Adivah

Look Good, Feel GoodTake the Esthers 24 day challenge

Chika Onugha Wife, Mother, Soldier

SuMMER LOVingWhat’s in this season

TanZaniaWhere the heart is

Issue 1summer 2009

Contents6 Chika Onugha Wife, mother, soldier

8 The esthers’ retreat April 2009

12 Tanzania Where the heart is

14 Hannah’s song

16 Women in Biz: Leila atake

20 summer Loving

22 The Food Corner: a Visit to italy

25 Quick Fix syndrome

26 Out of the mouths of Babes

27 Take the 24 Day Challenge

29 reviews

AdivahIssue 1

summer 2009

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It is my pleasure to welcome you to the maiden edition of Adivah, a publication of The Esthers’ Ministry of Jesus House for all the Nations.

The name ‘Adivah’ is of Hebrew origin and means gracious, gentle and pleasant. One of the aims of the Esthers’ Ministry is to encourage the development of a gentle and gracious spirit in our women. Through this publication we hope to inform, educate and to inspire our readers. The pages are filled with a range of material designed to be of interest to women of all ages.

In this edition we focus on two unusual women; one is in a profession that can be described as traditionally male-dominated and the other has overcome immense challenges to set up and manage a thriving business. Our “24 Characteristics of a Noble Woman” is a worthwhile prescription for daily living. We encourage you to strive towards developing each of these virtues one at a time. Children say the funniest things; “Out of the Mouths of Babes”will hopefully cause us to reconnect with our childhood and appreciate the simple things in life.

We also have a section dedicated to our community impact initiative in which we highlight various projects aimed at giving back to people less fortunate than we are.

We hope you enjoy our magazine. We value your feedback and comments and urge you to take the time to let us know your thoughts.

Warm wishes,

Olu Adeaga

AdivahEDITOR-IN-CHIEF Olu Adeaga SUPERVISING EDITOR Lanre Iroche EDITOR Abimbola Alonge

FASHION & BEAUTY EDITOR Nkem DennarSUB EDITOR Chizor Akisanya

CONTRIBUTORS Gloria Oliomogbe, Valerie Lawson, Yetunde Alonge, Lara Olufon, Catherine Runsewe

PRINTINGAlpha Colourprint 020 7231 5454 (www.alphacolourprint.co.uk)

Jesus House, 112 Brent Terrace, Brent Cross, London, NW2 1LT, Tel: 020 84388285 Fax: 020 8438 8286 Email: esthers@jesushouse.org.uk(Adivah is published by Jesus House. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.)

I am running two minutes late and thinking, “this is not professional”. To make matters worse, I am meeting with a soldier. “What will she say”? Getting

disciplined was not in my plans for the day, I thought. But as I get to the Brook café at Jesus House for All the Nations, I am greeted by the warmest and most genuine smile ever. Chika welcomes me with ease; in her arms she’s cradling her 15 month-old twins, a boy and girl, Kamsi and Chizaram, while Kenna, her four year old and the oldest of the three children, is playing gently nearby. Within minutes of speaking to Chika she breaks all my preconceptions of soldiers. There is a serenity that she exudes that immediately dispels my tension. It is obvious that her calm demeanour comes from being spirit-filled and trusting in a greater power.

AA First things first, how did you end up in the army?CO (Smiles) I was studying at Middlesex University, struggling as an overseas student. The army had a career fair which I attended; the prospects and packages of the roles they offered were very attractive. I went down to the Strand where they hold their recruitment centres, had an interview and then enrolled in the army. At the time I didn’t realize what I was getting into. What got me the most was the psychological and mental challenge; the training was intensive and involved a lot of physically exerting tasks. Looking back I don’t have any regrets, I knew God had this in His plans for me. The army tamed, disciplined and

taught me how to be patient but above all it taught me how to serve. I learned to respect authority. No matter who was in command, once someone is in a rank ahead of you, you have to respect them.

AA Did the thought of being in the army scare you at all?CO I wasn’t scared because I came to the realization that God ordered my steps and He was going to see me through it. It was not a choice that bothered me at all. What concerned me was maintaining a relationship with God as the training was quite demanding and very time consuming. But thank God there was a chapel in the barracks. (Laughs) Actually, I got into trouble a couple of times, because after we had been disassembled for the day, we were required to return to our rooms in the barracks but I would go to the chapel. Occasionally I was so tired I would fall asleep in church and they would not find me in my bed during the roll checks. Thank God though; I guess you have to sacrifice sometimes to get closer to God.

