Grapevine Apr/May 2012 - Issue 55

rapevinemagazine

issue 55 April / May 2012

PLUSSISTERS 2 SISTERS

THE RENEWAL CONFERENCEEVANGELISM IN THE

COMMUNITY8pp PRAYER DIARY

GFrom Alpha to Baptism

- the testimony of Aya Kimuraof the ECC Japanese Fellowship

page 5

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UGANDANCHILDREN’S

CHOIR

FREECONCERT

SUNDAY 15th JULY 2012 at 6.30pmEALING CHRISTIAN CENTRE

268 NORTHFIELDS AVENUE, EALING W5 4UBOPPOSITE NORTHFIELDS STATION, E2 &E3 BUS ROUTES

BY CAR USE THE A40, M4 AND A4 ROUTECONTACT: 020 8840 7508 - EMAIL: [email protected]

ECC SAYS HELLO TO MUYIWA...

BAPTISMAL CANDIDATESpages 28-29

ECCFootball

Clubpage 4

The Return of Watotopage 30

PLAYING SECOND FIDDLE WELL

2 GRAPEVINE • Issue 55 • April / May 2012

In the world, there are many whoseek to be first and are preparedto achieve their aims by anymeans.Whilstmanystaywithintheaccepted rules of society, otherswould not hesitate to bend oreven break them to achieve theirdesiredgoals.TheprinciplesoftheKingdom of Heaven, however, arefrequentlydiametricallyopposite totheacceptedprinciplesoftheworld.Not,“I’llget,andthenIwillseewhatI can then give,” but “Give, and itwillbegivenuntoyou”(Luke6:38).Again,not,“I’llgettothetopbyallmeans,” but “Whoever wants tobecomegreatamongyoumustbeyour servant, and whoever wantstobefirstmustbeslaveofall.FortheSonofMandidnotcometobeserved,buttoserve,andtogivehislife as a ransom for many”(Mark10:43-45).

Godcallssometo leadandothersto the equally important task of‘providing the harmonies’ - inother words, the supporting roles-withoutwhich,effectiveleadershipisimpossible.Wemightcallthisthegift and ability ‘to play the secondfiddle well.’ This is a truly greatgift, and can only be achievedwell by individuals of a truly noblecharacter. The church needs manysuchpeople inallareasofserviceand ministry. Those who have thespiritual vision to see the biggerpicture;whorecogniseitisnotabout‘meandmyministry,’butabouttheKingdom of Heaven and ministryforChrist;whocanrealise,‘mygoalis tobringglory to Jesus,notdrawattentiontomyself.’

The Bible hasexamples of trulygifted and anointedmen who, althoughthey were quite capableof leading, were neverthe-

lesspreparedtoplaythesecondfiddle.OnesuchOldTestamentexample is Jonathan, son ofKing Saul. He was a naturalleader with a charismaticpersonalitythatinspiredmentofollowhim.Acommanderinthearmy,hefearlesslyledhistroopsout tobattle.Ononeoccasion,recorded in 1 Samuel 14,followed by his armour-bearer,Jonathan led a single-handedattack on a Philistine armyoutpost. The panic he instilledinto those Philistine soldiersquicklyreverberatedaroundthemain army troops, enabling anunexpectedIsraelitevictory.

Apart from natural talent, healsohadthefavourofhisfather,King Saul, who very muchwanted Jonathan to succeedhim as king. And yet Jonathanwas a deeply spiritual man,whoseprimaryinterestwasnothis own self-advancement, butratherwhatwasmostbeneficialtoGod’splansandpurposesforthekingdomofIsrael.JonathanwasawareofGod’sfavouruponhisfriend,David.Maybehehadheard how Samuel, followingGod’sinstructions,hadanointedDavidtoonedaybekingofIsrael.Whateveritwas,Jonathanknewinhisspirit(whichwassensitiveto God’s will) that David, noth i m s e l f ,w a s

Someone once asked Leonard Bernstein, the world-renowned conductor of the New York

Philharmonic Orchestra, what the hardest instrument was to play. His immediate reply was, “The second fiddle. I can always get plenty of first violinists, but to find one who plays second violin with as

much enthusiasm, now that’s a problem. And yet, if no one plays second, we have no

harmony.” Melodies, without the fullness of the backing harmonies of others, may sound good but cannot be truly great.

