racism or perpetuate it. God has already let us know what path we should choose.

Revelations of lockdown

he lockdown has been a time of revelation for me. It kinda put my life on ‘pause’, enabling me to study – I took a short course on scriptwriting, led by Angie Le Mar - and also discover Zoom. Learning about Zoom has been eye opening, and I used it to host some video meetings. Some have been workshops, which taught people how to utilise PR, and others have been discussions around an issue that has been of major concern in Christian circles for ages: women, singleness and the Black Church. One thing that is noticeable about the Black Caribbean community is the large numbers of single people, along with the large numbers of women raising their children alone. Nothing wrong with being single, nor being a lone parent, but when you live in a racist society, a buttress against the psychological and emotional effects of racism is being part of a loving family, where the presence of a father (or father figure) is evident. It’s a travesty that the Black community is filled with so many involuntary single Christian women, and that so many children are raised in families where they have no contact with their biological father or a male role model. This state of affairs has to be reversed, especially if we want to build a strong Black community, whose youth feel confident and able to take advantage of the life opportunities that are to be had, in spite of the challenges. Strong communities are undergirded by the relationships men and women have for each other, and should be characterised by love, mutual respect and positive affirmation. It’s alright to say that these qualities have not always been evident in our romantic and marital dealings with one another. As we come out of lockdown, and take stock of protests against police brutality and racism and what they signify, let’s also reflect on the things we can do to ensure our intimate relationships are stable, robust and provide that strong secure foundation that everyone needs to flourish, grow and develop, as we journey through life, no matter our age.

IMPRISONED

WITH ISIS “Do you know what waterboarding is?” they asked. “Yes,” I said, “I know what waterboarding is.” “Well, you don’t know how it feels. We will show you.”

This is the remarkable story of Petr Jasek, sentenced to life imprisonment in Sudan, and put in a cell with ISIS fighters. One had taken part in the murder of Egyptian Christians on a Libyan beach. Another had been a bodyguard for Osama bin Laden. Petr would be behind bars for 445 days before being released thanks to God and the prayers of thousands of Christians worldwide. £15.00 including p&p (Amazon: £17.68)

Go to releaseinternational.org or call us on 01689 823491 Charity Reg No 280577 (SC040456)

38 COMMENT

Wash your hands! Keep your distance! REV WALE HUDSON-ROBERTS

is the Racial Justice Co-ordinator for the Baptist Union of Great Britain

ash your hands! Keep your distance! These seemingly simple actions have become symbols of the world in which we find ourselves today. These two orders – for that is what they have become - must inevitably be received with disbelief and resentment amongst the millions of people living in the shanty towns, shacks and favelas around the outskirts of places like Johannesburg, Nairobi and São Paulo. Water and space are so very limited in these cities that there is no way these orders can be obeyed. It is hard to imagine that much that is good could possibly come from this virus; it has already taken too many lives. It has, however, highlighted the economic and social disparity between the Global North and Global South, firmly knocking on the head – once and for all - the notion that we are “in it together”. For those who have contracted the virus in the shanty towns of South Africa, where water, space and resources are in such short supply, they would protest that we are not “in it together” at all. Their experience is yet another inequality added to an already unequal world. The virus is, we have come to learn, no respecter of class, gender or ethnicity. The respiratory tracts of the 9.5 per cent of the world’s population that controls 85 per cent of the planet’s wealth are in no way protected by their wealth. For the remaining billions - most of them residing in the Global South and the abandoned cities in North America - there have begun a series of exponentially growing dilemmas made inevitable by the lack of social protections, workers’ rights and Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

decent working conditions. For such as these, suffering will continue way beyond the current COVID-19 pandemic. In the early centuries of the Christian movement, many argued that God was in some sense protected from suffering. Their emphasis was on God’s detachment and distance, immune from feelings of pain as we understand them. They saw God as being somehow beyond the vulnerability that accompanies emotion, pain and suffering. No doubt they thought they were protecting the sovereign power of God. Their conclusion, however, is not how most of us think about God today. The story of the crucifixion reminds us that the pain of all those living with extreme loss matters immensely to God - and continues day after day to break God’s heart. The Cross smashes the caricature of God resting in some kind of ‘celestial deckchair’, while hungry millions starve to death. If God’s full and final self-revelation was made known in Jesus, then emotion and pain cannot be anything other than an authentic reflection of God’s responses to suffering. Mindful that Jesus ‘wept’ with grief, ‘snorted with indignation’1 and ‘wept again for Jerusalem’, we have become aware of a God who genuinely weeps with the weeping, and laments with all those who lament. Christ more than embraces the suffering of those who suffer. He fully inhabits the world of their fears and longings, living in complete solidarity with those who suffer. Only the God who is capable of suffering is also the God who is capable of loving, opening Himself to the vulnerability that is always involved in love. This, surely, is what Bonhoeffer was expressing when he wrote, some nine months before his execution: ‘only the suffering God can help’. It is no wonder that increasing numbers of theologians - Professors Anthony Reddie and Robert Beckford among them - continue to protest against those strands of European 1

theology, which maintain a mournful mystique around the Cross that is both passive and individualistic. Instead, seeking to relate the Cross to the contemporary world and all its social injustice, they have challenged the idea that God is untouched by the agony we have seen in Jesus’ crucifixion – as if God is to be thought untouchable. These Professors confidently argue that God is wholly active and fully participatory in the sufferings of others. So, what comfort do we take from the Cross of Christ in a world rocked by COVID-19 and currently under lockdown? The fundamental Christian response has to be that ‘the crucified God’ - a title Jürgen Moltmann famously coined more than fifty years ago - participates in the suffering of those who are vulnerable, and shares in their lament. It was only a few weeks ago that the police force and the local population of Lesbos were turning away asylum seekers and immigrants arriving from Turkey. Scenes, at that time focused in refugee camps for those escaping poverty and injustice, are now being played out in Italian, Spanish and British hospitals: sick people, some lying on the floors of hospitals, lacking the resources to treat them. Before this global lockdown, the world of fleeing migrants and the world of the privileged rich were separated not only by sea and sand but also by wealth and power. Yet, for now at least, COVID-19 has forced these worlds, once so different, much closer together. As a result, we on this side of the shore can begin to understand, albeit only in part, what it feels like to be trapped by an invisible, unpredictable force, over which we have no control. Among Christians, this should spur us on to engage in the solidarity of lament, in bold and prophetic acts of truth-telling, and in public acts of grieving. In so doing, we stand alongside those who cry out to God: “Why, God, are You letting this happen?” Lament and actions that exhibit true vulnerability are the ways we testify to the height, width and depth of the love we have come to recognise in the Cross of the crucified Jesus. In this time of loss, disorientation and pain, Christians from all over the world are called to show their commitment to those who are suffering, by embracing the Way of the Cross and the true spirit of lament that it necessarily demands.

John 11:33: A more literal translation of the Greek ‘embrimaomai’ than the usual ‘deeply moved in spirit and troubled’.

COMMENT 39

REV CANON J.JOHN

is an international evangelist and author. www.canonjjohn.com

ere in the UK we are currently in the tenth week of lockdown. It has been a long haul, and looking ahead there is much uncertainty. Many of us are beginning to realise and come to terms with the fact that we may not get a summer holiday, something that, this year, more than any, seems particularly needed. I never imagined ten weeks ago, when we had seven months of ministry and meetings cancelled, that my wife Killy and I would be busier now than at any other time during our forty years of ministry. The doors of opportunity have flung open, and we are seizing them. The weeks are full and fruitful, and occasionally we wonder, how long can we sustain this pace? Prior to writing this, I had just returned from taking my next-door neighbour’s funeral and, sitting in the garden with a cup of tea, I contemplated my friend’s life. I also pondered on three positive thoughts. First, I think we need to remind ourselves of God’s grace in our lives. You see, there is the temptation to think of what we have as our own. We think of our time as our own, our property as our own, our lives as our own. But they aren’t. We don’t own our lives; we are merely tenants and the Landlord has a perfect right to give notice of eviction at any time and without warning. Everything we have and enjoy is something that has been given to us. As St Paul says, in 1 Corinthians 4:7, ‘What do

you have that you did not receive?’ That is true of everybody in some sense, but it is particularly true for those of us who have put our faith in Christ. Paul again, writing in Romans 8:32, says: ‘He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?’ So let’s not focus on the loss of what was never really ours to keep and, instead, give God thanks for what we have been given and enjoy it. That we have so many rich memories of times with family, friends and freedom is an act of grace from a God who gives freely out of love. Let’s rejoice in what we have, not grumble over what we haven’t. Let’s be grateful!

“In these difficult days, it’s absolutely vital to remind ourselves that God is in control.” Second, I think we need to remind ourselves of God’s governing over our lives. Psalm 31:15 says: ‘My times are in Your hands.’ One of the merits of this COVID catastrophe is that it has been a nudge in the ribs about how vulnerable we all are. That’s no bad thing; whenever we use the words ‘the Lord’ we should recall that it is an acknowledgement

that God is in charge of all that we are and have. There are many Bible verses that remind us of this; for example, Job 1:21, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the Name of the LORD be praised.” In the New Testament we read: ‘For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it’ (1 Timothy 6:7). In these difficult days, it’s absolutely vital to remind ourselves that God is in control. If you have put your faith in Christ, then you have not been robbed of good things by some evil power, you have instead had your access to them restricted by a heavenly Father who intends good for you. In these days of isolation, many parents are wisely limiting the time children spend in front of screens. They are doing it not out of malice or because they want to ‘rob’ their children, but for their benefit. So it is with God. He rules over us in love, and acts for the very best of reasons: love. We need to trust Him. Let’s be faithful! Finally, I think we need to remind ourselves of God’s goodness for our lives. One of our weaknesses is that we focus on the here and now which, for most of us at the moment, is frustrating. But to borrow a phrase of politics and negotiation, God is ‘playing a long game’. His goals for us who have put our faith in Christ do not focus on providing temporary and limited blessings for today, but on ensuring that we are fit for tomorrow’s unlimited existence in the glory of eternity. Let’s be hopeful! No, on reflection I do feel reminded of God’s grace, God’s governing and God’s goodness, and I can live with that. Mind you, I wouldn’t say No to a summer holiday!