AA What kind of reactions do you get when you tell people what you do for a living?CO Disbelief at first and people look at me like I am joking. Some people say, “of all jobs in the world!” Usually, most people don’t believe it.

AA What’s a typical day in the army like?CO It depends on what you are doing and

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“Being away from my husband and children is the greatest challenge I face”

Chika Onugha speaks to ‘Abimbola Alonge about her life in the army, being a wife, mother, soldier and keeping her faith…

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where you are. Your daily schedule will determine what your day is like; some people may start at 7am while a typical day that involves exercise starts at 5am.

AA What do you enjoy most about being in the army?CO The discipline and the level of fitness required, the synergy, teamwork and the brotherhood of the unit. There is a very strong bond that you develop with your comrades as you have a duty to protect one another’s lives. There is also a collective responsibility that exists. The army offers a lot of prospects and I have benefited in so many ways, I am grateful for the experience. In fact, I would encourage more women to consider joining the army.

AA How does it feel working in a male dominated environment?CO (Sighs) It is male dominated and it can be intimidating especially when it comes to physical activities. Women and men are not the same. Despite some women being physically strong, the majority of us are still women and cannot compare with men in physical duties.

AA How do you cope with being a wife and raising a family while being in the army?CO The secret is a supportive husband and the grace of God, as it is very hard raising three children under the age of four. My husband is really supportive and between us we juggle the roles. When things prove too difficult we go on our knees and pray. God has answered so many of our prayers. It does not matter how trivial it may seem, we turn to God for the big and little things, He certainly has intervened in any and every challenge we have faced.

AA It must be emotionally demanding being posted away from home for long periods of time, not being there with your family, how do you deal with it?CO Being away from my husband and

children is the greatest challenge I face being in the army. It can be difficult, however, I pray for strength and grace because it can also be quite distracting. I often pray for my husband to be happy, once he is happy, I know he will look after the kids properly and he will not be stressed out. If he is stressed it will affect my performance. Sometimes he brings the children to where I am to see me but it is very difficult being away from them.

AA How does your faith help you cope with the challenges you face being a soldier?CO (Pauses) No matter where I am and what I am doing, I know that God watches over me so wherever I am, this knowledge takes care of my fears. If I had to go to Afghanistan I won’t be afraid because wherever I go, God will go with me. Also knowing I have a family in the church gives me a reassurance that nothing can ever defeat me. For instance, being in Blossom was like going to a brook to drink after a very hard day. (Blossom is a support group for expectant mothers; Chika was part of the group during her pregnancies and now volunteers her time to assist other expectant mothers)

AA If you could work in any other profession what will it be?CO (Laughs) Wow, I love Computer Forensics, I will hope to do something there but my dream job is working for an International Organization like UNO, ECOWAS but as I have children now I don’t know how feasible it will be as it will involve a lot of travelling. I guess I am waiting for God to surprise me

AA What advice can you give to our readers?CO Dependency on God, I pray about everything and anything. God answers prayers and you have to put your faith in him. Once, when I prayed about a posting, I actually got posted where I wanted. There are so many other prayers that I can distinctly say God has answered but we need to be able to go to Him.

We arrived at the Devere Hotel, Sunningdale Park, Berkshire on Friday evening at around 7.30pm just in time for dinner

after which we gathered for our first meeting. In her welcome address, Pastor Funke Adeaga spoke on the theme for the weekend,‘Seeking God’s Face’. We were asked to introduce ourselves in an unusual way; as we hoped to be in the future. After the introductions were over, I realized I was sitting in a room full of famous and successful women, women who had successful and exemplary Christian

marriages and who remained dependent on God notwithstanding tremendous success.

The programmefor the weekend included a Scripture Hunt following breakfast on Saturday morning. Fifty bible scriptures had been hidden around 65 acres of land. Our task was to find as many as possible with a prize being awarded to the person or group with the highest number.