A word from the SeNIOR PASTOR

On behalf of the family here at Ealing Christian Centre,wewouldliketotakethisopportunitytolet

youknowthatwearegladtohaveyouworshippingwithus today. We hope you feel at home in our fellowship,and that youwill joinwithus inourservices.MayGodblessyou.

CONTeNTS 2 AWordfromtheSeniorPastor 4 ECCFC-TheStorySoFar... 5 FromAlphatoBaptism-TestimonyofAyaKimura 6 TamingtheMonsterofPersecution-AkinOsuntoki 7 Sisters2Sisters-HeatherTrail 8 EvangelismintheCommunity-YvonneJohn 9 ATimeofRenewal-SamBlake10 TheAnswer12 PrayerCentreTestimonies13 Two-monthPrayerDiaryPull-out21 SundayServicesataGlance/PrayerMinistry@ECC22 Financepage/Elim'sFundamentalBeliefs 23 Classifieds/"ItisFinished"-JohnBaker24 Fellowship&Congratulations25 GeneralNotices/ForthcomingEvents26 IfJesusreallywasGod'sSon...-PastorJohnStarr27 HowtoAvoidMakingRashVows-RoyMcEwen28 ThroughtheWatersofBaptism(doublepagefeature) 30 WatotoareBack!-Children'sMinistry31 YouthCentral

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Welcome to

April / May 2012 • Issue 55 • GRAPEVINE �

God’s chosen successor to thekingshipofSaul.

Believing this to be God’s will,Jonathan threw himself fullybehind the fulfilment of thatrevelation from God. “You willbekingoverIsrael,andIwillbesecondtoyou,”hetoldDavidin1Samuel23:16.Hewouldplaythe second fiddle well! Whata team they would have madehad not Jonathan’s life beencutshort inadisastrousbattle,in which King Saul doomedthe Israelites to defeat by hisfailure to recognise what hissoncouldsee.Theconsequentdownwardspiral ledSaulfinallytotheultimatespiritualfolly-toconsult a witch - because Godwas no longer listening to thisrebelliousman.

Weoweagreatdebtofgratitudeto another man in the NewTestament, who, because hehad the greatness to knowwhentodefertotheministryofanotherwhomGodwas raisingup, helped give the church theministry of the great apostlePaul. Joseph of Cyprus wasgiven the nickname ‘Barnabas’meaning ‘theEncourager’ (Acts4:36), because he had this

qualityofpromotingtheinterestsof others before himself. Hewas the one who believed in,and introduced the recently-converted Saul of Tarsus, to achurchhighlyscepticalofSaul’sclaim to be converted (Acts9:26-27).Barnabaswastheonewho, years later, rememberedthis man when he needed anassistant pastor to help him intheexpandingchurchatAntioch,and fetched him from Tarsus(Acts11:25).

Barnabaswasthemanwholed

the first missionary tour withPaul as his helper, but whoquicklyrealisedtheanointingonPaulandhandedtheleadershipover to him, as Acts chapter

13showsus.Barnabashadnohesitationisallowingthischangeof position, and continued onthat tour in the role of secondfiddle. Good leaders know alsohow to be good team players,and will defer to the ability ofothersintheirareasofministry,withoutfeelingtheirownpositionisthreatened.Whilst it will not be true of all,thereare timeswhenGodmaydeliberately watch to see howwell a person performs in therole of second fiddle, before

promotingthemtofirstposition.Joshua was a faithful servantto Moses for many years first;Joseph,atrustworthyslaveanda prisoner first; Elisha ‘pouredwateronElijah’shands’ashisservant for many years. Whenthey showed they played thesecondfiddlewithutterintegrity,Godmovedthemintopositionsofauthority.

I suspect that in the age tocome, where “many who arefirst will be last,and many whoare last will befirst” (Matthew19:30), manywho today arefaithfully fulfillingthat supportiveministry assecond fiddle,because theyare motivatedby a Kingdommentality andnot personalambition, willfind themselvesgiven greatrespons ib i l i t yafter hearing

Playing Second Fiddle WellA word from the SeNIOR PASTOR

God calls some to lead andothers to the equally important

task of 'providing the harmonies' ... without which, effective

leadership is impossible

“”

thosewords,“Welldone,mygoodservant;becauseyouwerefaithfulinaverylittle,haveauthorityovertencities”(Luke19:17).

