enthuse april 2009

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Hi, I’m a student of the University of Swansea on an LLM programme. I hope to bring you topical articles regarding social issues that affect our everyday lives. Watch this space.

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Hi! So good to be a part of the Enthuse team. I’m Ayo Thompson a.k.a Ayo MT. I look forward with great an-ticipation to this exciting ride; sit back, buckle up and get ready, we promise- God helping us, to keep you coming back for more!

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Hiya! I’m Oluranti Fabiyi, an LLm student of Swan-sea University. I enjoy reading and cooking. I am a member of the editorial board as well as a columnist. Looking for home-truths, fun and creativity?

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Hi my name is Taiwo Ayodeji, a Masters’ graduate in Health Care Management. I love Bollywood movies. Read my column “Health and Wellbeing” to equip and inform you on health issues.

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E N T H U S E A P R I L 2 0 0 9 - M Y M O N T H O F T H E S U P E R N A T U R A L

Associate Editor & Youth columnist

OLURANTI FABIYI

Social Awareness Columnist

MAYOWA AWOSIKA

Managing Editor & Singles Columnist

AYO THOMPSON

Associate Editor & Health and Wellbeing

TAIWO AYODEJI

Life & Style Columnist

UCHE ANADU

Events Columnist

BOMA CHIBUOKEM HARRY

Hey y’all!! My name’s Uchenna Anadu. A Masters’ stu-dent of Swansea University studying Public Health and Health Promotion and Columnist, life and style. I’m not a lady of many words, just watch my space.

[email protected]

I'm Boma Harry, currently a Media undergraduate at Swansea University. When I am less busy I love to swim, cook, sing and travel. My greatest goal in life is to tour the world and live a legacy; I really hope Enthuse would be stepping stone to achieving this. Enjoy! So if you have an event you want us to cover let me know.

[email protected]

MEET THE ENTHUSE TEAM

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laver the 4th edition of Enthuse Magazine. Though it seems like only yesterday when Enthuse was launched, we have come a very long way. We have been able to test the waters by bringing you a variety of articles, report on events and testimonials to which you have responded positively. In the same vein we are proud to an-

nounce a better, more improved Enthuse by introducing an editorial team in the persons of Ayo Thompson, Olu-ranti Fabiyi, Taiwo Ayodeji, Mayowa Awosika, Uchenna Anadu, and Boma Chibuokem Harry. The team will quench your appetites with cutting edge arti-cles on life as singles, current affairs, events, health, life-style, married life & fashion. As time goes on we will be expanding into a plethora of columns that is sure to keep you also wanting more.

This month we delve into the supernatural of how God can make an ordinary person become extraordinary just by adding the super to the natural. Fi-nally, we want to say a big thank you to all those that have supported us on our journey thus far, we won’t be here without you. Please continue to support with your words of encouragements, financial contributions and publicity. Also don’t forget to write in your comments, questions, and suggestions.

E D I T O R I A L V I E W

CONTENTS APRIL 2009

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Enthuse Team 2

Editorial 3

The Disinherited 4-5

Birthdays 5

The Beauty of a smile 6

Book /CD Reviews 7

The importance of Cervical Screening

8

4I Small Groups 9

No String Attached 10-11

Pastor’s Desk 12-13

Highway Code to a supernatural Marriage

14

Event Report 15

Next Month in View 16

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S O C I A L A W A R E N E S S

Demographic statistics indicate that youths within the age bracket of 10 years to 24 years form a high percentage of the world’s population. They are estimated to constitute 39 per cent of the world’s population, with 80 per cent of this group in the developing, and transition economies. This places a very high responsibility on the shoulders of educational, health and devel-opmental planners worldwide. The United Nations General Assembly in 1984 recognized "the importance of direct participation of youth in shaping the future of mankind. Youths can participate in the implementation of the new international economic order based on equity and jus-tice. Emphasis is laid on the enhancement and actualization of their intellectual, social, emotional, moral/ethical, physical and cognitive potentialities. For example, Barbados' division of Youth Affairs, with the motto 'building tomorrow today," set up the Youth Entrepre-neurship Scheme in 1991, to: (1.) Harness the energies of the youth into the process of nation building; (2) Provide harmonious relations between its citizens and de-velop a more caring society; (3) Create an environment which will promote confidence in culture; (4) Redirect the lives of young people who manifest negative attitudes, in social, emotional and behavioral trends." America enacted The Younger American Act (YAA) to fully