“Diamond look-alikes”(glass pearls) had been concealed in each bedroom; delegates were encouraged to search for their diamonds before they retired for the night.From the

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The Esthers’ Retreat april 2009 BY FUNMI BODE-TUNJI, YINKA

OBAGUN AND DERE REWANE (NARRATED BY ABIMBOLA ALONGE)

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scriptures we found on our Hunt, we were asked to select 3 scriptures and meditate on them. Before we left the meeting, we were also informed that a diamond had been carefully hidden away in each delegate’s room and we were to attempt to locate the one in our room.

As we made our way to bed that night, my new friends and I decided that we would meet for an early breakfast then head off in search of the 50 scriptures as a group. As planned, we set out early the following morning filled with determination and excitement. In the following hours we had our highs and lows

searching for the scriptures but we were able to encourage each other, enjoy fellowship and build bonds and friendships. As our physical beings began to give in from our long walk we decided to head back with the 41 scriptures we had found.

That evening during the session after dinner we were split into groups and asked to talk about three scriptures we had chosen for group discussion. Although our scriptures were centred on seeking God’s face, in the course of discussing the scriptures I realized God had imparted in us, different gifts.

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Though we were uniquely different and our walk was individual, we also needed to work together as we were and are members of one body, Christ.

Pastor Denrele Runsewe shared a lesson she had learned with us. When we first arrived,she had searched for her ‘diamond’ everywhere in her room and even enlisted the help of Pastor Bolanle Ojeh. After a prolonged and fruitless search it occurred to her that she had not asked the Lord for His help. When she admitted to this and asked Him for His help, God showed her where her diamond was. As I listened to her, I realized, I was also guilty of that crime, how easy it is to do things our way and forget to ask God for His help, even in the simplest things.

I went to bed that night, reflecting on the scriptures I had meditated on and the lessons I had learned during the day. In the morning, I woke up refreshed, bags packed and made my way to check out. After breakfast, we gathered for Sunday’s Thanksgiving Service. Pastor Funke reminded us that in seeking God, that ‘we should not only seek God in the obvious places’ but also in less obvious places. She also reminded us to be thankful not just for the big things but also the little things.

One of the ladies (Dere) shared her experience on the scripture hunt. She said that she learnt a variety of lessons including the following:We should not ‘box’ God in; in other words we should not always expect God to speak in a particular way.We must focus on God and be determined not to be distracted as we decide to seek God.Seeking God’s face might prove difficult initially but it gets easier as we develop a more intimate relationship with Him.Seek the Lord while He may be

found.Early is relative because ‘early’ for one person may be late for another.The spoken word of God can

sometimes be hiddenOnce in a while, God puts people along the way to help us find Him.Discernment is not so much a gift but something we develop over time.You value what you work hard to obtain.You can never know God fully.

After the Thanksgiving Service, we had lunch and began to say our farewells and although we were sad the retreat was officially coming to an end, we were all grateful for being able to take part in the experience and knew that our lives would never be the same again.

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A group of ladies and I gathered together at Heathrow airport for our journey to Tanzania. It was not for a holiday but rather what you

may call a missionary trip.We went volunteering with a charity called

African Child Trust, ACT. The aim of the trip was to provide teachers in five major secondary schools in Tanga with Information Communications Technology (ICT) training.

The scorching Tanzanian sunshine welcomed us and soon we were acquainted with drivers who drive like crazy. The hotel was more than we all had anticipated, the food was good; my favourite was Changufish aurora and Ugali.

We spent the first day familiarizing ourselves with Tanzania. Kiswhahili is spoken in most parts and sounds like a beautiful melody. Almost everything is done in their national language, newspapers, signs, location.

Coming from Nigeria, it was really something to witness and in Africa too.

The view was spectacular. Tanzania is simply beautiful. I heard we didn’t see the half of it, however what we did see was breath-taking; we saw mountains and more mountains, which made us feel like we were the size of insects. God is truly awesome.

Soon we began our mission. Teaching was interesting, the teachers were eager to learn, even though communicating was a bit of a challenge. The teachers spoke in their local language while we spoke English. The computer rooms were interesting to behold, although lacking the appropriate furniture, the people were simply grateful to at least have computers. We were divided into two groups; the first group taught beginners level while my team taught the intermediate level. It was a worthwhile experience, because in teaching them, we had to relearn a lot of things we had

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Tanzania, Where the heart isBY GLORIA OLIOMOGBE

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either taken for granted or had forgotten.There were some hairy moments during

our stay, for instance, in one of the schools, we had five fire incidents, now that was scary. In fact there was a joke that I would be the first out before I asked for anyone else. Thank God He kept us safe.