AsfollowersofChrist,weallhaveto know how to play the secondfiddle well, because whoever weare, or whatever we do in thechurch,ChrististheFirstandpre-eminentOne.

Richard Buxton

Aaron and Hur, supporting Moses' arms

Providing the harmonies: Pastor William and the Elders of ECCwith Pastors Richard and Rajinder


ealing Christian Centre Football Club was started over seven years ago, with

the aim of enabling men of ECC to fellowship more with one another outside of church, and to use football as a vehicle to reach out to our unsaved friends and family.

ThemembershipoftheTeamhasevolvedand has been varied over the years. Wecurrentlyhaveover20 registeredplayersof the football

team,mostofwhom are Christians who either attendECC or neighbouring local churches. Wealsohavesomeunsaved friendswhoarepart of the Team, and we are continuallyworking with them and seeking God fortheirsalvation.

The Team plays in a competitive leaguecalled Ealing Churches Football League(consistingofsixchurchesintheBoroughofEaling),andECCFCarecurrentlyleadingthe leaguestandings this season,hopingto win our maiden league trophy. Wehave,however,wontheannualECFLCupcompetition-playedinthespringofeveryseason - on three occasions. This hasbeensuchajoyandaprivilege.

More important than winning trophies,though,iswinningsoulsforChrist,aswellas discipling each other as we all follow

JesusChrist.Footballisa subject which mostmencanrelateto,andcutsacrossanyageorculturaldifferences.Ithas become a usefulway for us to spreadthe Good News ofJesusChrist.Throughthe football team,many brothers havebeen enriched,encouraged andstrengthened, andsome have come toknow the love of Jesus Christ throughbecomingpartofECCFC.

Asthefootballteamcatersforallages,oneofthekeybenefitstothemembersistheopportunity for mentoring and coaching- formally or informally. The membershipis quite diverse, with people being atdifferentstagesinlife,thusthere’salwaysthechancetolearnfromoneanother.

Oneofour fundamentalprinciples is thatwe pray together in our dressing roomas a team before all our games, prayingfor each other’s needs and for God toenableustobesaltandlightinthisworld(andinthegame).Wethenpraytogetherwithopposingteamsandwiththerefereebefore and after all our matches for thevisionoftheLeaguetobeachieved.

ECC FC would like to thank the wholechurch for all the support

and fory o u r

prayersforthisministry,asGod h a sreallywatchedoverusthroughitall.We’dalso like to thank our sponsors - Ealing Christian Centre and Peppercorn.uk.net -forstandingwithusinthisministry.MaythegoodLordrichlyblessandwatchoveryouall.

ThevisionoftheTeamforthefutureistocontinue winning more souls for Christ,supportingandstrengtheningeachother,and tobecomemore likeChrist inallwethink,sayanddo.We’llkeeppersevering,fighting the good fight of faith, and wepray thatGodgrantsus thegrace toseemany more come to know Christ and beencouragedthroughplayingforECCFC.

By ECC Football Club

More important than winning trophies, though, is winning

souls for Christ

eCC FCThe story so far...eCC FCThe story so far...

IfyouwouldlikemoreinformationaboutECCFC,pleasecontact

[email protected]

[email protected]

April / May 2012 • Issue 55 • GRAPEVINE 5

From Alpha to BaptismTestimony of Aya Kimura translated by Chisato Tateyama

Coming to know God was such an unexpected experience for

me...

When I was small, I wasfortunate to have everythingI needed, and as I grew up,I felt I could do anything Iwanted in my own strength.After finishing university I gota job, then some years later,I got married and had threebeautifulchildren.Atthattime,I thought my life couldn’t beany better than it had been.Butin1995mycity,Kobe,washitbyahugeearthquake,andtwo of my husband’s sistersdiedinthetragedy.

Whydidtheyhavetodie?

It’s already been 17 yearssince it happened, but I stillfeel the same way. And theirdeaths immediately changedme, because I felt guilty ontheirbehalfforenjoyinglifeor

having fun, and as a result, Istartedtostrugglewith issuesof self-hatred. No matter howhard I triednot to thinkaboutthem, I couldn’t escape theself-hatred I faced, and oneday, I simply cried out withinmyself, “God, please help!” Ididn’tevenknowwhyIsaidit.

Itwasin2010thatwemovedto London. Being away from

myhomecountryhelpedmetofeelasifIwasmakingafreshstart,andinSeptember2010,I startedcoming toECC ‘LittleStars’.

