Keep The Faith Magazine

31/10/2024

“People used to laugh at me when they saw me. It was a really tough period.”

56-year-old Samba was born with a cleft lip. He felt frustrated, as he struggled to find acceptance in his community.

Thanks to kind people like you, Samba could find the help he needed onboard a Mercy Ship. After free, safe surgery, he looked at his new smile in the mirror for the first time, swelling with pride.

“I feel so handsome now!” he said.

And it’s all thanks to kind people like you.

Hear more inspiring stories of change, visit mercyships.org.uk/you

31/10/2024

In this modern age success is what everyone is encouraged to strive for.

In 'striving' for success it's important to create our own definition of success and if we do compete with anyone, it should be ourselves so that we make the effort to be better than what we were yesterday.

Sometimes we can look enviously at individuals (especially on social media) who are winning awards, doing TED talks, getting invited to prominent events, getting the top jobs, speaking engagements etc and think that our achievements are minor in comparison.

This is the wrong way to think.

We need to define success on our own terms and derive worth and value from our own work. More importantly we have to do what we do with the right motive, maintain our principles and make sure that God is pleased with what we do.

For many years I wrote a religious column for The Voice - Britain's leading Black newspaper. I now publish and edit Keep The Faith Magazine I love my work. I am forever grateful to God for allowing me to write about His church and share the stories and achievements of the people in it.

Everything that I have derived from my work - recognition, influence, awards and success - is just a bi-product. I would have continued doing what I was doing whether I was widely recognised for it or not.

And sometimes... this is the approach we have to take to our work. We should do it because we enjoy it and also and importantly, because it helps to pay the bills.

Obviously, there is nothing wrong with being ambitious or setting new goals and challenges for oneself. But as Christians we have to ensure that we are not blinded by selfish ambition or become materialistic in our pursuance of our aspirations and goals.

Do what you do to make a difference, to touch people's lives in a meaningful way, to serve humanity and in doing what you do, give glory to God.

30/10/2024

*✨️CHRISTMAS LUNCH ON JESUS✨️*
Is your church or charity planning to give away hampers this Christmas?
Spread some and love and buy pre-packed hampers from
‘Christmas Lunch on Jesus’ who to bring hope to those struggling financially.
Each large or medium hamper is packed with items to make a tasty Christmas meal, giving people a reason to experience love during Jesus' birthday.
We source the food + some FREE items for the hamper, pack the boxes & deliver them to you, so your church/charity can get them to those in need.
https://bit.ly/4e6E6nM

Christmas is now just under 2 months away so this is the best time to finalise plans for your community outreach.

*Place an order TODAY at ✨️www.christmaslunchonjesus.com✨️
✨️If you place your first order before Oct 31, you'll get a £5 discount on each large and medium-sized hamper ordered. Use code MDCLOJ24 at the checkout.✨️*
✨️This offer is available to first-time customers placing a minimum order of 50 hampers.✨️

For more details visit www.christmaslunchonjesus.com or email [email protected] or phone 020 8208 8903

Share the joy of Christmas with a delicious, free festive lunch. Christmas Lunch on Jesus brings communities together, offering hampers filled with scrumptious Yuletide goodies to those who are struggling financially. Donate, volunteer or benefit - unite in love this holiday season.

29/10/2024

Did you know, according to research, the typical Christian is black, female and Nigerian.

This mini-documentary gives an insight into the current state of Christianity.

When Jesus commissioned his small group of followers to “make disciples of all nations” major cities were smaller than some of our neighborhoods today. Also,...

28/10/2024

JOB VACANCY
CHURCH ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Salary: £27,716p.a - Four days (28 hours a week) (£34,645 p.a FTE)
Contract: Part time, temporary 1 Year contract (with the possibility to extend)
Location: UK. The post holder is required to be based in London, the Midlands or the Southeast. Remote working depending on location with an option to work at our offices in New Malden, Surrey. Regular travel across the country will be required for this role.

CSW is a dedicated team of people working to advance the right of freedom and justice in countries across the world. We are confident in our identity as a Christian human rights organisation that works for freedom of religion or belief for all people, regardless of religion, belief, or non-belief.