prepare its youths to become adults and effective citizens. This included (1) Ongoing relations with caring adults; (2) Safe places with structured activities; (3) Access to services that promote healthy life-styles, including those designed to improve physical and mental health; (4) Opportunities to acquire marketable skills and competencies; and (5) Opportunities for community service and civic participation. Youths are still victims of economic and moral decays. They are exposed daily to attacks on their psyche and personalities, lead-ing them to commit all sorts of social vices. Abandoned by the state, exploited by society, they become increasingly alienated from society. It was reported that youths in the UK are amongst the worst behaved in Europe. Each week in 2007, 84 children under age 16 in England and Wales had abortions; three were under age 14, a large proportion of the under 15 in the UK are usually drunk, 38% of British 15-year-olds in 2003 had tried cannabis. This can be explained by a collapse in family and community life in the UK. Others take refuge in violence, alcohol; gang memberships, drugs and prostitution, and some have lost their lives. Countries must not allow the present socio-economic situation frustrate its youths. We are suggesting that leaders of various countries should pursue the policies with all sincerity. Policies


GROWING up in a depressed economy can be traumatic; a country being laid prostrate with a

philistine stamp by its rulers, a country where the future is uncertain. This used to be the

plight of youths from third world countries but with the global economic meltdown, it is now a

global trend

by Mayowa Awosika

5

that failed in the past should be abolished or amended and new ones should be made. The challenges include provision of a secure environment, ac-cess to adequate learning and health, and economic opportuni-ties. The vast resources of various countries should normally guarantee satisfaction of these requirements, as their legiti-mate rights, because the most fundamental duty of any gov-ernment is the protection, promotion of the well-being and

guaranteeing the future of its citizens. When Youths become rejuvenated and embrace change, the government is encouraged to give the required backing and support. In addition, the church of God has a role to play by finding means of harnessing the strength of the youths. It is instruc-tive to note that getting results is really beyond the capability of the various governments except God is involved. The church should help by giving directions and moral support. Should this Generation of youths be totally disinherited by perishing or dying in their present state? Every believer that was ever in a position to make changes would be questioned and queried by God on the day of Judgment. A UNESCO poster on development and care of the children shows a child being asked what he would like to be when he grows up: "ALIVE" was the child's answer. Alive, and with a future. There is need to help them build their confidence and competencies in addition to empowering them to becoming successful adults. Parents, governments and societies have very important roles to play in enabling youths see themselves as assets to their countries, communities and societies, not the negative feeling of frustration, abandonment and disinheri-tance.

B I R T H D A Y S

It was reported that youths in the UK are amongst the worst behaved in Europe. Each week in 2007, 84 children under age 16 in England and Wales had abortions;


Name Date

Patience Duke 6th

Ayodeji Williams 10th

Fausta Musokana 15th

Powela Doyah-Tiemuo 18th

Joshua Iyamu 6th

Uno Umoekeyo Uno 18th

Charles Anochih 20th

Ayo Martins 29th

Adenike Danmole 30th

Mimisola Durowaiye 11th

The Place of Victory Family celebrates you.

Have a wonderful birthday.

6


L I F E & S T Y L E

Sounds familiar? These are lyrics from the 1982 movie, Annie,

played by Aileen Quinn. A movie I have loved from childhood.

Some of you might be wondering…. ‘Why the topic “smiling” in

the Life & Style column?’ Well, why not. Take another look at

the lyrics above, is it logical to say, what you wear from head to

toe doesn’t matter? No. We should never underestimate the

power of a smile. I’m talking about a smile that comes from the

heart, reflecting through the eyes (cause the eyes are the window

to the heart) and not a quick flash of the teeth we see every now

and then, if you know what I mean. Below are some reasons to

smile by Mark Stibich, with a little tit bit from yours truly, and

also some quotes from different authors:

1)Smiling makes us attractive: People are drawn to those

who smile because it makes them feel loved and welcome.