Will we have a

summer holiday? www.keepthefaith.co.uk

40 COMMENT

Climbing and not Crashing PASTOR STEPHEN J THURSTON, JR

is executive Pastor at Salem Baptist Church of Chicago

ne Saturday afternoon, a retired pilot, who loved, admired and collected vintage aircraft, decided to take a flight. After ascending to his cruising altitude, he noticed that he was beginning to lose control of the aircraft. He checked the control panel and all gauges were reading properly. He replayed his preflight check, and acknowledged that the checklist had been completed. It was at this point that the pilot’s attention was then arrested by a sound emanating from behind the instrument panel. A mouse had made its way into the aircraft, settled behind the instrument panel, and was now gnawing away at the wiring harness. As a seasoned pilot he remained calm, yet aware that he needed to act fast. The terrain over which the pilot was now flying wouldn’t allow for an immediate emergency landing, yet the mouse continued gnawing through the harness with uninterrupted intensity. Life and death for the pilot were hanging in the balance of the mouse’s jaws. The situation was bad and, just as the pilot began to accept that his destiny looked like destruction and disaster, it dawned on him that there just might be a possible way of escape. Yes, he was in trouble, yes the situation looked bleak, yes things were bad… but there was one option left that just might provide rescue and resolve. With all of his might, the pilot pulled back on the yoke and the aircraft began climbing. The higher the plane went the more difficult it became for the mouse to breathe until finally the mouse passed out and died. The pilot then descended back to his cruising altitude, resumed his flight plan, and a short time later landed safely at the airfield of origin. It was the pilot’s decisive decision in the midst of a difficult dilemma that defined his destiny. As Black men and Black fathers, many of us are aiming daily to ascend to our cruising altitude. We’re trying to reach various destinations in our careers and our communities. We’ve completed our preflight checklist: Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

• relationship with God • church engagement • civic engagement • education • gainful employment • marriage • involvement in our children’s lives • ability to ‘code switch’ in our varying environments • goals, dreams and desires but, just when it seems like we’re ready to settle in for the ride, we hear a gnawing sound behind the instrument panel. Some hear the sound of politicians implementing policies, which disenfranchise us. Some hear the sound of apathy from those whom they seek to encourage, inspire and uplift. Some hear the ghost of their past, reminding them of the reasons why they might be deemed unworthy. In all of our lives, there’s some stuff that’s gnawing away at our wiring harness, creating difficulty for us while in flight, and many of us have reached the point where a decision has to be made: are we going to crash or are we going to climb? Our history is replete with men who faced overwhelming challenges, yet in spite of the odds and the obstacles they decided to pull back on the yoke and rise above it all. They serve as examples to us of how to climb and not crash. Their interest was not in becoming a legend, but rather in creating a legacy. They desired to leave something behind that would outlive and outlast them. As I studied the lives of these men, I gleaned seven personal challenges that will help those of us who likewise desire to climb and not crash. 1) LISTEN UP As older men and younger men come together to do life, we’re presented with the opportunity to mentor each other professionally, spiritually and intellectually. The fusing of information and wisdom will enable us to climb and not crash.

2) LOOK UP It’s easy for our families to submit to us when they know that we are submitted to God. We set the spiritual temperature in our homes, and serve as the arbitrator of family values. 3) LIFT UP We must love one another as we love ourselves, and remain in a posture of both pushing one another and pulling one another. 4) LAY UP We’ve mastered counting our money, but struggle at making our money count. Attention must be given to leaving something behind for our posterity. 5) LEARN UP Leaders are lifelong learners. Every opportunity to advance educationally must be accessed. 6) LEVEL UP Every level of our lives will require a different version of us. Do you possess the emotional intelligence needed for the space you desire to exist within? 7) LIVE UP You can’t climb uphill thinking downhill thoughts. Our standards, morals, values and perspectives must have an upward focus. www.stephenjthurston.com

COMMENT 41

GOD CALLS UPON

ABRAHAM PASTOR TIMOTHY OH is the Pastor for London Good News Church and overseeing pastor for Churches Together in Crystal Palace, London

‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path’ (Psalm 119:105) On a dark, starless night, it can be difficult to find our path. However, no matter how dark it may be, if we are able to shine a light upon it, we can follow our path without getting lost.

Photo by Tai’s Captures on Unsplash

The world is in such profound darkness today. Many people are afraid due to the current coronavirus pandemic, and no one seems to know when this situation will come to an end. Even during such times, if our hearts can become united with the Word of God, I believe that He will shine His light where we need to walk. God’s Word, I believe, is the one true way to having real peace and strength in our hearts, especially in challenging seasons.

The life of Abraham As we all know, Abraham is called the ‘Father of Faith’. God called upon Abraham to be a

role model of faith, and it is through his life that we are taught what it is to have true faith. I believe that as we consider and examine his life in God’s Word, we too will be able to have the level of faith that Abraham had. Another man with the call of God on his life was the Apostle Paul, who went to many places all over the world to preach the Gospel. He would minister at the church he had established, but once God led him elsewhere, he would go there willingly and preach the Gospel. Although Paul was physically far away from many of the brothers and sisters, his heart always remained close to them. Although he couldn’t meet with them in person, he would often deliver what was his heart and the will of God through his letters. Up to the age of 75, Abraham had been a simple, ordinary man, living an ordinary life. However, we read in Genesis 12:1 that at the age of 75 his life began to change completely - not through his own work or determination, but rather it was through the calling of God for Abraham to move to Canaan. If God had not called him, Abraham’s life would have come to an ordinary end, just like the many other hundreds of people in his hometown. However, the calling of God changed his path – just as it changed my personal life. I was born and raised in Korea. England did not feature in my life’s plan. One day, however, God called me. He saved me, and called me to be His child. And after a time, God called me again – to do the work of the Gospel.

It is through this calling that I was led to live a life that was different to that of others. Whenever I think about this, I cannot help but have a heart filled with thankfulness to God. He has called every single one of us. There are no conditions attached to this calling, but it is the choice and grace of God. It is not the case that God has called us because we are good or upright; it is through the one-sided grace and love of God that we have been bestowed with this calling. God called Abraham and, in the same way that God accomplished His will through him, God has called each of us and wants to accomplish His will through us. There are times when we stumble and fall along our path, just like the disciples of Jesus did, but I believe that the will of God towards us does not change, and that even today, God is upholding our every step. May the peace of God be with you.

To read the full version of Pastor Timothy’s blog, visit https://ohjonathan1998. wixsite.com/pastortimothyoh/blog

42 COMMENT

Forever Friends

‘Are you friends forever or just fair-weather?’ asks Gary Clayton who, as we approach 30th July’s International Day of Friendship, considers friendship’s many facets

GARY CLAYTON

is Copywriter and Editor at Mission Aviation Fellowship: www.maf-uk.org

good friend once asked: “How many people would visit you if you were in hospital? How many friends would see you if you were in prison? Your guilt or innocence are, for the purposes of the question, irrelevant, but they do add another dimension.” Certainly, when the rubber hits the road and things go wrong, it’s those we know, love, trust and pray with that we’ll feel safest turning to for help. Another friend described the different levels of friendship like this: “Frank and Peter are friends. Whenever their team is playing, they watch it together and discuss the match afterwards. But that’s all they talk about, though Frank and Peter are friends. “Because Frank and Peter are friends, Peter gradually notices that, if their team loses, Frank gets a little wistful. Frank, on the other hand, is aware that, when their team wins, Peter tends to celebrate with a couple of drinks. Neither says anything about this, though Frank and Peter are friends. “One day, because Frank and Peter are friends, Frank tells Peter he feels increasingly sad, while Peter tells Frank he sometimes drinks too much. “Then, one evening, Frank phones Peter. Something’s gone wrong in his personal life and things are spiralling out of control. He’s depressed and frightened he might do something foolish, so Peter invites him over to keep him from harm. “Peter says that, if Frank hadn’t phoned him, he’d probably have drunk himself into a stupor, which he tends to do most evenings. They share these things because they are friends. “The next day, Frank drives Peter to a sympathetic group, where Peter can talk about his addiction to alcohol. Later, Peter arranges for his depressed friend to see the local GP, so Frank can ask for help. They do this for one another because they are friends.” Although we might not necessarily be depressed, suicidal or addicted to alcohol, I can’t help wondering about the things we Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

conceal from our friends, and how real we really are with them. For many, the sort of thoughts and feelings that come to mind when we hear the word ‘friend’ or ‘friendship’ are pretty positive – whether that’s ‘man’s best friend’, ‘our feathered friends’, ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed’ or ‘any friend of yours is a friend of mine’! However, having been rejected by a number of school friends – at one point I belonged to a group of people that no one else would speak to – I decided I’d never allow myself to be vulnerable again. This, of course, made the path to friendship difficult – leaving it paved with many potholes, slip-ups and stumbles. Fortunately, in God’s providence, I eventually became a Christian, and later met trustworthy brothers and sisters with whom I could share my life - people who were happy to open up and encourage me to be ‘frank’. Our experience of friendship, of course, depends much on our culture, background and history, as well as the churches in which we worship. Although some fellowships can be overly tactile (I remember one church that was so demonstrative that I arrived late and left early just to avoid being crushed to death or hugged to within an inch of my life), many are not. A sorrowful friend once said: “When it’s time to share the peace, all you get is a badly synchronised turn of the head – usually coinciding with you turning yours – a polite nod, and a desperate attempt at avoiding

eye contact. I occasionally get a handshake at the end of the service, but it always feels like I’ve grabbed a wet fish!” In some congregations, people may be brothers and sisters in Christ, but any sense of family relationship appears sadly lacking! Rather than behaving like relatives or friends – and despite the life-changing nature of being born into the family of God – some Christians appear unwilling to share their lives and selves with one another. But God doesn’t intend us to be like ships passing in the night, but travellers on board the same holy vessel. So let’s lead by example and model the change we wish to see; doing all we can to ensure that our churches aren’t like that! Remember that, whoever we are and whatever we do, we all share something that’s truly amazing – our mutual friendship with Jesus! Remember, too, that we share a common path and a common humanity. There may be times when we end up walking a sad, lonely or difficult path, but it’ll be even more difficult if we don’t have friends and family for the times we stumble and struggle, falter or fall, as we climb the steep hill of life that leads inexorably upwards. Gary Clayton is married to Julie, and father of Christopher (16) and Emma (13). He is Copywriter and Editor at Mission Aviation Fellowship. To learn how MAF’s fleet of 131 light aircraft bring the love of the resurrected Christ to Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, visit www.maf-uk.org