The latest internal pulse survey illustrated that CSW is a great place to work: 97% are proud to work for CSW; 97% of staff feel CSW really allows them to make a positive difference, and whilst there is always room for improvement, we couldn’t be prouder of our efforts to curate a healthy culture where every individual is valued and championed.
See www.csw.org.uk for more details.

The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and internationally respected religious freedom advocacy organisation.

This role is all about people – connecting with church leaders and other individuals within church communities, sharing your passion for freedom of religion or belief through sermons, presentations and conversations to inspire others to take action. You’ll be a natural networker and someone entrepreneurial who takes initiative and comes up with your own ideas for how best to reach busy church leaders and congregations. You will be self-motivated and able to work collaboratively.

Key responsibilities (full responsibilities listed in the application pack):
Proactively source speaking engagements in churches across the UK and fulfil these engagements, both by deploying a network of staff and volunteer speakers and by speaking yourself.
Develop a plan to reach new and lapsed churches for CSW
Use the CRM, as well as your own connections, to identify key church stakeholders to approach about partnering with CSW
Build meaningful relationships with new and existing church partners, with the view to supporting churches in learning about justice and religious freedom issues and establishing or renewing support through prayer, campaigning and giving

Essential criteria (full criteria listed in the application pack):
Proven experience of church engagement for a charity with demonstrable outcomes
Experience of public speaking, preferably in churches
A minimum of two years’ experience of account management or managing relationships with customers/ supporters

Please go to our website www.csw.org.uk/vacancies to download an applicant’s e-pack and application questions. Please email with a copy of your CV to Jane Bave, Head of People and Culture [email protected] if you require further information.

Closing date for full applications: 12.00pm GMT (Noon) on Wednesday 6 November 2024.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online interview on Wednesday 13 November 2024.

This post falls within the definition of an Occupational Requirement as per the Equality Act 2010.

CSW is a human rights organisation specialising in freedom of religion or belief, and as Christians we stand with all those facing injustice because of their religion or belief.

26/10/2024

Yes, yes, yes. All that I am and all that I have achieved is due to the grace, mercy and goodness of almighty God. If this is you type an Amen🙏

25/10/2024

✨️CHRISTMAS LUNCH ON JESUS✨️

Is your church or charity planning to give away hampers this Christmas?

Spread some and love and buy pre-packed hampers from
‘Christmas Lunch on Jesus’ who to bring hope to those struggling financially.

Each large or medium hamper is packed with items to make a tasty Christmas meal, giving people a reason to experience love during Jesus' birthday.

We source the food + some FREE items for the hamper, pack the boxes & deliver them to you, so your church/charity can get them to those in need.

https://bit.ly/4e6E6nM

Christmas is now just under 2 months away so this is the best time to finalise plans for your community outreach.

Place an order TODAY at ✨️www.christmaslunchonjesus.com✨️
✨️If you place your first order before Oct 31, you'll get a £5 discount on each large and medium-sized hamper ordered. Use code MDCLOJ24 at the checkout.✨️

✨️This offer is available to first-time customers placing a minimum order of 50 hampers.✨️

For more details visit www.christmaslunchonjesus.com or email [email protected] or phone 020 8208 8903

As the Bible says, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." - 1 Pe...

24/10/2024

10-year-old Fudia had severely bowed legs that caused her pain with every step.

But Mercy Ships is able to help children like Fudia get the life-changing surgery they need.

And it’s all because of someone like you.

Hear more stories of lives changed at www.mercyships.org.uk/you

22/10/2024

FIRST PERFORMANCE ON SATURDAY
Get your ticket today

Pointe Black’s young ballerinas (aged 18 months – 15 years) will celebrate the journey of the Windrush generation, who travelled from Jamaica to the UK to help rebuild Britain after the Second World War. Pointe Black’s Afro-Caribbean ballet style will explore a world of emotions and commend the immeasurable contributions this generation made to help shape Britain today.

📅 Dates:
Saturday, 26th October
Saturday, 2nd November
Doors Open: 3:30 PM

🎟️ Grab Your Tickets Now - We SOLD OUT the last three shows, so you do not want to miss out!

Click https://bit.ly/PBWindrush to get your tickets


https://bit.ly/PointO26N3

Pointe Black Celebrates: Our Windrush Story!Pointe Black is a non-profit ballet school for people of Black heritage, empowering dancers to celebrate their ro...