Frowns, scowls and grimaces, on the other hand, push people

away. ‘Today give a stranger your smile. It might be the only

sunshine he sees all day’.

2)It changes your mood: Next time you’re feeling down

try putting on a smile. There’s a good chance your mood would

change for the better. ‘A smile can brighten the darkest day’

3)Smiling is contagious: When a person smiles, they

lighten up the room and change the mood of others. It’s like the

flu, pretty infectious.

4)Smiling relieves stress: When you’re all worn out, over-

whelmed by what’s going on in your life or work or you are tired,

try taking a very deep breath and then smile. This has been

found to help relieve stress. Smiling is also said to reduce pain,

boost the immune system and help lower the blood pressure.

5)Smiling lifts the face and makes you look younger: I’ve

never seen a smiling face that is not beautiful. The muscles we

use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. So

why spend so much money on Botox or a surgical face lift when

you can get non-invasive, inexpensive youthfulness by smiling??

6)Smiling makes you seem successful: It makes you appear

more confident. Put on a smile (not a sheepish one) at meetings

and interviews and people would react to you differently. Try it,

it sure does work

7)Smiling helps you stay positive: When we smile, our

brain sends the rest of the body a message that ‘life’s good’. So

no matter what you’re going through, always try to put on that

curve that sets everything straight.

Some of you might say, ‘I don’t have very good set of teeth so I

can’t smile’. Well, you don’t have to expose your teeth when you

smile. You can do it with your lips pursed. The crux of the mat-

ter is to always try to look cheerful every now and then.

Other important secrets: brush your teeth twice daily with the

right toothbrush, change your brush every three months, never

miss your dental appointment and don’t forget to floss because it

could be embarrassing trying to smile with food particles stuck

between your teeth. Finally, always remember to be happy be-

cause you never know who’s falling in love with your smile.

I’m going to leave you with more lyrics from Annie:

♫Though you may wear the best ♫

♫ You’re never fully dressed, without a smile ♫

Keep smiling y’all.

♫ Who cares what they’re wearing

From Main Street to Saville Row

Its what you wear from ear to ear

And not from head to toe that matters ♫

THE BEAUTY OF A SMILE

By Uche Anadu

7 E N T H U S E A P R I L 2 0 0 9 - M Y M O N T H O F T H E S U P E R N A T U R A L

Publisher Description

A profoundly spiritual, strictly biblical

work, this expository reference book

may be considered "required reading"

for students of the Spirit. It takes the

reader on into the spiritual realm and

examines dreams there from. A classic

in its field, it offers to help the reader

understand the broad spectrum of dreams and dreaming,

and may assist in healing and deliverance from sleep/

dream problems.

It provides many practical guidelines on trances, audible

voices, out-of-body experiences, and other kinds of visions,

and encourages the Body of Christ to yield to the Holy

Spirit for supernatural experiences along these lines.

Highly Recommended. Chapters include: What is a

Dream?; Be Renewed in the Spirit of Your Dream Life;

Sleep in Heavenly Peace; Adventures in the Night Sea-

sons; Dream Recall and Interpretation; Try the Dreams

Whether they are of God; Some Experiences; Supernatural

Dreams and Trances; End-time Dreamers;

B O O K / C D R E V I E W S

Publisher Descriptioon

Armed with a wealth of insight and research, A. Beryl Gainer, Ph.D., proves conclusively in his book "Supernatural Truth in the Bible" that the Good Book is truly the word of God. His book distils prophecies and messages - from Bi-ble names, science and math - that

were incredibly ahead of their time. The Bible, Gainer shows, contains hidden messages and information that, while not conflicting with other Scripture interpretations, are often overlooked by theologians. "Since Christianity and Judaism teach no man can see a supernatural Lord God and live, are there other super-natural features of these two religions that can be seen without a penalty of death?"wonders Gainer at the out-set. The answer is prophecy; "Biblical prophecies are su-pernatural if they all come to pass exactly as prophesied." Almost a third of the Bible is prophetic, and the Book also contains hidden information that was confirmed by science only many years later.