AT HOME

SHOULDN’T MEAN AT RISK

OF DOMESTIC ABUSE #YOUARENOTALONE

If you are controlled or physically, sexually, economically or emotionally abused by a partner, ex-partner or family member, this is domestic abuse. Household isolation rules do not apply. Police and support services remain available. If you are in immediate danger, or suspect someone else is, call 999. If you are unable to talk, call 999, listen to the operator and then either press 55 on a mobile, when prompted, or wait on a landline to be connected to the police, who will be able to help.

If you’re worried you, or someone you know, may be experiencing domestic abuse: The Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline run by Refuge offers support for women: 0808 2000 247

The free Respect Men’s Advice Line offers support for men: 0808 801 0327 Galop’s free National LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse Helpline offers support for LGBTQ+ people: 0800 999 5428 The free Respect Phoneline offers support for men and women who are harming their partners and families: 0808 802 4040 The free NSPCC helpline offers support for anyone worried about a child: 0808 800 5000

Find more support, online and text relay services at gov.uk/domestic-abuse

44 LIFESTYLE

Dealing with the

financial impact of COVID-19

he coronavirus pandemic is changing our lives. It is challenging the concept of safety that we have taken for granted through our notions of predictability and guarantees, and plunged us into the darkness of the unknown, with all its uncertainties and doubts. COVID-19 has come as a shock, the development and outcomes of which we can neither predict nor control. It is affecting every aspect of our lives - not least the financial one. What do you do when you suddenly find that you no longer have a job, or that your income is substantially reduced? The first and natural reaction is to panic. However, to deal with the problems caused by sudden financial loss, you have to calm that anxiety and ensure that you don’t make important financial decisions in panic mode. Look objectively and honestly at your situation, and make decisions about what you are going to do about it. Craft a plan. The very act of planning will instil calm as you look clearly at what is facing you and how you are going to handle it.

SO WHAT SHOULD BE IN THIS PLAN, AND WHERE SHOULD YOU START? You could start by drafting a revised budget that reflects your new financial situation. What are your new income amounts, and what is the source of this income? How reliable are your remaining sources of income, and are they also subject to change because of COVID? For example, do you have any rental income coming in? Review your expenditure with a focus on essential spend. This means that you should be looking to cut, for example, Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

subscriptions and membership fees for products and services that you will not be using or that are not essential. Do you need that premier package for your digital TV product? Remember also that during the lockdown period, spend on clothing, outings and entertainment, etc, will be greatly reduced. Then do the maths: income over expenditure equals what? If the balance is a minus, how are you going to make up that shortfall?

CAN YOU USE YOUR SAVINGS? Next, look to your reserves or savings - if you have any. This period of crisis has brought home with a vengeance the importance of having something to fall back on in an emergency. If you have savings, how long can they support you and your family? Where are your savings? Can you access them easily if you need to? Importantly, many banks are now allowing customers with fixed-term savings accounts to gain instant access, with no penalties. If you don’t have savings, or they are insufficient to rely on over a longer period, you need to do two things: • Immediately contact your lenders and creditors to let them know about your new financial situation as a result of COVID-19, and that you will struggle or be unable to meet your payment commitments. They can and will help you to establish a new payment arrangement that you can manage. In some cases this might mean a payment holiday. At the Pentecostal Credit Union (PCU), we ask our members who are facing this predicament to complete an Income and Expenditure form. This is not only to inform

us of the detail of the situation, but to encourage that member to start the process of planning - gaining some control and equipping them to handle the situation in the best way they can. • Investigate the various financial packages that the government has made available to help with financial challenges as a result of COVID-19. There are many, and you need to find the benefits, grants and loans that best suit your circumstances. There are a number of agencies that can help you to navigate this arena, such as Citizens Advice Bureau and Step Change Debt Charity, amongst many. At PCU, we are helping those of our members facing theses challenges to steer through the various packages, to find the most appropriate benefits and grants for them, and how to access them.

AVOID ADDING TO YOUR DEBT It may not be possible to do this, and borrowing may be a short-term solution in some circumstances where it is likely that your

LIFESTYLE 45

situation will enable the loan to be repaid. If this is the case, then ensure that you approach reputable lenders, where you can attain a loan with favourable terms, including at a low interest rate. If you are a member of a credit union, approach them first. Borrowing, though, should be a last resort. No reputable lender will lend to you if, in so doing, it will put you at increased risk of a poor financial outcome in the longer term.

YOU STILL HAVE A JOB AND YOUR INCOME HAS NOT BEEN AFFECTED BY THE PANDEMIC If you are fortunate enough to have maintained your job, and your income has not been affected by COVID-19, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t look at your finances. In all circumstances, it is important to develop a ‘worst-case scenario’ contingency plan. For example, when the crisis is over, you may expect to return to work on the same basis and terms as you had before the pandemic. But suppose your employer finds that they are unable to maintain you in the role that you had, or at the rate that you were being paid, because the experience of the pandemic has impacted their business to the extent that they need to make radical changes? We are told

that we are heading for a deep and prolonged recession, with unemployment levels set to reach record highs. How will this affect you? What will you do if these circumstances should arise for you? One thing you can do now is to increase your savings, or begin to save from your current income. Those clothing and entertainment expenses that you no longer have, can now go towards your savings. It may also be a good idea to cut out unnecessary spending, such as those subscription services, to increase the amount that you can save.

INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS AND SAVINGS For those people, who rely on the interest from investments and savings as their income, the recent decision by the Bank of England - to cut the base rate to the all-time low of 0.1% - is very bad news indeed. You should be looking to move your savings to a product that can provide you with an improved return on the savings you currently have. With fixed-term accounts, this move may incur a penalty, so negotiate with your bank about this. For information, PCU are currently paying a dividend of 1% to its members - these are instant access savings accounts.

HOW THE PENTECOSTAL CREDIT UNION ARE SUPPORTING THEIR MEMBERS THROUGH THIS CRISIS Like many lenders, we have members who are adversely impacted by COVID-19, and we totally understand the impact these changes can have on their lives. This is why we have developed an approach to not only try to ease the financial responsibilities they have with us at this time, but also to support them through these challenges. We have also developed a resource page on our website, dedicated to provide information about the government packages available. In this time of crisis and uncertainty, we remain committed to providing the best service we can to our members, which includes being as flexible and as compassionate as we can be, as we all cope with the challenges presented by COVID-19. As a Christian organisation, we embrace particularly at this time the Scripture in Hebrews 11:1, namely: ‘Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’

For more information about the Pentecostal Credit Union, please go to www.pcuuk.com.

www.keepthefaith.co.uk

46 LIFESTYLE

THE BRIDGE

The Crossroad of Faith and Fear What will you choose? BY TINA BOYLE-WHYTE

Global Music Link Editorial Team

lobal pandemic? Really? If someone had told me we would have a shared quarantine experience stay-at-home/lockdown order across the world, I would have said: “No, I can’t believe that. Not us!” Daily news flashes and reports of the increased positive cases and rising death tolls throughout the world; declining global markets; threats of recession… With every report, heightened levels of fear, anxiety and immense uncertainty continue to rise. This global pandemic is a crisis occurring in our lives collectively. Yet, we are not unfamiliar with facing a crisis; we have all faced some form of crisis, so what is so different about this one? This crisis is one that everyone is constantly speaking about. The news channels, Parliament, the Prime Minister, global news, global markets and all the media channels are constantly updating their ‘doom and gloom’ reports. I ask you to think about what are some forms of crisis you have faced in your life? Have you had a family crisis, where you were challenged with your spouse or children? Have you had the challenge of losing assets or property? Have you experienced a crisis in your relationships, in your community, church or workplace? Have you lost friends due to betrayal or mistrust? Even worse, disappointment from places and people you would have never imagined? Finally, have you been confronted with the loss of employment, loss of health, with increased sickness? We all face a crisis at some point. I have heard it said before that we are all either about to go through a crisis, are going through a crisis or coming out of a crisis. It is inevitable. I ask, how will you approach a crisis? How have you dealt with a crisis, and what valuable lesson will you apply to any future crisis to encourage yourself or even encourage others? The Bridge is designed to help you think about where you are and where you want Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

and need to be. In this season, we have been confronted with the crossroad between FEAR and FAITH. I am reminded of the story of the spies in Numbers 13. This story is very critical, because in Numbers 13:1-2, the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader among them” (NKJV). God gives us clear words and directions, just like He gave Moses, whom He told specifically about leadership. As you continue reading the story, you will see that the children of Israel went into the land and it was just as it was promised, the land with milk and honey. The situation suddenly turns with Caleb in Numbers 13:30: ‘Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it”’ (NKJV). Caleb was strong and confident in the commission of Moses despite what he saw. You must understand that Caleb had FAITH. He was standing on the New Testament verse of 2 Corinthians 5:7 - “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (NKJV). The 10 spies wereovertaken by what they saw. They were confronted with a CRISIS. Caleb demonstrates how to confront a crisis of which there clearly was danger if you didn’t have FAITH.