It was an honour when we had the unexpected opportunity to talk to a few widows and orphans. Although this was not part of our itinerary when we boarded the plane to come to Tanzania it was a very wonderful and humbling experience for me. God sits in Heaven and makes decisions on the earth. The most important lesson I learnt is to be grateful for all that God has done for me. For the parents and siblings He chose for me and just for everything.

The people of Tangawere really nice and peaceful. The project officer, Dr Nkya was exceptional while the ACT’s Director in Tanzania was equally good. They made us feel welcome and at home for which we were especially appreciative as we were in an

unfamiliar place.For me, our mission to Tanzania was an

experience of a life time. I am really looking forward to going back. I made some new friendships which I hope will last for years to come. I was particularly grateful for the opportunity to see Africa in a different light. I also feel more confident about travel within the continent; I realise that people are people every where in the world, made in God’s image and likeness.

Left: Teachers in training; Top: widows and orphans in Tanga; Above: The team after sunday service

“How can you lose your song?When you’ve sung it for so long…

Just like the salt in the stew, it’s all a part of youOne thing that life can’t do

It can’t take your song away from you”

- LizzWright

It’s beautiful when songs and singing are used metaphorically to represent life and living. One song in particular has consumed my mind this week

–it’s Hannah’s. 1 Samuel 1 starts with her story, her desire, and her song. The bible

explains that “The LORD closed her womb”.

Hannah was loved by her husband; he begged to be

enough for her but she had one desire. Her lack of a

child brought mockery. Her reasons for wanting a child may have varied, but she knew deep in her heart she was made to be a mother, yet year after year, there

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Hannah’s song BY VALERIE LAWSON

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was no child.Desire is a very painful thing to keep

alive. The best of us, stop desiring so we can be functional. Hence we never get to the bottom of it, deciding for God that it is not in His will. Yet, at the heart of what is often masked as our deepest desires, is the song we were made to sing.

At the root of some of the things we sincerely desire, lies our purpose and destiny. Remember “God works in you to will”. Investigating our desires and being open before God about them is a major step towards realising and releasing our “song”. I respect the fact that Hannah kept her desire open. She didn’t try to compensate it with something else and lie to herself about not wanting a child. Although like a fresh wound, it probably stung like mad.

It seemed a little harsh and unfair to

read that God closed her womb. Why not the other wife? The truth is, I couldn’t tell you. What we know from hindsight is that Hannah had to come to a point where she dedicated the one thing she wanted so much, completely to God. She vowed that all his life he will belong to God. This marked the beginning of her fruitfulness. Sometimes we’re hindered from birthing things that we long for, because as special as that thing is to you, God has a higher purpose than just satisfying your need. He needed a Samuel, but that gift had to be offered. God could have raised anyone to be a priest, but He chose to honour Hannah.

He wanted her to be a part of what

He was doing. In coming to that point of voluntary sacrifice, Hannah not only opened her womb but for the first time in her story as we know it, she sang. Prior to that she had prayed, made offerings but more importantly, she got to the true root, the source of her desire and so she was able to sing.

I’ve tried in vain to deny, ignore, and suppress my desires until now. The very lack of fruitfulness in that area, mocks me. For some it’s a child, for others it’s just to be able to see the fruit of their toil in a tangible way. Maybe you are one such person, in whom God wants to use what others might take for granted, to honour you.

As painful as the lack of it is, I want to take the bandage off my bleeding desire and let it show for what it is. Then maybe like Hannah, in bitterness of soul,

I will sincerely weep and pray before the LORD, offering one thing she desperately wanted completely to God. Not a part, but the whole of my gift.

Hannah’s song is not just in gratitude for her son but she rejoices in God’s sovereignty. God was able to accomplish His will to deliver Israel through the birthing of Hannah’s song.

Perhaps there’s that one thing until now you haven’t yet received and you believe you should. If only you can endure and press in beyond your desire to the point where you can hand over what you want the most, unadulterated, to the One who can open the way, because He has better ideas than what you can imagine.

It’s liberating to know that everything I can ever think of having will come from Him and only Him.