Matt Hammitt and the rest of the Sanctus Real crew came out strong in 2002 and, like fine wine, they've just gotten better as they've aged. Their fourth studio album, We Need Each Other, is their best to date with a mix of modern rock, pop and worship that flows effortlessly from one sound to the next, and with lyrics that you don't just hear ... the impact of these are messages will be felt long after the CD is finished playing. The rocking opener "Turn on the Lights" hits hard and gets your attention in a big way. With the simple (yet sometimes easily forgotten) message that we are to be the light of the world, this tune reminds us that we are here to bring forth hope and light. "Black Coal" tells the story of digging past the garbage (ie. tragedy, scars and pain) in someone's life to find the diamond within. Too often we allow ourselves to believe that the events that have oc-curred in our lives define us. "

8

Knowledge they say is power and health is wealth. These two adages have very important meanings and pass on a very vital and essential message about life. I remember getting a letter from the National Health Service (NHS) for a smear test cervical screening .The aim was to rule out the possibility of developing cervical cancer. I ignored the letter and thought to myself …’what you don’t look for, you won’t find’. So what is the use of going for a smear test? I 0was scared, and I had heard from friends about how painful the process was. This is not true. Before I go further, here are important facts about cervical cancer: In Europe, cervical cancer is the second most common cause of death by cancer in young women, aged 15-44 years, after breast cancer. The number of women, in all age groups, who have cervical cancer, has been decreasing for some years now, thanks to prevention programs such as the National Cervical Screening Program. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus and about 80 per cent of us will have it at some point of our lifetime, as it is very common. Most people are able to fight the HPV infection with their natural immune sys-tem. Unfortunately in some cases, the infection can lead to the development of abnormal cells in the cervix which could over time, develop into cervical cancer if left unde-tected and untreated. A recent survey showed that over half of the women ques-tioned were not aware that cervical screening reduces the risk of getting cervical cancer by picking up any abnor-malities early enough, and around two thirds of women didn't know that infection with HPV can lead to changes in cells in the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer.

This information is not to scare anyone or make you wor-

ried, but to make you aware of the importance of cervical

screening and for women to understand that knowledge

about cervical screening saves lives. The fear of knowing

the result might be frightening, but what is even more

frightening is the fear of the unknown and later finding out

that it could have been avoided if we have taken the first

step to secure our wellbeing.

H E A L T H & W E L L B E I N G


Taiwo Ayodeji exposes some of the myths and factoids

commonly associated with cervical cancer & screening.

The importance of cervical screening

9

C O M M U N I T Y T O G E T H E R

Beyond tomorrow is Vision; being able to see the future and move into everything God has ordained; not just today or tomorrow, but for years to come to help towards achieving the vision of the church for the next 5 - 10 years:

Imagine

New Possibilities

Imaging having unlimited resources to meet the needs of our community

Ignite

our passion

Imagine using your gifts and creativity to fulfil God’s plan for the church

Invest

in the Future

Imagine being a part of something significant that impacts future

Inherit

the Promise

Imagine taking bold steps and achieving your heart’s desires

The next Small Groups Semester starts in April 2009. Register early to avoid disappointment.Register early to avoid disappointment.Register early to avoid disappointment.Register early to avoid disappointment.

• If you are interested in joining a Small Group immediately please email the group you wish to join as the subject line and include your details as speci-fied below in the body of the email.

• If you are interested in starting a Small Group, please email Start a Small Group as the subject line and include the following details below as well as what the group will entail in the body of the email and you will be contacted shortly.

Hi, welcome to the 4I small study groups at Hi, welcome to the 4I small study groups at Hi, welcome to the 4I small study groups at Hi, welcome to the 4I small study groups at Place of Victory.Place of Victory.Place of Victory.Place of Victory.

A 4I Small Group (SG) is the getting to-gether of at least three and no more than twelve people to study a specific subject matter generally referred to as the curricu-lum.

Apart from the obvious primary purpose of fostering purposeful & meaningful relation-ships, these groups have been created to help towards achieving the church’s vision.