The 10 spies’ response to the giants in the land demonstrates they were overtaken by what they saw, thus giving a report of defeat and their demise if they pursued the land. This response was clearly a response of FEAR. Caleb and Joshua, however, saw this land as an opportunity, as God had promised. They were convinced they could go up against the people and take possession of the land that had been promised. Now, that is FAITH. In this story, we see that FAITH is taking possession of what is promised to you. FEAR is allowing the enemy to steal, kill and destroy every promise that God has given you. What do you choose to do with the crossroads of CRISIS in your life? Will you choose FAITH or FEAR in this season? I encourage you to choose FAITH whenever you encounter a situation of fear. Stand on His promise, and rest assured, God is well able to see you through. Finally, stand strong and be courageous when you face any trial. FAITH in God is the only way.

r fo nt rs 20 ou de 20 sc a n di F regs i T n r K ki fo oo b

Port Bàn

An active yet peaceful retreat for those who want to get away from it all When Joan and David Sheldrick gave up their poultry farm in Norfolk and moved to the Port Bàn Farm, near Kilberry on the west coast of Scotland, nothing was further from their minds than running a caravan site.

A lot of things right, to tell the truth. The site rents out static caravans, welcomes touring motor homes, offers camping and glamping facilities, and runs a sailing club which celebrated its 40th season last year.

But that was more than 50 years ago, and today Port Bàn is a thriving caravan and camping site which welcomes Christians and others to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the rich diversity of wildflowers and wildlife this remote region offers.

Add in triathalon, crazy golf, bike hire, sky gazing (the Northern Lights put on spectacular shows) and guided walks, and it’s clear that there is something for pretty much everyone.

And after being voted the top campsite in Scotland a couple of years ago, it is clear that Port Bàn is doing something right.

The site is still owned by the Sheldrick family, and in the school holidays probably has the largest church congregation in the whole of Argyll, with more than 100 people attending the Sunday service held on site.

A secluded haven on the beautiful unspoilt coastline of the West Coast of Argyll

CAMPING

PORT BAN HOLIDAY PARK Kilberry, Nr Tarbert, Argyll PA29 6YD Tel: 01880 770 224 Email: info@portban.com www.portban.com

GLAMPING

C A R AVA N S

48 LIFESTYLE

“Well done, good and faithful servant?” those children) to be the future leaders who will change the way the world spins on its axis. Whatever it is that you’ve been assigned to do, don’t underestimate the importance of fully playing your part, or the calamity caused by you not being in your proper position playing that part on time. And, if you want to play that part, ‘undumb’ your life! And by that I mean:

DR. O

is a medical doctor, author, artist and performance poet. www.undumbed.com

he current global pandemic and associated lockdown that has brought the world to its knees has come at a great personal cost to many of us. It has turned everything on its head, making us think about our mortality in a way that’s much more ‘up close and personal’ than we’d normally like to be. As a doctor, I tell my patients that “Health is one of those things that you don’t normally appreciate until it starts leaving your body” and the gift of life can similarly be taken for granted until it is threatened in some way. I was struck by lightning a few years ago. It ripped down my left arm and rocked my world! Clearly, God hadn’t finished with me, because I lived to tell the tale. But I can’t help but wonder whether He used that thunderbolt to shake something loose in my inquisitive mind, because I’ve been obsessed with finding out and doing whatever it will take to have Him tell me: “Well done, good and faithful servant” ever since. As God’s people, I’m convinced that this is THE question that should be occupying our minds every day, but the answer will be different for everyone.

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• trimming off all the unnecessary ‘fat’ and letting go of any ‘stupid’ that’s slowing you down • jettisoning those unhelpful relationships and habits that don’t build or serve your quality decision to be all that God intended for you to be • ‘taking yourself on’ and having the courage to step out of the stands and onto ‘the Field’ If you’re Moses, then it’s to successfully lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. If you’re Esther, it’s to advocate for God’s people before the king. If you’re Jesus,it’s to demonstrate the plunging depths to which God’s indescribable love will go, such that no one has to pay the price for their sin and anyone who chooses Him can experience abundant living now and a joyous eternity in His presence when their ‘trip to planet Earth’ comes to an end. What have you been called to do, and are you busy doing it with distinction? Will you cross over to eternity and see that you’ve ‘knocked it out of the park’? Or will you find out that the monthly pay cheque and other distractions that so easily entangled your mind completely sidetracked you from walking out God’s incredible plan for your life? God loves people, and whatever His plan for you is, I guarantee that it involves helping people in some way. For some of you, you’re called to bake, and that family recipe is meant to be known all around the world as you help provide for a small army of employees. For others, it’s to invent solutions to some of the most basic and complex problems that we’re facing (or will face in the coming years). For others, it’s to write gamechanging books, movies or songs that will transform the current conversations that have taken hold of people’s minds. And for others still, it will be to raise that child (or

I know that it’s really easy to feel overwhelmed right now, but the silver lining to the distressing cloud hanging over this current ‘lockdown world’ is that we’ve all been given a golden moment, a perfect opportunity, to hit our reset button and get back to what God originally intended for us to be.

“Whatever it is that you’ve been assigned to do, don’t underestimate the importance of fully playing your part”

I created ‘The Elevator Experience’ as a tool to help anyone who’s interested in making that a reality. It was borne out of a desire to help anyone who’s tired of going around in circles, feeling stuck, or wondering what it would take to go from ordinary to exceptional. ‘The Elevator Experience’ works by taking you up to the ‘observation deck’ of your life, and then gifting you with clarity and perspective. It reminds you of the ultimate God-given gift which, if used properly, will change everything and surely keep you on the path to hearing Him say: “Well done!” Taken from the soon-to-be-released book, ‘UnDumbed - Superhero Living for The Rest of Us’, and ‘The Elevator Experience’ is currently free to listen to, by visiting www.undumbed.com/elevatorxp

LIFESTYLE 49

REV ALTON P BELL

is Chair of Movement for Justice and Reconciliation

The pre-existing underlying health condition exposed

by COVID-19 F

ollowing news reports that, compared to the general population, people from BAME communities are disproportionately contracting and dying from COVID-19, church leader and Chair of the Movement for Justice and Reconciliation (MJR), Alton Bell, is calling for the UK government to take major steps to redress the inequalities in health outcomes for UK’s minority ethnic population. Rev Bell stated: “A variety of reasons have been put forward about this disproportionality. These include some scientists stating it is due to a lack of vitamin D3, which helps strengthen the immune system. Another reason put forward is that BAME communities are more susceptible to the coronavirus, because they have underlying health conditions.” He continued: “Whilst these reasons may have legitimacy, they ignore the inequality experienced by BAME communities and how that can impact health. It is also worth noting that BAME people tend to work in jobs where they have to interface with the public, which means that many have not had the option of working from home during the lockdown. “Although underlying health conditions may have contributed to the disproportionate number of deaths, too few people have recognised that social inequality and the legacy of enslavement are also major contributory factors.” MJR, a charity founded in 2015, seeks to address the legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and chattel slavery on Caribbean people, and encourage community reconciliation in

new and innovative ways. Since its formation, MJR has conducted acclaimed research led by Dr Clifford Hill and his team, studying the legacy of enslavement on the descendants of the enslaved and the descendants of the beneficiaries; held exhibitions that explain the history of Caribbean enslavement and demonstrated the impact of the legacy which continues today. In light of the disproportionate number of BAME people contracting and dying from the coronavirus, MJR is calling on the UK government to take immediate action to tackle this public health crisis among BAME people, specifically among African-Caribbean people, and to agree plans to make a concerted effort to redress the social inequality. Research shows that the enslavement of people in the Caribbean has contributed greatly to the large numbers of their descendants experiencing high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. COVID-19 has exposed a pre-existing underlying health condition in our society, and there is a lot of work that needs to be done to rectify this. Measures should include more support for health and wellbeing education targeting the African and Caribbean community, as well as taking more concerted action to treat socio-economic inequalities that contribute to poor health. MJR, which has the necessary expertise, stands willing to engage in discussion with our National Government and local authorities about how to take matters forward. For more information, visit www.mjr-uk.com.

In May 2020, the government initiated a review to analyse how different factors – including ethnicity, gender and obesity – can impact on people’s health outcomes from COVID-19. Professor Kevin Fenton, Public Health England National Director for Health and Wellbeing, will lead the review, supported by a wide group including Trevor Phillips OBE. Professor Kevin Fenton said: “Having an accurate understanding of how diseases affect different groups of people is a really important issue and a fundamental part of PHE’s role. Detailed and careful work is being done so that we can better understand this and explore the possible reasons for any disparities. “Increasing evidence and concern around the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black and minority ethnic groups highlights an important focus of this review. PHE is rapidly building robust data and undertaking detailed analysis to develop our understanding of the impact of this novel coronavirus on different groups, which can inform actions to mitigate the risks it presents. “PHE is engaging a wide range of external experts and independent advisors, representing diverse constituencies, including devolved administrations, faith groups, voluntary and community sector organisations, local government, public health, academic, royal colleges and others. We are committed to hearing voices from a variety of perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 on people of different ethnicities.” Findings from the review were due to be published by the end of May 2020.