Sometimes we’re hindered from birthing things that we long for, because as special

as that thing is to you, God has a higher purpose than just satisfying your need.

Just as a flower brings a sense of fresh air into a room, Leila Atake has a radiant glow about her, her laughter for one is contagious and you can tell she is young

at heart. As I try to find a quiet place for my one on one with her after the second service at Jesus House for All Nations, people stop us, well Leila, to compliment her on the beautiful floral arrangements around the church. This is no surprise to me as Leila was awarded ‘Florist of the Year 2002’ by Mahogany Events for Outstanding Performance and Commitment to the African Caribbean Wedding Industry. She was also awarded with the International Women’s Award – Florist Entrepreneur 2007.

WB Tell us a bit about yourself ?LA I was born and raised in a beautiful tropical garden in Nigeria. My mother was and is still very much passionate about her garden. Growing up, we had an array of beautiful flowers and plants, from the eye catching crystal anthuriumto the more exotic ginger and heleconiasto name a few. I trained at the University Of Lagos, Nigeria where I graduated with a BA in Philosophy. I later moved to London in the early 90s and began a career in Administration and

Housing Advocacy. Several years down the line, I decided to pursue my passion, flower arranging.

WB How did you discover your passion for floral arrangements?LA As a child, my mum was a top florist who had a flower shop in which I helped to run from an early age. I studied books on flower arranging, horticulture and botany as a hobby so I knew how to care for flowers. My mum taught me the basics of floral arrangements and under her guidance I was able to make a variety of arrangements. From simple pieces such as wreaths and bouquets to very unusual displays. When I decided to become self employed, my aim was to rediscover my gift and passion for flower arranging and to become a renowned florist. Initially I worked from home and did several arrangements for weddings and other events. At the same time, I attended one of the UK’s top florist schools in order to be on top of my game and soon ‘Leila’s Lilies’was born.

WB How long have you been making floral arrangements and what do you enjoy about what you do?

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Women in Biz talks to

LeilaAtake

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LA I have over 20 years of experience creating floral designs. Customer satisfaction is one of the things I enjoy the most. I was recently commissioned to provide the floral display for a lady’s 40th birthday celebrations. When this lady walked into the event venue, she burst into tears. Her reaction was quite unexpected and very moving for me . According to her, the arrangement was everything she wanted and magical. Making my clients happy and bringing the concept alive gives me great joy.

WB What skills do you require to be a florist?LA You need professional training which equips you with the basic methods and techniques as well as the principles of flower arranging. I believe it is a good idea to have some form of qualification in any career path you choose to follow. Also, having a passion and drive to succeed helps in the choices we make.

WB When you are putting together an arrangement, what do you take into consideration?LA The client’s needs, we discuss the type of event, the idea they want to convey, the style, venue, space, setting, lighting and so many other factors. In addition, it is a good idea to have the design principles at the back of your mind. From my personal experience, I have grown to trust my instincts. As a result I have created arrangements that are pleasing to the eye which look great in the venue and setting.

WB Do you have a design philosophy?LA Simple, clean, crisp and stylish designs and paying attention to detail. I love to combine two or three elements, less is more.

WB What floral arrangement style do you specialize in?LA This depends on the concept the client is trying to create but Leila’s Lilies’ (her shop) style is simply elegant with a contemporary

twist.

WB Where there any specific challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?LA One of the greatest challenges I have faced is having a physical disability. When people walk into my shop, they don’t expect to see someone who is disabled and the minute they realize I have a disability they start apologizing and I am thinking, ‘what for’? I know that God has blessed me with a gift for which I am grateful. In life there are always ways to go about accomplishing everything. So bring on the challenges because in me you will find an over-comer, a strong, determined, focused and fun loving person. I love to push boundaries so when you say ‘I can’t’, I

say ‘I can, because with Christ, all things are possible’.

WB What makes your arrangements different from your competitors?LA I guide my clients through their vision for the events and help make it a reality. Together we work through the process to create the right mood and balance. The idea is to create an environment that is memorable not only for the client but also for their guests. In doing this, I treat every client and their occasion as special and a cause for celebration.

WB What is popular at the moment?LA Simple designs using one colour combination continues to get stronger. Monochromatic designs that make a bold statement.For more information on Leila’s Lilies, visit www.leilas-lilies.co.uk

When people walk into my shop, they don’t expect to see someone who is disabled. They start apologizing and I am thinking, “What for?” I know God has blessed me with a gift for which I am grateful.