For further details or information of our initiatives, please email: [email protected]

SG REGISTRATION FORMSG REGISTRATION FORMSG REGISTRATION FORMSG REGISTRATION FORM

Please pick 1 or more groups you wish to attend this semester:

Group 1 - How to become a better you

Group 2 - Every woman’s battle

- (ladies only)

Group 3 - Every man’s battle

- (men only)

Group 4 - Being a contagious Christian

Group 5 - Doing life together

- (married/couples)

Group 6 - City keepers (call to pray)

Group 7 - Fashion Focus

Group 8 - The Financial Clinic

Group 9 - No strings (Singles)

First Name:

Last Name:

Email Address:

Mobile Number:


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By Ayo Thompson.

‘Then the Lord answered me and said:

“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it” Habakkuk 2v3 (NKJV)

It’s funny how we make extensive and comprehensive prepa-rations for many things in our lives: choice schools we want to attend, career we want to pursue, houses we want to live in, our dream cars and so on but we often fail to plan properly for one of the most important stages in our lives: Marriage.

Most people know they want to get married one day, that’s part of the success in life but unfortunately for many the only detail they have of the institution is that they want; a good spouse, a very good marriage and very very good children.

It’s important to understand that marriage itself is ordained by God and only Him can sustain a good marriage, but it is also important as individuals to prepare and make plans for it. The person one chooses to spend the better part of his or her life with is very important and instrumental to having a suc-cessful relationship hence a big emphasis on choosing the right partner. We often wait for the ideal man or woman to come our way but the question is “Who is your ideal partner?” Would you be able to identify him/her if they came knocking on your door? I know many people would be quick to say a resounding yes but let’s hold on for one minute and think “How?”

It’s easy to assume that you would know when they come but unfortunately, reality is always not as easy as it seems. Let’s take for example buying your dream car. Would you say “I would know immediately I saw it that that’s the one”? The guess is probably not. The reason being, first and foremost, before you have a “dream” car, you must have been thinking

about it for a while. You must have made your judgement based on many criteria, how it fits your lifestyle, brand, and colour, something you would be fully proud of, to mention a few. For those who are even more passionate, it doesn’t end there, you take a step further in investigating its potential, comparing its performance with other brands, life span, en-gine capacity, fuel gauge, year it was manufactured; basically the stuff it’s made of. You don’t walk into an automobile shop saying I want a good car and drive off with the first one that the dealer presents to you.

If one can plan so extensively for a car, then it is not too hard to come to the conclusion that one’s life partner should in-volve even more precision. If it helps, “write down the vi-sion”.

Put in writing the qualities you want in a partner, including both the important – relationship with God, good hygiene, and the trivial- food preference, handling of the toothpaste.. Write it out in scale of preference, that is, from most impor-tant to least important. Your list may be unique to you be-cause what is important to you may not be to another person but then remember it’s your relationship not any others’.

A lot of people are against having a “list” arguing that it makes one too choosy but then let’s analyse its importance. First of all, “What if you are particular about the person whom you choose to give yourself to as long as you both shall

n Prophecy


N O S T R I N G S A T T A C H E D

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N O S T R I N G S A T T A C H E D

live?” You as an individual are priceless; God makes us to understand in His word that you are “fearfully and wonder-fully made” and the “apple of His eyes”. You are so impor-tant and worthy, He sent His only son to die for you. Fur-thermore, even physically, your mother paid a high price of birth pain to bring you forth so why would you not settle for anything but the best? You are worth it!

Secondly, I would rather regard it as being prepared rather than being choosy. Knowing what you want makes it easy to identify the person. If you know what you are looking for, you wouldn’t need to go through the rigours of “trial and error” before meeting them as you are armed with enough information. It also helps to prevent heart-ache and heart break as you don’t wait to be in an emo-tionally-involved relationship before finding out if he/she is ideal. Not every Tom, Dick or Harry would have access to your heart.

Finally it makes you more focused. You have a goal and a vision and you are “running with it”. You are able to pray

consistently and specifically about the qualities you desire and you have even more clarity on what is important and what is not, what you can do without and what is essential.