50 LIFESTYLE

TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR OUTSIZED BODY

esearch has shown that, if you come from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) background, you are more likely to develop diabetes, hypertension and other diseases. These conditions increase the risk of contracting COVID-19 coronavirus. The possibility of developing diabetes and hypertension goes up if you are overweight. Therefore, one of the ways to reduce the risk of developing these conditions involves having a healthy diet and lifestyle. Hypertension is known as the silent and deadly killer disease, as often there are no symptoms until it is really serious. You can purchase a blood pressure monitor from the local pharmacy, so you can regularly keep a check on your blood pressure reading. If you are on medication, it is only effective if taken regularly as prescribed - not just when you remember or feel like it. Speak to your GP if you have concerns. I know people who have reversed their diabetes just by changing their diet and increasing their exercise. Two books I suggest you read, to encourage you in taking control of your diet and diabetes, are: The Inspired Diabetic by Lyndon Wissart www.theinspireddiabetic.com, who successfully reversed his diabetes in 105 days naturally, and the innovative ‘Managing Diabetes: A Whole Food Approach’ by Pauline Byers MBE, who received a Diversity Award and her honours from the Queen. The book has recipes and a daily exercise diary. I decided at the beginning of 2020, after spending a week in Jamaica in all-inclusive hotel and enjoying the fattening Christmas food, that it was time I took control of my outsized body. If I needed any incentive, it was the holiday photos! I was intentional. I started a new diet regime, which included reducing my carbohydrate intake. This meant I did not eat rice, potatoes, bread, yam, bananas, cakes, crisps, biscuits or ice cream for three months. I also replaced fizzy drinks with water, endeavouring to drink at least 2.5 litres of water a day. I started slowly but surely to lose weight, and began looking forward to the weekly weigh-in. At the same time I got a personal trainer; it’s important to invest in ourselves. I know I need the incentive and motivation that comes from others encouraging me and holding me to account. All one needs to do is have a plan, a goal, a desire, which can be developed into a lifestyle habit. I started at the beginning in January

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2020 with my personal trainer, Coach Ron, who runs www.lifebodyfittransformation.com. I started in the gym until lockdown, then continued in the open gym, and then in the park whilst maintaining social distancing. Coach Ron recommended intense workouts – High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) - for me, as they work better for fat loss and muscle growth. Long duration cardio exercises, such as walking on the treadmill or using a cross trainer, may be good for others to do to increase their exercise level. Everyone is different. You may just need to increase your mobility by walking a little more, but I wanted all round fitness, strength and suppleness as well as to lose excess weight. You may prefer to join the gym or go walking, jogging, cycling. Anything is good, as long as

LIFESTYLE 51

2. Reduce your portion sizes, fewer carbohydrates, fats and sugars, and increase vegetables and proteins. 3. Find someone to hold you accountable, with whom you can share your weight loss plans. 4. Get a personal trainer, if you find it challenging. 5. Set achievable, realistic targets. It’s better to aim to lose 1-2lbs a week, rather than in trying to lose 2 stones in 4 weeks. 6. Stay motivated by joining fitness classes, or using fitness apps. 7. Drink lots of water - at least 8 glasses a day.

you are moving regularly and doing exercise that raises your heart rate, at least three times a week for 30 minutes. Always check with your General Practitioner (GP) before embarking on exercise. Tips for getting fitter and staying healthy 1. Keep a track of all the food you eat using a food tracker app or keeping a food diary.

The church has an important part to play in helping the congregants to improve their overall fitness and health. The Black-Majority churches are more at risk. God is interested in our spirit, soul and body. Our bodies are the temple of Holy Spirit, so we should take control. My local church holds a Health Action Day every year, open to the local community also. We invite specialist doctors and nurses to teach us. We have covered topics, such as diabetes, hypertension, renal failure, menopause, prostate cancer, mental health and wellbeing. Coach Ron is also a life coach who provides bootcamp sessions at my local church, currently done via Zoom. He offers one-to-one and group sessions online and now, with government approval, outdoors. Check him out on Instagram @lifebodyfitness and Facebook @lifebodytransformation. Dr Joan Myers OBE has 35 years’ nursing experience. She is on the Royal College of Nursing Council, representing over 62,000 nurses in London. She is also a pastor at RICC in Croydon. @Joan_myers Joan.myers13@gmail.com

Yeldall Manor is all about recovery for life – men finding freedom from addiction so that they can go on to live life to the full. Over the years, hundreds of men have experienced this transformation at Yeldall Manor, finding healing, wholeness and hope for the future whilst completing our programmes. Today, these men are enjoying life drug and alcohol-free, a life free from guilt and shame, a life full of good relationships, a life of productive and fulfilling work, a life they can feel proud of.

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www.keepthefaith.co.uk

52 LIFESTYLE

Home-Schooling Strategies FROM A SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHER BY KIMSHAW N.M AIKEN

opefully, by the time you are reading this, we will have seen the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and life will be regaining a sense of normality. However, wherever we find ourselves, it is important as Christians to remain hopeful and composed. As a teacher who is aware of how overwhelmed some parents would have been, trying to home-school (and, in some cases, while trying to work), I have written a few practical tips which are spinoffs from what I use in the classroom. Hopefully, you will find these helpful during the summer break also, as a way of maintaining your children’s engagement with schoolwork, so that they will be ready to tackle the new school year in September. The most important strategy I use, whenever I am not at my strongest and faced with a class of students of different abilities and maturity levels, is to pray a silent prayer

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that God will lend me His lenses in that moment, so I can see them through His eyes. This has always successfully defused my irritability. Lead with love.

1. Remind your child - ever so subtly - that you are the boss during school hours It is a good idea to set up a schedule for your child to do work, which, I am sure, many of you have already done. It is also best to find a specific room/area for teaching to take place. How about labelling that area as well? For example, Grade 9 Hastings (Use your last name). This does not only create a sense of familiarity to the real thing, but also reminds your child that you are in charge in this domain. Be firm but fair. Children respond well to

consistency, and have the potential to become disciplined overcomers and diligent superstars with your help.

2. Avoid pandering to their every whimper or need for ‘justice’ “I need to pee”, “My brain hurts” or “This cannot be a healthy system of education”… The force of the complaints will vary, based on the age and intellect of the child. The key is to trust your gut. Do they absolutely need to pee right now, or could they wait a few more minutes of uninterrupted time? Children can be quite strong at adding pressure, so they can identify loopholes in your methods. They may

LIFESTYLE 53

even do a bit of parent-shaming (a criticism of your methods). Do not give in. The reality is, at school they know they are not allowed to use the bathroom just on a whim. In many cases, they need a pass, and cannot go during class time if they do not have a medical reason. I suggest you create a bathroom pass as well, and observe how it is used. Encourage them to use the bathroom before home schooling starts. As it relates to parent-shaming, you need to be strong. Otherwise, if you’re already doubting yourself, you may not realise that you’re agreeing with your child that you don’t know what you’re doing. No matter your level of intellect, you can help. Based on my years of teaching experience, there is one thing I observe: a child does better when someone they trust is beside them and struggles with them. It is not about you being right; it is about you being present. Keep your presence there, even if you are feeling a bit awkward and irrelevant.

3. Remember to timetable games Interactive games are underrated. You need to set time for educational games. I do not mean to send them off to play Fortnite or

something on the computer. Play a game that involves stimulating conversation and competition. A popular one is called Just a Minute, where you select a category, like ‘fruits’; set the timer, and the player must speak about fruits for one minute without saying “Umm…” or pausing too long. Points are to be gained for getting to one minute. After the minute, switch roles and start the game again. This builds vocabulary and imagination. Games build relationship. Keep thinking about whether you can you stretch the challenges in the games further. If so, do it! In many cases, children are very loyal,

so the next time you sit with them to do their task, they will remember how you allowed yourself to play a game with them, when they know you would rather be cooking or doing something ‘more important’. Kimshaw Aiken is a teacher and a writer. She has recently written How to Build Your Teaching Muscles: 10 Strategies to Boost the Engagement of Challenging Learners, which is available on Amazon. More teaching tips can also be found on her website at https://howtobuildyourteachingmuscles.com/

LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX: A GUIDE TO GROWING UP

elationships and sex education in secondary schools and relationships education in primary schools are going to become statutory subjects from September 2020. There has been a lot of debate about this move, with some parents happy that schools will need to improve their teaching on this subject, and others having concerns about what will be taught. This debate has highlighted the need for good quality Christian resources to support parents in their conversations with their children about relationships and sex. Sarah Smith has been working in relationships and sex education for 15 years, including two years in Uganda, and she has written a book called ‘A Guide to Growing Up’, aimed at 11 to 14 year olds. It is about our bodies, growing up, puberty and sex, and it explores these hot topics in an open, frank, relevant and biblical way. It seeks to remove the embarrassment that can surround these issues, and instead shine God’s light onto them. It explains how amazing our bodies are - especially with regards to our sexual organs - and it places a very high value on sex, talking about how wonderful it is and why it is God’s ideal for sex to be enjoyed within a loving marriage. It builds self-esteem in children and young people by helping them to feel comfortable about their bodies, and it equips them

to navigate through the physical and emotional changes that puberty brings. Written with the help of young people, the book confronts the issues and consequences of accessing and being exposed to sexual imagery, and gives practical ways that children and young people can handle these challenges and seek to lead a godly life in today’s ever-challenging society. Full of brilliant illustrations by Alex Webb-Peploe, the book is a hit with both young people and adults, with even married people saying they have learnt a lot from the book! Sarah says: “Young people, of course, have a natural curiosity to find out about sex. There is plenty of unhelpful, unhealthy and inaccurate information about relationships and sex online, so I wanted to provide a credible alternative. The book helps answer some of the questions I often hear in the classroom and in youth clubs, and it seeks to give young people solid and relatable teaching that supports them in their journey to adulthood.” ‘A Guide to Growing Up’ (ISBN: 978-0-85721-796-7) is available on Amazon and Eden. You can hear from Sarah here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=HuzTkfX5CxM

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54 LIFESTYLE

COVID-19

A SOUND MIND GUIDE DR T. AYODELE AJAYI is a Consultant Psychiatrist, a radio host, author and is on the pastoral team of his church

he COVID-19 lockdown with social distancing presents additional challenges of staying mentally sound. Loneliness and boredom can significantly contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. Working from home, along with juggling home schooling or minding younger children, can result in feeling overwhelmed. There are, however, proven steps to take to maintain sanity and thrive in the storm.