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Summer is finally here! Personally, it is my favourite season. There’s something about the summer months that brings a smile and

some excitement.Maybe it’s the longer days, warm weather and brighter colours. As the weather gets hotter and the clothes get lighter, attention to our outer beauty is essential. Many women in the Bible were noted for their lovely appearance. In fact, Queen Esther had a beauty regiment. As we update our wardrobes and switch our styles, here are a few simple ideas to complement your summer style and have you looking and feeling beautiful. ►

Summer LovingBY NKEM DENNAR

Skin saver

It’s the season to flaunt the skin you’re in and

why not do it with some protection. Sun protection is important especially with maintaining an even skin tone and that youthful look. Harmful UV rays don’t discriminate, so protect your beautiful skin with some sunblock. Avoid using products that leave an oily residue on your face, which can result in breakouts. One to try: Clinique city block sheer SPF25 (£12.43 at clinique.co.uk)

Colour me beautiful!

Give your nails a treat. Bright

colours are the way to go this summer. Spice your nails up with bold colours that command attention. Why not go racy with a vivid orange or sparkling pink. Beautiful nails are not difficult to achieve, so you don’t have to spend the whole weekend at the nail parlour. Keep it chic by ensuring your nails are short, clean and well filed.

Rings and things

From beads to semi-precious stones, bold

accents are the way to go this summer. Regardless of what your personal style is, you can spice up your outfit with a statement necklace, an oversized cocktail ring or an eye-catching cuff. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colours and shapes. An ethnic or geometric piece can instantly take that little white dress or the jeans and t-shirt combo to a whole new level. So, wherever you go, whatever you wear let that piece speak for itself.

Update your make up

With makeup “less is definitely

more”. Get rid of the heavy winter makeup and welcome a more natural look by swapping darker colours for lighter and brighter ones. Be bold and play with the season’s vibrant shades of blues, greens and yellow but avoid an overuse of colour. Tip: highlight one facial feature and keep the rest of the face neutral.

Scent Sense

Add a spritz of sophistication to

your finished look and leave a lasting impression with light and lovely scents. KenzoAmour Eau de Toilette Florale(£40, fine department stores)*, is fresh, delicate and sensual with notes of grapefruit, blackcurrant and white musk.

Nurture the skin you’re in

As the weather gets warmer, it is

important to keep your skin hydrated. I know you’ve heard it many times over, but yes water does wonders for your body and skin. Drinking sufficient amount of water keeps your skin clear and increases your energy.For that instant ‘aaahh’feeling, try the Evian Brumisateur facial spray (£3, fine departmental stores)*. It keeps your makeup fresh too!

True beauty comes from within, so whatever you do; let your inner beauty shine through! Have a wonderful summer.

* Prices may vary

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Penne Pollo(Serves 4)

500g Penne4 chicken breasts12 -14 cherry tomatoesSalt and black pepper1 tbsp olive oil

Bring water to boil in a pot, add the penne and some salt. Boil for about 15 minutes (this may vary depending on the type of penne purchased).Dice the chicken into small-medium size cubes.Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and heat.Season the chicken with salt and stir fry the chicken until cooked (chicken is no longer pink).Dice the cherry tomatoes into cubes.Add the cherry tomatoes to the chicken and stir fry until the cherry tomatoes begin to stew.Add the cooked penne. Cook for another 3-5 minutes in low heat.Serve on a plate, sprinkle black pepper and a little olive oil (optional).Serve with garlic bread.

Cooking is not always an option, however. There are a number of recommended “semi-ready made”meals. I say semi-ready made only because you still have to do a little bit of cooking.

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We’re visiting the beautiful country Italy. Italy is known for so many things, the Pope, pizza, pasta, Parma ham, Inter

Milan, Fiat, LucianoPavarotti, romance and yes, the world’s fashion capital Milan full of beautiful clothes, shoes and bags.

Italian cuisine is not all about spaghetti, the Italians make a fantastic pizza. If you want reasonably priced Italian food, I would have to say that my new love is Spaghetti House. I’m not a massive food lover but I must say when a dish makes an impression, I never forget. I

had a fabulous pizza recently and what was so good about it was thatit ‘felt’very healthy –with its thin base and beautifully flavoured topping that melted in my mouth, oh yes, it was good.