Initially, I just came for myyoung daughter’s benefit, butgraduallyECCbecameaplacewhere I felt so comfortableandable to relax. ImetAogu,Chisato, Tsuyoshi and Dan,whowereallsokind;Iadmired

the way they simply enjoyedtheir lives, and somehow Isensed they lived in the wayhumans are meant to live. Ispoke with them every week,and although it was more acase of being impressed bytheirwayoflivingasChristians,asopposedtobeinginterestedin God, I decided to join theJapaneseAlphaCourse*,eventhough I didn’t think I couldeverbelikethem.

SomeoftheAlphaCoursewasdifficultforme,anditwashardtounderstandeverything,butIkept asking myself the samequestion:WhyhadIcalledoutto God in my time of deepestdesperation? So, when theAlphaCoursefinished,Ijoinedthe Japanese Ladies’ CellgrouptocontinuestudyingtheBible.One year has passed sinceI joined the Cell group. I stillhavemanystruggles,butwhathaschangednowisthatIcanovercome in everything byhavingpeaceinmymind.

I now realise that God has

been with me all along, andhas guided me. And now thatI know Jesus, I am able tolook on the positive side ofeverything -even those thingsI struggled so terribly with inthepast.EverythingisinGod’splan,andHeHimselfhasgivenmemylifeandsustainsme.

In this way, I have come toknowGodeventhoughIneverexpectedanythinglikethistobepossible.IhavegivenmylifetoHim,andalthoughitishardformeastheonlyChristianinmyfamily, I will continue to walkwithHimandlearnmorealongtheway,sothatIcan‘bejoyfulalways; pray continually; givethanksinallcircumstances’(1Thessalonians5:16-18).

(*Alpha Course: an introduction to the basics of the Christian faith)

Chisato Tateyama writes,'Intheevening,onSunday22ndJanuary2012,weweredelightedtocelebratethebaptismoftwooftheChristiansintheECCJapaneseFellowship.Iwouldliketointroduceoneofthoseladiestoyou,Aya Kimura,whoI,forthefirsttime,metatECC’s‘LittleStars’(BabyandToddlergroup)inSeptember2010,andtosharealittlemoreofhowshestartedcomingtoourfellowship,andhowshegottoknowJesusasherHelper,ComforterandSaviour.Translated,hertestimonyisbelow.'

“

”

ECCJapaneseFellowshipwithAya(front,centre)

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For more pictures from the recent Baptismal Service, see pages 28 & 29

Now that I know Jesus, I am able to look on the positive side


Irecently received an e-mail of a shocking videobeing circulated by

concernedNigerianChristians.It captured the stark realityof the atrocities perpetrateddaily by Boko Haram, anIslamic sect in Nigeria, andit depicts the harsh reality ofpersecution faced by manyaround the world on accountoftheiravowedandunshakenfaithinJesusChrist.

The six-minute video showeda clip of about half a dozenbalaclava-clad Boko Haramactivists holding guns andknives and surrounding aChristian captive, with boundfeetandhands.Formostofthevideo, theywere reading fromtheQuranandrecitingIslamicverses to intermittent shoutsof “Al Akbar!” At the end, theterrifiedChristiancaptive(wholooked to be in his late 20sor early 30s) was forced tothe ground, slaughtered likea goat and beheaded - infull view of the camera - tomore boisterous shouts of “Al Akbar!”andavictoriousdisplayofthedecapitatedheadforthecamera.This, ofcourse,wasnota one-off act- justo n e

capturedoncamera.InnorthernNigeriaandseveralotherpartsof the world, Christians arepersecutedandkilledfortheir

faith daily. Statistics say thatsome 180,000 Christians arekilledannuallyfortheirfaithinChrist.TherearemanystoriescomingoutofnorthernNigeriaof Christians being given theoptiontodenounceChristandaccept Allah in order to bespareddeath,orrefusetoandbekilled!Manywhorefusearepromptly beheaded, with their

heads

paraded roundtownasawarning

to others of theend awaiting thosewho stick to their

Christian faith. “However, Iconsidermylifeworthnothingtome, ifonly Imay finish therace and complete the taskthe Lord Jesus has given me:the task of testifying to theGospel of God's grace” (Acts20:24).