STRATEGISE In his 1946 book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Dr Viktor Frankl (neurologist and psychiatrist) - a Holocaust survivor - reflected that the way fellow prisoners imagined their future affected their longevity. It was his observation that a mindset that remained hopeful and constantly focused on the desired future was a common trait among survivors. As the global community faces coronavirus, it is another time to remind ourselves that outlook influences outcome, and that expectation determines manifestation. Deciding to adopt an attitude of faith and hope - no matter the challenges ahead - is one of the most crucial tools to keeping a sound mind. STRUCTURE YOUR DAY Research shows that a solid daily routine is good for mental health. Structure also helps to relieve stress. The temptation to allow things to slip during a lockdown is high. Getting up at the same time, getting dressed, and having dedicated meal times are all simple steps that Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

can help. Staying in pyjamas all day is a bad idea, as the mind links this to lazing around rather than to productivity. A demarcated home office area can further reinforce the boundaries between work and leisure at this time. It is best that area is not the bedroom, as the brain naturally associates that room with rest and relaxation. Failing to get work done, with its feelings of guilt and low self-confidence, can have a debilitating effect on mental health. Allocating a small task to segments of the day can be crucial in breaking monotony, and in creating the variety needed to sustain motivation. Keeping the phone away - and checking in on social media only at pre-determined periods - can be a massive time saver. Think about long-term projects to which you can allocate the additional time now saved on commuting. Starting a blog, a podcast, a new business, writing a book, learning a new language or picking up a hobby are plausible endeavours, with the additional free headspace the lockdown creates. STRETCH YOURSELF In order to keep a sound mind at this time, it is crucial to keep the body healthy. Regular exercise, a balanced diet and sufficient sleep are essential to enabling the immune system to work well. Being home all day creates the temptation of bingeing on unhealthy snacks. Stocking up on healthy nibbles is a good strategy to combat comfort eating and post-COVID waistline expansion! A healthy, balanced diet, rather than taking vitamin supplements, remains the evidence-based method to boost immunity. Without the need to get up early for the work commute, one can be lured to habitually staying up late, bingeing on Netflix. Eight hours of sleep remains the recommendation - lockdown or not. To get sufficient exercise, in the context of social distancing, will require some creativity, so consider using long walks, gardening, worship aerobics and YouTube exercise videos. The private time of reflection that exercise affords can be effective in clearing your mind and staying sound. Exercise is associated with the brain’s release of endorphins, which are happy chemicals that lift the mood. Keeping a journal to record the things to be thankful for at the end of each day is a

proven way to keep the mind positive. There’s always plenty to be grateful to God for, and intentional gratitude is associated with a happier life. The lockdown also creates additional free time to devote to reading books that build up the spirit or develop the mind. The Scripture that says ‘When a man is sick, his spirit helps him. But nobody can live if his spirit is not strong’ (Proverbs 18:14 ERV) comes to mind this season. Building up one’s spirit with regular times of prayer and meditation on the Scriptures cannot be overemphasised in time of crisis. Neuroscience now says that five to 15 minutes of daily meditation supports optimal brain function and sound mind. SOCIALISE SENSIBLY I am all for social distancing. With discreet use of social media and technology, isolation and loneliness can be curbed. Control your time on social media, and avoid bingeing on negative news. This may require you to mute certain contacts, who favour featuring grim rather than uplifting updates. Checking in regularly with family and friends for encouragement is vital. Giving back, by providing comfort to others, is another sure way to maintain a sound mind at times of crisis. Can you volunteer, support the elderly, or shop for others at this time? Finally, spend each day visualising the favourable times post-COVID. This too shall pass, folks.

Claim your FREE ® copy of Keep The Faith magazine today Claim your free copy of the UK’s leading Black and multi-ethnic Christian magazine and have it delivered direct to your door. We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality content, and our writers are the UK’s leading movers and shakers within the Christian community. With our gift to you, we welcome you into our community. This offer is limited, so act now while stocks last. Visit www.keepthefaith.co.uk/free today and get your free copy.*

* This promotion is for Issue 116 of Keep The Faith ® magazine. This offer is limited to the first 1,000 orders. Strictly 1 copy per person. Limited to UK addresses only. Keep The Faith Limited reserves the right to end the promotion at any time and without limitation. Expected delivery date is September 2020. Postage and handling fee applies.

56 LIFESTYLE

Chocolate & Guinness

cake

SHANA DAWN LEWIS

a qualified chef for over 25 years, and winner of the Wise Women Award 2020 in the Life Turnaround category

uinness, that super dark, super rich stout. It has a bit of a reputation, like the ‘Marmite effect’; you either love it or loathe it! Personally, I loathe it! In fact, I find it far too bitter. Nah… not nice at all! But, when mixed with whole milk, condensed milk, vanilla Nourishment (an energy drink brand), mixed spices and vanilla essence, poured over ice or chilled from the fridge, you’ve got yourself a whole different experience going on with your taste buds. Oops, I got a bit carried away there, and now you’re getting two recipes for the price of one... LOL. Guinness originated in Ireland in the 1700s, however it is very popular among African and Caribbean people too. You’ll often find it either swimming in a cooler of semi-melted ice at a special event; adorning the centre of the table at a wedding reception, or made up as a punch (described above) in the fridge at a party, where it’s only reserved for those “working in the kitchen” and the odd few who get to share the secret that there’s even any in the house. Until, that is, someone who’s had too much of it comes into the kitchen shouting loudly: “Can I have some more of that Guinness punch? It’s sooooo nice, guy!” at which half the people in the kitchen start kissing their teeth, while the other half are saying: “What, you lot got Guinness punch and never said nuffink? Outta order, man!” But now, Guinness seems to have become another ‘thing’ not just to drink but to be enjoyed, eaten in a cake mixed with dark chocolate, topped with cream cheese buttercream or ganache, sitting on a pretty plate eaten with a fork… Yum! There I go again, getting carried away with my food descriptions. It’s the creative in me. But seriously, what has happened to the days when it was the drink older men in flat caps drank in pubs on bar stools, or your dad and his mates drank whilst playing cards or dominoes? Are those days still there and I’ve just grown up, or have they gone for good? I’m a bit old school, from a different generation, Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

so I still think of Guinness as a man’s drink (don’t judge me, lol). As a cake creator, though, I have to acknowledge that it is also an ingredient - and a very popular one at that – so, with the celebration of Father’s Day fast approaching and my old school mentality firmly in place, I thought a CHOCOLATE & GUINNESS CAKE recipe would be fitting for all the Dads this June.

INGREDIENTS 100g unsalted butter

75g dark chocolate 200ml Guinness 200g plain flour 20g cocoa powder 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 large free-range eggs 200g golden caster sugar

Put your oven on to heat at 180ºC /Gas mark 4. Stir the Guinness into the melted chocolate and butter mixture. It may curdle, but this is perfectly normal. Once you mix it with the other ingredients it will sort itself out. Mix the dry ingredients in a medium bowl: flour, cocoa and baking powder. Put the eggs and sugar into your electric mixing bowl, and whisk until light and fluffy between 3-5 mins (as a rough guide). Pour the wet chocolate mixture slowly onto the eggs and sugar, with the mixer on a low speed, until completely incorporated. Add the flour in the same way as the wet mixture, until you get a lovely thick runny chocolatey consistency. Pour the mixture into your 7”-deep round cake tin, and bake for 45 mins. Check it has baked through, by poking a knife into the centre. If the knife comes out ‘wet’*, place it back into the oven for a further 6 mins. Once you’ve cooled the cake for 15 mins in the tin, turn it out onto a cooling rack.

METHOD Cut butter into small chunks and break the chocolate into small pieces. Melt together in a heatproof bowl, sitting over a pan of hot water (bain-marie). Once melted, leave to cool for about 20 mins.

When cooled right down, serve with either a cream cheese buttercream or milk chocolate ganache and cream.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY (*NB: The centre of this cake can be a little wet (but not overly), as over-baking can make a chocolate cake dry and crumbly.)

LIFESTYLE 57

In search of the

Scapegoat MARTINS AGBONLAHOR

is a trained lawyer, journalist and the author of Killing Them Softly: The Struggle for Women’s Rights in Nigeria. He lives in Manchester.

hey were bombarded with obscenities, as the six fierce-looking Chinese law enforcement officers held their cuffed hands, ignoring their pleas and dragging them to nowhere. This captures the travail presently confronting the many Nigerians living in parts of China, as the current coronavirus pandemic bares its fangs. Many Africans have been rendered homeless; their belongings - and other things they had laboured to acquire over the years - bundled up and jettisoned into refuse dumps, due to what has been termed the ‘xenophobic tendencies’ of the Chinese. But they, the Chinese, not wanting to be seen as obsessive jingoists, have crafted their own argument: “The exercise is to put those returning to the country in their proper place, so as not to contaminate the rest of us and spread the disease further.” While their stand may appear prima facie valid, there is more to it than meets the eye. The Nigerians who bore the whole brunt of it all were, in reality, not returnees, and had been firmly established in the country. And, to add to this, there were indeed expatriate Chinese citizens returning to their native land, who were spared the indignities meted out to Nigerians, Ghanaians, Ugandans, Zimbabweans and other Africans. Why this double standard? I dare to ask. Now it’s like a free-for-all fight scenario, with all manner of Chinese politicians becoming ‘COVID-19 experts’, some suggesting that Black Africans in China could possibly be the carriers of the virus and prone to spreading it. This assertion - a farrago of nonsense - is more like the pot calling the kettle black. Do they think sensible people out there will take this barefaced lie hook, line and sinker? Aren’t they merely resorting to scapegoating because they are short of options in curbing the dreaded virus that has engulfed China like a ravaging inferno? It really upsets me to see leaders apportioning blames and engaging in constructive ambiguity, just to divert attention or score some silly political points.