If you’re anything like me, I love trying new things. Especially as I work long hours, I love dishes which are quick and easy to prepare. Here’s one of my favourites. I picked up this recipe when I lived in Reading some years ago. One evening I came back home and was so hungry that I had to make something quick and fast. It’s simple but perfect for days when you want to whip up a quick meal.

The Food Corner:

A Visit to Italy

BY YETUNDE ALONGE

Ricotta and Spinach Tortellini with cream & mushroom sauce(Serves 2-3)

300g Ricotta and Spinach Tortellini250g of cream and mushroom sauce½a medium sized onion½a clove of finely chopped garlic½tsp mixed herbs½tsp of salt2 tbsp of olive oilSalad -lettuce, cherry tomatoes, ½a yellow bell pepper and mixed vegetables (carrots, green peas and carrots)

Prepare the salad. Chop the lettuce, cherry tomatoes and yellow bell pepper.Add the mixed vegetables to the salad. If you are using frozen mixed vegetables defrost first (in a microwave or in a pot) and allow to cool before adding to the salad.Chop the onion finely.

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Place oil in a saucepan and add garlic.Heat the oil and when hot add the chopped onions.When onions become transparent, add the creamy sauce, mixed herbs and salt. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.Add the ricotta and spinach tortellini to boiling water. Add salt and cook for 2-3 minutes (see package details as varies depending on type of pasta purchased).Add ricotta and spinach tortellini to the sauce and simmer for about 3 minutes.Serve on a bed of salad.

For the meat lovers, you can also add any meat of your choice to the dish.

Here’s a suggestion for some quick party food. Parma with baguette: It’s really simple. All you need to do is slice the baguette, grill for about 1-2 minutes, sprinkle olive oil, add a layer or 2 of Parma ham and a sprinkling of black pepper and you are ready to go. I would recommend www.italianfoodforever.com, a very interesting website all about Italian food.

Happy eating God’s children.

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Recently, I had Spinach Tortellini at a function –truly beautiful. It is pasta stuffed with spinach –nice way to disguise spinach. As an

experimenter in the kitchen, after my search I later found the Giovanni Rana’sbrand (I think

Sainsbury’s and Tesco’s have their own ready made tortellini) but you can pretty much buy any other brands -most supermarkets stock it. You can also make it from scratch but I hear it is very, very time consuming.

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The times we live in have become preoccupied with what I call the “quick fix syndrome”.In a world where everything you want to do can be done so instantaneously:

Shopping online, mobile phones, 3G, overdrafts, emailing, digital cameras, working from home, social

networksWe have become slaves to technology, everything is about the here and now.

How fast can I do this, how can I get a quick fix?What ever happened to writing a letter and posting it, or developing a real picture?

People are being withdrawn from meeting and socialising with others without even realising it.

Everything is about imageWhat ever happened to get to know the person, don’t judge a book by its cover.It’s a shame but this is the world that we live in.Even Christians want a quick fixA prayer formula

Something that works immediately I want that husband now!

I want that job now!No one is willing to put in the work and

actually wait…But is Christianity just a mere formula?God is not a talisman, he is not in the business of algebra neither is he a magician.By year 2050, I bet everything we want to do will be possible by the mere touch of a button from our phones.Time however seems to be the motivating and common factor.Yet time is a leveller.We all have an equal amountNo more than the next man…

Quick Fix Syndrome

BYLARA

OLUFON

A girl was talking to

her teacher about

whales. The teacher

said it was physically

impossible for a whale

to swallow a human

because even though it

was a very large mammal

its throat was very small.

The girl stated that Jonah

was swallowed by a

whale. By now irritated,

the teacher reiterated

that a whale could not

swallow a human; it was

physically impossible.

The girl said, “When I

get to heaven I will ask

Jonah”. The teacher

asked, “What if Jonah

went to hell?” The little

girl replied, “Then you

ask him”.

Fred and his family were having dinner at

his Grandmother’s house. Everyone was seated around

the table as the food was being served. When Fred

received his plate he started eating right away. “Fred, wait

until we say our prayer.” “I don’t have to,” the boy

replied. “Of course, you do,” his mother insisted. “We always say a prayer before eating at our house.” “But that’s at our house,” Fred

explained, “this is Grandma’s house, and she knows how to

cook.”