It is important to note that for some peo-ple, “writing the vision” may become an obsessive task and if not done prayerfully and with wisdom may become just a fan-tasy. Remember that you are going to marry a human being; flesh and blood. Someone, who like you is not perfect,

therefore make allowances for them to fall short sometimes. Nevertheless, ensure that they don’t fall short of those fundamental things you cannot live without for the rest of your life not just a short period. Also, be open to direction from God at all times, never go at it alone. If you are willing He is. He would bless you with only the best.

Go on…….Write the Vision!

Would you be able to identify him/her if they came knocking on your door?

12

by

Felix Makanjuola Jr.

Imag

e: w

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echea

lthunit.org

13

P A S T O R ’ S D E S K


The Encarta Dictionary describes supernatural as a phenomenon, which cannot be explained by physical (see-able) laws. So how do we live a phenomenal life in a

world where failure, malfunction and underachievement comes very naturally? The word ‘supernatural’ can be broken down into two words namely, ‘super’ and

‘natural’.

This got me thinking, if only we can add the ‘super’ to our ‘natural’ then we can be supernatural. If only we could add the ‘extra’ to our ‘ordinary’, then we can be extraordinary. A quick examination of patriarchs in the Bible reveals that in or-der for God to use them in such astronomical ways, they carried with them something that was much more than their natural ability. For example, Moses could not have parted the Red sea by any natural means conceivable; Elijah a man subject to like passions as we are, by the spoken word of his mouth prayed that it might not rain: and it did not rain on earth for 3 years and 6 months .And when he prayed again, the heavens gave rain and the earth brought forth her fruit (James 5:17).

Oh let’s not forget the son of God himself, Jesus. Jesus in his natural form experienced excruciating pain from the beat-

ings, lashes and humiliation he received at the hands of his prosecutors ,so degrading .Every human being will agree with

me that this is enough to retaliate by wiping out the whole world in revenge should we have the power to do so.

Conversely, the son of God did the complete opposite of revenge, he forgave his prosecutors. Isn’t that phenomenal? Yes,

because he was working with a supernatural power that gave him the ability to suspend all natural laws and become su-

pernatural.

Romans 8:10 says “And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness”.

Verse 14 says, “For as many are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God”, this only becomes true when you tap

into a realm that is not ordinary, one that is above our understanding or demeanour. One that is super to our natural.

We need power, capability, enablement that gives us the edge to do those things that seem unnatural to accomplish. The

truth is God desires progress for all His children; the more heart-rending truth is that he not only expects progress but He

expects progress in leaps and bounds. Just like any earthly father would, God wants to show off that He is our father. God

is a super God and what better way to show off than making us phenomenal?

Maybe you are thinking to yourself that you are doing pretty well in your current state and it’s not that bad being aver-

age, well God wants you to achieve much more. John 15:5 the Bible says “I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that

abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing”. If you want to bear much

fruit, then you need God. As you probably know, there is progress and there is progress. For example, when two men dig a

hole in the ground and one finds water and the other oil, it can be said that the latter has progressed more than his coun-

terpart.

Whatever you set your mind to do, you can accomplish it by the supernatural power in

you because “you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you” (Philippians

4:13), but remember, the super has to be attached to your natural.

Verse 6 of John 15 says “if a man abide not in me, he is cast fort as a branch, and is withered; and men gathered them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned”. Any direction you take contrary to God’s perfect will is not in your best in-terest and can even cause retrogression ‘at the end of the day’. You cannot make tangible progress when you are located outside God’s will. At best you can be static. I pray you will not just live a natural life. Are you just natural? Or have you run out of the super? Well, you can add the super to your natural today. Understand that God will not force himself on you. John 15:5 says he abides in me and I in Him, so you must be willing to abide in Him and be willing to commit yourself to Him to direct you in every way because He has lived tomorrow already and He alone, knows how to lead you the right way. Do you ever want to experience a continuous season when everything is working for you in spite of the odds? A time when you pray in the morning and everything goes better than you prayed for or envisaged all through the month? A time when people would experience phenomenal achievements just by being associated to you? Then add the super to your natural today and ask Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour. Pray that He gives you supernatural strength to be phenomenal in every facet of your life to the point that you begin to defy natural laws.