When Donald Trump, in attempts to minimise the impact of the disease in the US, called it the ‘China virus’ because of its origin, he was pilloried for his assertion – and rightIy so. The sensible thing is that all hands should be on deck to checkmate the spread of this virus, including the adoption of all measures necessary for its annihilation. Tracing any disease to its origin just for the sake of it - and without any logical reason - negates all genuine efforts at curbing such disease. Of what use would it be, for instance, were we to refer to Ebola as ‘the Congolese disease’ or kwashiorkor as ‘the Ghanaian disease’? While I call on the Chinese government to resolve this problem as soon as possible, and for our own government to call the Chinese authorities to order – for instance, the Ghanaian government has recalled their ambassador – I cannot help but take a trip down memory lane, when countries making up the East and South East Asia looked up to us, and wanted to be all things Nigerian. Of note was Malaysia, which, in the early 70s, scurried down to my plantation village of Iyanomo, near NIFOR* in Benin City, to borrow their first ever palm seedlings. Today, that country is the world’s second largest producer of palm oil (after Indonesia**), while our once rich plantations have reverted to the bush, due to our unbridled greed for petroleum, the devil’s excreta, which itself, swells the pocket of the very few, bringing untold hardship to the many. The suffering youths are today fleeing in droves to these Asian countries to make both ends meet. And do not be surprised if the Malaysian government were to adopt the same Chinese approach, in selecting out Black Africans as scapegoats to be dehumanised. This said, I am not contesting the fact that all countries have their migrant population, but my point, put succinctly, is that our policymakers should put Nigeria on the right footing and make it a country that works. If this were done, able-bodied youths would not be defecting the country en masse to be third-class

(*Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, **Source: 2019/20 survey by statista.com)

citizens in these countries that once envied our fast-paced achievement 50 years ago, before we were consumed by the scent of petroleum. Our decrepit infrastructural facilities should be revamped for the benefit of us all.

‘The sensible thing is that all hands should be on deck to checkmate the spread of this virus’ As the hydra-headed virus has surfaced in our country, I enjoin fellow Nigerian citizens to take absolute precaution, so that this disease is nipped in the bud. Social distancing should be respected as well as the lockdown measures, though I say this guardedly and with trepidation, as there is economic hardship in the land, and people need to feed their hungry stomachs. But again, nothing lasts forever, as the aphorism goes. Therefore, we shall be victorious over COVID-19 and all that comes with it.

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58 LIFESTYLE

Photo by Mont on Unsplash

TRIVIALISING COVID-19: The Nigerian Experience MARTINS AGBONLAHOR

is a trained lawyer, journalist and the author of Killing Them Softly: The Struggle for Women’s Rights in Nigeria. He lives in Manchester.

OVID-19! Short, audacious and terrifying. So much so, that if you have not heard of it, you would think it is a word from outer space, an indecipherable gobbledygook. But no! It is simply a byword for coronavirus disease, the current respiratory illness, which, like an all-consuming whirlwind, is attacking people, leaving in its wake sorrow, tears and blood - an unprecedented crisis in the annals of human history. Countries all over the world are doing all they can to curtail the virus: a thorough washing of the hands; wearing of face masks; maintaining social distancing of at least two metres, and staying indoors. Most borders have also remained closed and numerous aircrafts grounded. But for most Nigerians – as I observed upon my recent visit – the whole exercise and safety measures are ‘a mere storm in a teacup’. Their lackadaisical treatment of the whole matter is accentuated by social media ‘deliberations’ and anecdotal reports on the virus, many of which are mere infodemics of misleading tittle-tattle: the use of bitter kola and garlic, as antidotes; exposure to the 40°C sun; calling upon the Holy Ghost

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on a bucket of water, and bathing with it afterwards; marking the sign of the Cross on the forehead with olive oil; consumption of Kparaga – a concoction of cannabis and the local brew (also known as Ogogoro or Kaikai) – and others too shocking to be mentioned. Why Nigerians should fall prey to these and throw every caution to the wind leaves me baffled, and somehow corroborates the idea that we do not take precautions until it is too late. When the issue of HIV/AIDS came to us many years ago, it was laughed off by men, who labelled it ‘The White man’s disease’, and every cautionary measure rebuffed. There is no gainsaying the fact that today the disease has come to stay, as statistics show a very high percentage of us are ravaged by it, though we would not admit it for fear of being stigmatised. More so, when mad cow disease was reported in Europe, we ridiculed it - true to type - with a dismissive, nonchalant wave of the hand: “Their antibody is weak up there! Let them bring a whole truckload of the beef here and we’ll consume it all. Nothing kills the Black man! Cook the stuff thoroughly and it’s ready to be consumed without fear…” As we revel in our crass ignorance and self-gratification of being ‘indestructible’, there have already been over 14 deaths resulting from coronavirus, and 200 cases of infection – and the numbers are growing. A people who fail to learn from the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them. Therefore, it is

high time we woke up from our deep slumber, and adhered strictly to the practical things needed to nip COVID-19 in its bud, or at least reduce it to its barest minimum. And the government must be involved too. In most European countries, where there is a partial or total lockdown due to the virus, the people are promised a certain percentage of their wages and, where they are unemployed, other financial benefits. How feasible could this be in a country as volatile as Nigeria, where corruption is rife, effective system of taxation lacking, and people left to their own devices? With its huge natural resources and petrodollars accruing therefrom, Nigeria should be able to take care of its people in these very difficult, uncertain times. Besides compensation for loss of jobs or investments, the government should embark on enlightenment programmes on COVID-19 and its far-reaching repercussions. This will increase awareness and help curtail the huge dependence on social media platforms, which feed the people with fear, instigating the adoption of unreliable safety measures. In this vein, the government should summon back or restrain the dreadful Mobile Police, which has already been unleashed on the people to enforce compliance. Such high-handed action is not only counter-productive, but beyond the realm of the ridiculous, as the conventional wisdom is that people must go hunting for their daily bread in the absence of any worthwhile or viable option by the government. Put succinctly, where hunger holds the common man hostage, every escape route is conceived and experimented on. Even at that, Nigerians should be thoroughly educated on the need to observe these lockdown measures, rather than being clobbered into accepting them. Photo by Melissa Jeanty on Unsplash

It is my sincere belief that this coronavirus will asphyxiate with time, and things will return to normal. But all hands must be on deck. We must play our part in its annihilation. In so doing, and having gained victory over the virus, our most cherished mode of salutation - the effusive shaking of hands - will be re-established, and the current ‘elbow bump’ jettisoned into the garbage heap of history.

MISSION 59

BY LAURA NELSON

CAPTIVE IN IRAN: The story of Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh

orn in Iran to Muslim families, Marziyeh and Maryam were both desperately seeking for the truth and meaning for their lives. Whilst reading the Koran, Maryam never felt the presence of God, and struggled to find the answers her heart longed for. Maryam’s sister came home one evening and gave her a booklet, which contained a portion of Luke’s Gospel. Her sister, having her own doubts, told her to read the book but not the last page, as it was a conversion prayer to Christianity. Maryam remembers being exhausted from all the searching for the Truth. As she started reading that little book, she said: “I believe that Jesus revealed the truth to me that day, because every word I was reading I felt it talking to my heart.” Maryam and Marziyeh both found hope in Jesus Christ and converted to Christianity. Their story is told as part of a collection of stories in the new release of Jesus the Game Changer 2: To the Ends of the Earth by Olive Tree Media. Seeking to learn more, they both separately moved to Turkey in 2005 to learn more about their faith in Jesus. This is where the two women met for the first time. From the first day they met each other, the women instantly became great friends, with an interest in sharing their faith with the Iranian people. With that, they moved back to Iran to start their journey across the country, sharing the Gospel with thousands of people. Their journey started in Tehran. They started in the North of the Province, giving out over 20,000 New Testaments until they had covered the full area. During that

time, they had to run literally for their lives and hand out Bibles under the cover of darkness. The women were eventually caught, arrested and held for nine months in one of the most horrifying prisons. They recall sleeping under urine-soaked blankets, being threatened, and feared they might be tortured to death. Maryam recalls: “I remember we had to sleep on freezing and filthy floors…when we did find blankets, most of them strongly smelled of urine.” On more than one occasion, the women were pressured to convert back to Islam and deny their faith in Jesus. Eventually they were transferred to Evin Prison, notorious for raping, torturing and executing many innocent people. Marziyeh recalls her time there. “They told us if we wanted to insist on our faith, that we would face execution by hanging. We had long hours of interrogation, whilst having to listen to the sounds of other prisoners being beaten and tortured.” Despite everything, the women were determined to share the Gospel, and they started to view their prison as a church. They brought many people to Christ, and made friendships that would last a lifetime. Maryam states: “We believe that it was God’s plan for us to be in that prison for nine months… We had great opportunities to share the message with many prisoners.” Eventually the United Nations’ Amnesty International enabled their release from jail. Maryam says: “God had a purpose. He wanted us to see those injustices, and to bring awareness about the situation of many people