21/10/2024

One young Christian lady, fed up with falling in love with men who don't love her back, has asked how to overcome unrequited love.

Have a read of my answer. What else should I have told her?

In our fortnightly column 'Great Sexpectations' we answer your questions on s*x, faith and intimacy. Drop us an email on [email protected] and ask us anything. Here, Marcia Dixon answers someone who is tired of only experiencing unrequited love.

19/10/2024

This is my approach to life - which is to try to treat everyone with kindness and respect.

17/10/2024

Secure Your Financial Future with Confidence.

Click https://bit.ly/Finmatters to arrange to speak with one of the Financial Matters specialists on October 21 @ 8pm

Visit https://bit.ly/3YkFnmv to answer questionnaire re the specialist financial service needed

For more info, email [email protected]

15/10/2024

Will giving the unemployed a jab to lose weight get them back in work. 🤔

The health secretary announces trials to explore the effect of weight loss drugs on worklessness.

15/10/2024

Great to see a story about the launch of the Pentecostal Community Bank on Voice Newspaper website.

Have a read.

A MAJOR Black-led bank has been officially launched in London marking a significant milestone in...

10/10/2024

CHRISTMAS LUNCH ON JESUS

As Autumn kicks in and we see the weather change, we are reminded of the change of seasons. This indicates that Christmas is closer than we think, and we remember those who are struggling financially and facing a real challenge in making ends meet. The cost-of-living situation has had an adverse effect on many people’s lives up and down the country.

‘Christmas Lunch on Jesus’ provides an opportunity for us to bring hope to those struggling financially and who are unable to afford a Christmas meal. Each large or medium hamper is packed with ingredients to make a tasty meal for Christmas, giving people a reason to experience love during Jesus's birthday.

To get each hamper in people’s hands, we source the food plus some FREE extra items, pack the boxes and deliver them to you, so you and your church team can get them to those who have the greatest needs.

Together, we enable you to serve those in your communities who would otherwise have a very challenging Christmas.

Christmas is now just over 2 months away so this is the best time for you to finalise plans for your Christmas outreach in your community. Place an order TODAY for your church, charity or organisation at www.christmaslunchonjesus.com

What’s more? If you place your first order before the end of October, you will benefit from a special £5 discount on each large and medium-sized hamper ordered*. Please use code MDCLOJ24 at the checkout.

I hope you will are able to take advantage of this special offer speedily and we remain available to answer any questions you may have.

Kind Regards

Christmas Lunch on Jesus Team

*This offer is only available to first-time customers who are placing orders for a minimum of 50 hamper boxes of either large or medium-sized hampers or a combination of both.

For more details visit www.christmaslunchonjesus.com or email [email protected] or phone 020 8208 8903

10/10/2024

All eyes are currently focused on Kamala Harris, the first black/Asian woman to stand for election of the American Presidency.

However America has a history of black people serving in high government office.

Who remembers when Condoleezza Rice served in the government of George Bush. She was for many, the epitome of black elegance, grace and great intelligence.

A member of the Republican Party, she previously served as the 66th United States secretary of state from 2005 to 2009 and as the 19th U.S. national security advisor from 2001 to 2005.

Rice was the first female African-American secretary of state and the first woman to serve as national security advisor.

Until the election of Barack Obama as president in 2008, Rice and her predecessor, Colin Powell, were the highest-ranking African Americans in the history of the federal executive branch (by virtue of the secretary of state standing fourth in the presidential line of succession).

At the time of her appointment as Secretary of State, Rice was the highest-ranking woman in the history of the United States to be in the presidential line of succession.

She currently directs the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.

06/10/2024

I am looking forward to giving a presentation at the Black History Month service of praise and thanksgiving in Gloucester.

If your in Gloucester looking for something to do - come on down. My talk will touch on faith, black history and culture and the part we all have to play in keeping the faith.

Hope to see you later. And if you do attend - do come and say hello.

04/10/2024

Black art in the form of dancing at it's best.
The Nicholas Brothers, the well known tap dancing duo - perform an outstanding dance routine in the black film classic Stormy Weather that has become legendary.

You'll watch this performance in awe.

Enjoy.

The Nicholas Brothers' tap dance scene from the movie "Stormy Weather" (1943). Cab Calloway and his orchestra performing "Jumpin' Jive".✒ Subscribe to our ch...