Do you constantly see couples making sentimental or ‘showy’ displays of affection, getting all ‘lovey dovey’ and you think to yourself, ‘it can’t be real’, it’s not natural, it’s just a show, nobody married past 3 years can be that into each other.

The fact is some married people do enjoy their marriage and it’s not because they are newlyweds.

Isn’t it amazing that before you are en-trusted to drive on the public road, you go through rigorous exercises, culmi-nated by multiple exams that test both your theoretical knowledge and your practical ability to drive. However, we assume we are going to be good partners in a marriage without the experience and knowledge of what a successful marriage constitutes.

Lets take a look at some of these codes:

1. Keep eyes out for your relationship

Protect your resilience to have a success-

ful marriage by being careful of your

relationship with members of the oppo-

site sex. Do you frivolously flirt with

members of the opposite sex? Are you

beginning to view them as an alternative

if your marriage doesn’t work out? Have

a resolution that you are in your mar-

riage for the long haul. Remember

Mathew 19:6, “what therefore God hath

along the lines of “that’s what you did the

last time?” Do you remember old faults

even though your spouse has apologised

and made amends? Do you constantly re-

mind your spouse of what they did back in

school? Stop it; it only opens up old wounds

and breeds distrust.

5. Stop the credit crunch

90% of marriage breakdown is caused by

monetary conflict and at this time of global

recession, it is even more poignant than

ever before. If you find yourselves arguing

over money, work out a system the two of

you can live with. Not everyone can have a

joint account, but remember the two have

become one and every monetary decision

you make affects the other and ultimately

you marriage.

These are a few things you should watch

out for. Ultimately, make God the founda-

tion of your home, He is, the only one that

can protect your marriage and making

seemingly unnatural.

joined together, let no man ‘or

woman’ put asunder”.

2. Be attentive

Listen to your spouse when he

or she talks to you. It is a sign

of respect. Sometimes we disre-

spect our spouses in the simplest ways. Try to

give your spouse your undivided attention.

Also, nod in agreement occasionally, it tells

your spouse that you are listening (this is

called paralinguistic feature in speech). How-

ever, if the time is not convenient to talk or be

attentive, create and suggest a time when you

will be able to give your full attention.

3. Create Conflict resolution time

The bible says that it is impossible that no

offence will come (Luke 17:1), so why should

you not expect disagreement or even offence.

The problem is not the offence but how you

deal with it. Set aside time to work out the

chronic problems in your marriage. This

should be a time when both of you are relaxed

and willing to discuss these matters. This

means you need to know and monitor the

times your spouse is patient and more respon-

sive to conflict resolution.

4. Don’t keep scores

How many times have you said something

M A R R I E D L I F E


E V E N T R E P O R T

In His Presence

Swansea FOL experience By Boma Chibuokem Harry

On the 28th of March 2009, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Place of Victory, Swansea crew witnessed live the FOL (Festival of Life) program held at Excel Exhibition Centre, Custom House, London. People from all over the UK including Scotland, Wales, and England came to witness the event. On getting to the venue, there was an awaiting crowd outside the building eager to get inside, as they wanted to get comfortable sitting locations for themselves, family members and friends. When the doors opened, hundreds of people rushed in and our crew was fortunate to get a comfortable spot for the night. Few minutes to the start time of the program, people liaised with one another optimistic about the event. Obiageli Anne Okolotu, a postgraduate student at Swansea University who was attending the programme for the first time spoke on the reason for her attendance. She confessed her need to renew her relationship with Christ Jesus and since it had been a while since she attended a night vigil, this event was an opportunity to do so. Another first timer, Oluyomi Ososanya, a Post graduate Student at the London Metropolitan University, said he came with friends from his undergraduate university days in Nigeria specifically to hear from God.

The programme commenced with a musical performance by the FOL Choir, which set the right mood for the evening as people cheered and clapped at the end of the performance. Afterwards, there was an opening prayer by Pastor P.K Ola-wale, the national prayer co-ordinator for RCCG, followed by a prayer session on ‘Family’ led by Pastor Mrs Folu Adeboye. The prayer focused on God’s intervention in the daily life of Christians and also issues surrounding Christian homes. Next was the vibrant Abundant Life group from Bradford, singing a collection of rock gospel songs, which left the crowd head-nodding during their performance.