in Iran - especially women… that we have a great heart for women that they are victims of, you know, the Iranian government and, in Islam especially, women have no rights. And we believe that, you know, God wanted us to see all those injustices and to just share that with the world.” The above story is featured in ‘Jesus the Game Changer 2: To the Ends of the Earth’, which is filled with stories of inspiring and courageous people of faith, like the one above, who risked danger and death to ensure people heard the message of the Gospel. Through the production of various programmes and resources, Olive Tree Media is seeking to introduce people to Jesus; communicate a Christian worldview, and transform beliefs, attitudes and lives. Resources can be viewed and purchased online; on various television networks around the country; heard on radio, and in many Christian bookstores. ‘Jesus the Game Changer 2: To the Ends of the Earth’ is the title of the second season of the award-winning documentary. Host Karl Faase interviews over 50 guests about how the message of Jesus travelled across the world over the centuries, looking at the key people and moments that made this happen. ‘Captive in Iran’, written by Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh, recounts their 259 days in Evin. It’s an amazing story of unyielding faith - when denying God would have meant freedom and can be purchased on Amazon. www.keepthefaith.co.uk

www.mercyships.org.uk/mercy

Mercy

Don’t Stop for Families in West Africa Mamadou and Alimatou could not wait to start a family together. They were delighted when Alimatou gave birth to a baby girl, Mariama. Mariama is now 7 months old and is a lively and healthy baby, but she was born with a severe facial cleft that strained her joyful smile. This facial cleft split little Mariama’s lip and her nose, making it difficult for her to feed. Her parents searched desperately for help, but sadly Mariama is one of the five billion people worldwide who do not have access to safe, surgery when they need it. Each year, 18 million people die needlessly from conditions that could have been cured or treated with surgery. That’s more than those who die from malaria, HIV and TB combined. This is a global surgery crisis. A crisis which is only deepening as the COVID-19 global pandemic weakens healthcare systems everywhere. For over 40 years, Mercy Ships has specialised in using hospital ships and mentoring to strengthen fragile healthcare systems in the poorest parts of the world. While we work to train local healthcare professionals and refurbish medical buildings, we save and transform thousands of lives providing over 2,000 free surgeries every year. Lives like little Mariama’s. So, what happens when a global pandemic strikes these fragile heath systems? As a trusted partner of the World Health Organisation, the growing focus of Mercy

Ships energies and mission over the last decade has been to train and mentor African healthcare professionals and strengthen sub-Saharan hospitals, for such a time as this. The president of Mercy Ships, Rosa Whitaker, said recently, “When the industrialized North catches a cold, Africa catches pneumonia. What happens when it’s the North that catches a highly infectious form of pneumonia and gives it to Africa?” We have all seen how healthcare systems in the richest countries can be overwhelmed. Now, the virus has reached the shores of Africa and just like us they need hospital beds, medicines and intensive levels of care and compassion. However, many African healthcare systems are much weaker than ours. Thanks to training from Mercy Ships, Dr Odry Agbessi became Benin’s first reconstructive surgeon, operating on patients with severe burns. She now trains others across West Africa and is worried: “For us in Benin, the most important thing is prevention because we are a poor country… We lack ventilators and also supplies for resuscitation units. We do not have enough. When you face danger and you do not have anything to fight back, you just put yourself in the hands of God. So, we are just praying and educating our population.”

Below: Dr Odry Agbessi. Left and right: Mariama before and after surgery.

Although many borders are currently closed, Mercy Ships are working tirelessly and responding rapidly to the spread of Coronavirus in West African nations. Face to face mentoring has turned digital, donations have been made for urgent medical supplies and equipment, and we’re providing remote mentoring and training courses for doctors and nurses across West Africa. “We believe it won’t be long until the continent of Africa becomes the epicentre,” says Mercy Ships Executive Director, Lea Milligan. “After Ebola, when relief organisations pulled away, we trained over 10,000 medics across West Africa over five years. These people went on to train somewhere in the region of 40,000 others. We call this medical capacity building and it’s a game-changer!” Our partners in Africa need our support now more than ever. At this challenging time, it is natural to turn our focus inwards towards domestic needs and our own family, but Jesus’ command from the parable of ‘The Good Samaritan’ rings out loud and clear from the gospels: don’t stop loving your neighbour, don’t stop caring for the poor and the sick, and don’t stop showing mercy to those in need. Mercy Ships has contributed vital support, equipment and medicines to five of the poorest nations – Senegal, Sierra Leone, Benin, Liberia, and Madagascar to directly aid workers in the fight against COVID-19. We have launched a new six-week online COVID-19 course for nurses and doctors, so that they will be better equipped to care for critically ill patients suffering from the virus. And it’s not just the patients that need our support. Just as we’ve clapped and cheered to show our support for NHS and key workers here in the UK, Mercy Ships has implemented courses aimed at helping healthcare professionals with mental health strategies to reduce the risk of burnout during this exhausting crisis. Registered Charity Nos: 1053055 (England & Wales), SC039743 (Scotland).

With so many unknowns at present, Mercy Ships remains resolute - we will continue showing mercy to the poor in Africa. So many patients, like Mariama, rely on the work of Mercy Ships, and so mercy simply can’t stop. Mercy Ships supporters gave little Mariama her smile back and we restored her future. Just as we were there after Ebola, we will be there to help African nations rebuild after COVID-19, and for years to come. We will be there when they begin the long road of healing that many of us have only just begun. We will be there for desperate patients like Mariama, as well as her family. And we will be there for as long as it takes, to strengthen African health systems and stand with Africa. For Mariama and countless others, you can play your part to help families and doctors facing coronavirus in West Africa today, who urgently need you to show mercy. At a time when everything has stopped, even church gatherings, our Bible’s remind us to keep on showing mercy and doing justly (Micah 6:8, Luke 10.37). In short, ‘don’t stop mercy!’ To show mercy and save lives in the poorest African nations, please visit www.mercyships.org.uk/mercy

62 MISSION

SEED Madagascar needs your help on a mask-making mission for COVID-19 preparedness in Madagascar, can you help us?

s COVID-19 makes its brutal way across the world, even countries with the most sophisticated healthcare systems and resilient populations are suffering. When a disease like coronavirus makes its way to the African continent, disaster truly strikes, impacting millions of people who often do not have access to basic sanitation facilities for washing their hands, never mind healthcare services. Rural Madagascar is noted by the World Bank as the poorest country in the world. Here there are few health services; many people’s immune systems are already compromised; mortality rates are among the worst in the world and communication systems, to tell people about the virus and how to avoid it, are poor. It is predicted as much as 10% of the population may die from coronavirus. SEED Madagascar are a UK-based charity, who have been carrying out humanitarian and environmental work on the island for the last 20 years. Now our work is even more crucial. As part of our community preparedness initiative, we are working with local authorities to create and distribute messaging on social distancing and sanitation, both digitally and physically, to the communities we work with. Amongst the projects they have helped set up is a Cooperative called Stitch Sainte Luce. Find us on Twitter and Facebook: @KeepTheFaithmag

Stitch Sainte Luce is a women’s cooperative, which has taught embroidery, as well as business skills in maths, sales and English language, to over 100 women, so that they can produce and sell the products to help bring an income to families in the poorest country in the world, where almost 80% of the population lives on less than $1.90 per day. The beautiful and unique handcrafted products, which Stitch Sainte Luce produce, are now sold online, and include cushion covers, purses, ties and bracelets. Now, however, the women’s skills are being put to another use. They are helping to make much needed face masks for those on the island, during the coronavirus crisis… but they need your help and support. There are a number of ways to support the initiative. The products the women made before the crisis are still available to buy online, and all proceeds from their sale go directly to the Cooperative and to helping with the production of masks. Visit the Stitch website to find out more. You can also make a donation directly to the Masks for Madagascar Appeal, whether a financial contribution or, if you have the skills to make them yourself, 100% cotton face masks. You can find details on how to make

the masks through the Masks for Madagascar link, by visiting https://madagascar. charitycheckout.co.uk/cf/masks-formadagascar Purse Made by Meliny Cushion Cover Made by Guerceline

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) was founded during the final days of World War II with a vision to spread the peace of Christ rather than the conflict of man. It’s a calling to the ends of the earth — to see the poorest, most remote and isolated people physically and spiritually transformed in Jesus’ name. Today, MAF is the world’s largest humanitarian airline, and has been transforming lives for 75 years! Flying into 1,400 remote destinations, MAF transports medical care, emergency relief, long-term development and Christian hope to thousands of people for whom flying is a lifeline, not a luxury. MAF is flying for life. To find out more about MAF’s history and how we are celebrating, visit

www.maf-uk.org/75th

Registered charity in England and Wales (1064598) and in Scotland (SC039107) ® Registered trademark 3026860, 3026908, 3026915

At Compassion, we take action for children by providing them with the future they deserve. Our approach is a personal one, we link one child born into the vulnerability of poverty with one caring sponsor, like you. Your sponsorship will provide a child with access to education, nutritious meals and health-checks, all delivered through the local church. Through your donations, letters and prayers, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a direct impact on a child born into poverty. Together we can release more children out of poverty, in Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name.

SPONSOR

A CHILD COMPASSIONUK.ORG Registered charity in England and Wales (1077216) and Scotland (SC045059). A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales company number 03719092.

Keep The Faith - Issue 114

Articles inside

COVID-19 FUNDRAISER TO BUY PPE FOR KEY WORKERS IN RESIDENTIAL HOMES

US VICE PRESIDENT JOINS BLACK CHURCH LEADERS IN GLOBAL TRIBUTES TO ICONIC CHRISTIAN APOLOGIST

A Special Father's Day Tribute

We need to be uncomfortable