This video so shocked meandcausedmetore-evaluatemy faith. It was with someshame and embarrassmentthat I came to theconclusionthat, if faced with the optionto choose Christ and die, ordenounceHimandlive,IcouldnotconfidentlysaythatIwouldchoose the former. But thankGodIliveintheUKandnotinnorthernNigeria!Whyhave I raised thismatteron this (Men's Discipleship)page? Many will agree thatChristianity is currentlybeing persecuted in theUK and barraged by a twinforce of ‘foreign’ religions(including Islam) andgrowing multiculturalism andsecularism. Recently, a Courtruled that it is discriminative,andhenceillegal,toadherents

of other faiths andto atheists, whenlocal councils

open businesssessions withC h r i s t i a nprayer. (And to

think that this isa Christian nation!)

Thank God this hasnow been overturned,

and a tradition ofmany hundreds of years

reinstated.

We are also currently beingfaced with a commitmentfrom the UK Government(supported by the Opposition)to redefine the definition of‘marriage’ from being thelegal union of one man andone woman to incorporatesame-sex relationships. In

pursuingthis,theGovernmentisstrivingtochangeGod’swillandpurpose: “For this reasonamanwillleavehisfatherandmother and be united to hiswife,andtheywillbecomeoneflesh”(Genesis2:24).

Quite ignorantly, manyChristians subscribe to theviewthatit isOKonthebasisthat the Government haspromisednottoenforcethisontheChurch!Howlong,though,before this commitmentchanges? How long beforesome gay people sue theChurch for discrimination andhate crime, on the basis thatthey will have been denied achurchwedding?

The prophet Micah declared:“Butasforme,IamfilledwithpowerbytheSpiritoftheLord,with justice and courage toproclaimtoJacobhisrebellionand to Israel his sin” (Micah3:8).AsChristianmen,itisourresponsibility to be watchmenover this nation, and to standup for the Word of God. It is,ofcourse,possiblethatwewillbe persecuted for doing so,perhaps in being labelled asxenophobic and homophobic.One thing is sure, though: weare unlikely to be slaughteredlike the saints in northernNigeria. The Bible warns inMatthew 13:25: “But whilemen slept, his enemy cameand sowed tares among thewheat,andwenthisway.”Wecannot and must not remainpassiveinallowingthecurrenttrend to develop into sucha monster that it becomesuntameable.

He, who has ears, let himhear.

Akin Osuntoki

TAMING THE MONSTER OF

PERSECUTION(or… WHILE MEN SLEPT)

As Christian men, it is our responsibility

to be watchmen over this nation, and to stand up for

the Word of God.

NIG

ERIA

Group Mentoring and Coaching sessionsfor all women aged 22 years and over

The first session of the Sisters 2 Sisters group mentoring sessions took place on

Thursday 1st March 2012. We had a great turn out of nearly 40 women of all ages.

The evening opened with refreshmentsand fellowship, where the women wereable to meet each other and make newfriends.

The purpose of the group mentoring andcoachingsessionsisforwomenofallagestocometogethertoshareourexperiences,sowecanlearnfromeachother.Thisisagodlyprinciple,takenfromTitus2:3-5.

Thefirstsessiontopicwas‘Whatdoesyourappearancesayabout you?’ (basedon1Timothy2:9andPsalm139:14).Thiswasa very interesting and thought-provokingsession, led by guest panellists: JulietAnane-Forkuo, Jessica Smith and JackieRaymond. TheeveningwasconvenedbyClunyLitsimbi.

Therewasapanelpresentationandlivelydebate, with questions from the group.The talk centred on modesty and dress,and how our appearance should reflectChrist.

The evening was an opportunity forwomenofallages to fellowship, talkandshareabouttheirexperiences,inordertorealisewheretheyare,andtomakegodlychoices.

Sisters 2 Sisters is a quarterly groupsession,withvarioustopicsrangingfrom:•Careers – making the right choices for

you•Friendships–influences•LifeChallenges–suchashowtohandle

stress,frustration,loneliness•Women’sHealthIssues•Lifestyle•HealthandFitness•Relationships – choosing a godly

life partner, the do’s and don’ts inrelationship,andhowtohandleconflict.

These are justa fewof thesessions we have planned,andtherearemanymoreinthepipeline.

In addition to the Sisters2 Sisters sessions, SisterJuliet is also runningsmallermonthly coachingsessions. Pleasecontactherformoredetails.