A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they drew. She would occasionally walk around to see each child’s work. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was? The girl replied, “I’m drawing God!” The teacher paused and said, “But no one knows what God looks like.” Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, “They will in a minute.”

Out of themouths of Babes

2� 2�

BY CATHERINE RUNSEWE

Whenever I read Proverbs 31: 10 – 31, about this woman who exhibits every character trait that most of us aspire to, I

wonder whether she can really exist? As verse 10 states ‘who can find her? She is worth more than rubies.’

You can therefore only imagine my joy when I came across the scripture in the Book of Ruth where Boaz says to Ruth that all the townsmen know she is a woman of noble character (Ruth 3:11). Furthermore Proverbs

31: 29 says that ‘many women do noble things’’ and so I came to the conclusion that noble women do exist but still the woman in Proverbs 31surpasses them all and she is the noble woman I choose to emulate.

I am hopeful that we can collectively aspire to become ‘women of noble character over the next few weeks’. Below you will find a calendar with our goals for each day set out.

From the 13th of July to the 5th of August 2009 we will strive corporately to achieve the goals set out in the calendar below. These goals represent the bracelet made of 24 ‘pearls’ (each representing the character traits of a noble woman) which we made at the Esthers’ monthly meeting in March 2009.

For each day take on the goal indicated, the aim is that by the end of the 24 days we will have imprinted in ourselves the 24 traits of the Woman of a Noble Character. I look forward to meeting women of noble character at the next Esthers’ meeting on the 6th of August.

2� 2�

Take the 24 Day Challenge! B

Y A

BIM

BO

LA

AL

ON

GE

2� 2�

2� 2�

John Bevere’s “Drawing near” is

not a book to be read in a hurry. From the very start the words grabbed my heart. If you hunger and thirst for more of God, then this is a book you must read. As I read page after page I received greater insight to what it means to seek God’s face, one is encouraged to seek to attain a deeper level of intimacy with the Holy Spirit.

This book provides biblical keys to entering the presence of God and staying there.

What I particularly love about this book is that at the end of each chapter there are study questions which allow you to reflect on your particular situation and chart your personal development. Do you want more of God?

Do you desire a closer walk with Him? If the answer is yes, then we recommend this book.

Omotoye Akisanya, the lady, singer

and songwriter behind Mo Tru, started singing at the tender age of 5 years. It is no wonder Mo Tru has mastered the art of controlling her vocals to produce a delicate yet powerful sound that can only be described has captivating. Her debut album, “Heartsong” is a fusion of music, from soft rock to contemporary jazz and easy listening. “Heartsong” offers spoken poetry and songs all expressing a love for God. With each track delivering a mixture of harmoniously mixed genres, this album is sure to appeal to a diverse crowd.

Like every album however, I have my favourite tracks but there is still a depth in every track which makes me play the entire album on repeat. Personally, I wished the album had been a bit longer especially as the last song, also title “Heartsong” is quite enchanting. All in all, I rate this album highly and I look forward to hearing more from Mo Tru.

DrAWING NeArby John Bevere

HeArTsONGby Mo Tru

The Family keeps on growing…

We are delighted to welcome the following new additions to the Jesus House family during the month of June:

Born to Pastor Mark and Deaconess Marcelline Menda a baby girl , Emmanuella Alyson Marceline Sapolo Menda on 4th June 2009, weight 2.840kg

Born to Abbey and Jare Lawson, a baby girl, Sarah Teniola Lawson, on 6th June 2009, weighing 7 lbs.

Born to Odeme and Fatu Akpokiniovo, a baby girl, Omoroghene Akpokiniovo on 17th June 2009

Born to Pastor Nick and Deaconess Mulenga Chanda, baby boy, Seth-Joshua Natwange Chanda on 17th June 2009

Congratulations to the families!

Reviews

30 31

have your say…

It has been a pleasure bringing to you the first edition of Adivah. Thank you so much for taking the time out to read our

magazine. It is our hope that it has blessed you in different ways. To help us grow and improve, please email us with your thoughts and your comments at the address below. We look forward to hearing from you and building a long healthy and prosperous relationship with you.

All the best and God bless, The adivah teamesthers@jesushouse.org.uk

Adivah

30 31

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