A speech was given by a member of Voice of the Voiceless organization, Benedict Rogers, who emphasized the need to pray for Christians being persecuted for preaching the gospel in countries such as the Northern part of Nigeria, North Ko-rea, and Burma. Also, there was another speech by Desmond Swayne of the British Conservative Party, who stressed that God is shaking the nations in order to bring back kingdom values to the earth and he used scriptural verses such as Haggi 2:6-7, Hebrews 12:26 and Jeremiah 8:11, to back up his statement. There were other wonderful performances such as a special number by Omotoye Akisanya singing ‘Real Love’ (from her recently released album), a very emotive mu-sic drama by Landmark titled the ‘Prodigal Son’ and a praise and worship session. Finally, the moment everyone awaits, Pastor E.A Adeboye

the General Overseer of RCCG worldwide, mounts the stage amidst much excitement and expectations. On mounting the pulpit, he urges the congregation to usher in the presence of God though a spirit-filled worship, exaltation and prayer ses-sion which he led. After this, he speaks on the theme of the event ‘In His Presence’. He stated twelve things that happen when an individual is in God’s presence and used scriptural verses to back up his statement. Furthermore, he concluded by emphasizing that to be in God’s presence, an individual must have a relationship with God or be in right standing with God. His ministration was fuelled by a great manifestation of the presence of God indeed, through words of knowledge and prophecy inspired by the holy spirit to the joy of everyone present. Many were able to receive salvation, deliverance, blessings and miracles. At the end of his sermon, an altar call was made for people who wanted to become born again or re-new their dedication to God, in which there was a very good turn out of people. It was indeed a memorable night in God’s presence. At the close of the event, Swansea University Postgraduate student, Marcus Hassan had this to say about the programme ‘My expectation before arriving Excel centre was to have an encounter with God and to my amazement, God performed wonders beyond my expectations. I gained spiritual uplift-ment, divine providence, insight, and divine security and by God grace I would attend future FOL events. Festival of Life is a bi annual event held in London usually on the last Friday of March and November. It is organized by the Redeemed Christian Church of God and is supported by over 150 Churches in the United Kingdom. This event serves as a forum to bring people of diverse cultures and backgrounds together, to pray, and birth revival in the United Kingdom. The programme starts in the evening and incorporates prayer, worship, teachings, and manifestations of the power of God.

16

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 Thanksgiving

@11.30 am

FMJ

4 5 Intercessory

Prayers

@7.00 pm

(BS)

6 Light House

Fellowship

@6.00 pm

(SH)

7 8 9 10 “How to win the

battles of life”

@11.30 am

FMJ

11 12 Intercessory

Prayers

@7.00 pm

(BS)

13 Light House

Fellowship

@6.00 pm

(SH)

14 15 16 17 “Worker’s

Graduation”

@11.30 am

SPECIAL GUEST

18 19 Intercessory

Prayers

@7.00 pm

(BS)

20 Light House

Fellowship

@6.00 pm

(SH)

21 22 23 24 “Devil’s Dirty

Dozen”

@11.30 am

FMJ

25 26 Intercessory

Prayers

@7.00 pm

(BS)

27 Light House

Fellowship

@6.00 pm

(SH)

28 29 30 31 “The Mystery of Progressive Ad-

vancement”

@11.30 am

FMJ

May 2009

OUR MONTH OF BREAKTHROUGH

BSBSBS --- 44 Bond Street; 44 Bond Street; 44 Bond Street; SHSHSH --- 46C St. Helen’s Rd 46C St. Helen’s Rd 46C St. Helen’s Rd

DHDHDH --- Dolphin Hotel (opposite Primark); All Sunday services are held at the Dolphin Hotel Dolphin Hotel (opposite Primark); All Sunday services are held at the Dolphin Hotel Dolphin Hotel (opposite Primark); All Sunday services are held at the Dolphin Hotel

There is no real obstacle or limitation, anywhere, the only real obstacle exist only in the mind.

- Dr. Sola Fola Alade

enthuse april 2009

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