OurnextSisters2Sisterssession takes place onThursday 5th July, andthesessiontopicwillbe'Dating/Courting: Whataretherules,andwhatshould we be lookingfor?'

We look forward toseeingyouthen!

Heather TrailYoungWomen’sCellGroupLeader

We have received some very positive feedback from

those who attended. See below just a few of the

comments:

“The Sisters 2 Sisters event was enjoyable and insightful.

There was a friendly atmosphere amongst the women, where

we were able to open up and share our thoughts about topics

that we sometimes take for granted. Great event, and I can’t

wait for Part 2!” - Nasrin

“I have been praying for a something like this. God has

answeredmyprayer.”-Nash

“The Sisters 2 Sisters event was a great event, a very helpful

and practical session. I felt that people could be really open

with their feelings and not feel judged.” - Cara

“I thought it was open and honest, and it really allowed us

alltocontribute.Ifeelweneedmoreeventslikeonaregular

basis.”–Bunmi

“The organisation of this event was superb. I would also like

to show my appreciation to Kamie, the Primary leader for

the Young Women’s Cell groups, and to the Discipleship Cell

leaders - Cluny, Heather, Shade and Lorraine - who organised

and planned it so well. It went like clockwork, and was enjoyed

by all. The panel did extremely well too, in enlightening the

ladies on the topic discussed. I would encourage more

women to come to such events and be impacted. Well done!

- Pastor Rajinder


Sisters 2 SistersSisters 2 Sisters


Theoutreachhasbeensuchablessing. I thankGodforthevisionHehasgivenme,that istoreach out to the community by visiting nursing homes, residential homes and hospitals. OurTeamvisitshomesduring theChristmasandEasterperiods,whenwesingChristmascarols,

hymns,worshipsongs,andgivetheChristmasandEastermessages,aswellasthecalltosalvation.Wealsohavetheopportunitytoprayandspeak/listentotheresidents.Theblessingisseeingstaffandresidentsengageinthesongs;listeningintentlytotheGospelmessageand,mostofall,peoplerespondingtothecallofsalvation.

Atonehomewevisited,thestaffmanagertoldusweneededtobeawarethattheresidentswerefrail.Inthemiddleofthecarols,onegentlemangotupandbegansinginganddancingandpraisingtheNameofJesus(picture bottom left)!Wealsovisitedaspecialneedshome.Itwaswonderfultosee,asthoseintheirwheelchairsrockedandclapped,andthosewhocouldwalk,getupanddance,singingandclappingandcallingoutJesusastheylistenedtothemessageoftheGospel.Ineveryhomethatwehavevisited,peoplehavebeentouched.God’spresencehastrulygonewithus.

Yvonne

I thank God for the outreach at Christmas. I learned so much from Yvonne's gentlepersuasion and obedience to 'Go tell

everyone the news that the Kingdom ofGodhascome'.Wewitnessedamiracle-workingGod!Thefirstmiraclewasthecommitment fromECC; thenextwastheresultingmelodiouschoir(pictures top left);thethirdwastheopendoorin 10 nursing homes; the fourthwas the receptivityof the residentsandstaff;thefifthwastheunityandlove in the team; the sixth was thebigbeamingsmilesontheresidents’faces after they said the Sinner’sPrayer, and the seventh miracle wastheinvitationtocomebackagain!Ilookforwardtomanymoremiracles,signsandwonders,inJesus’Name!

Jenny

WehadafantastictimeintheEalingcarehomeslastChristmas.We spent much time in prayer and I noticed that residents,familiesandstaffwerereallyopenandreceptivetotheWord

andcarols.Theywerehappy toseeus,asnotall residents receivevisitors. I shared my testimony of how I became a Christian with

aCatholicelderlylady,andsheconfessedChristasherSaviour.Earlier,Ihadspokentoherdaughter,whowassohappythatwehadcometovisit,astheresidentsdon’thavemuchactivityonSundaysandsheencouragedustocomeback.

AtBlakesleyHousenursinghome,theresidentswereveryhappytohaveus,andparticipatedintheworship-especiallyanelderlymanaged92,whowasencouragingus,singingandinteracting

with us. We had a good time of ministry and speaking to theresidents. I noticed the House Manager praying the corporate

salvationprayer.AndIprayedthesalvationprayerwithtwoelderlymen.Whilewewereprayingforadeafelderlylady,westartedsinging

“Holy,holy,holy,LordGodAlmighty”,theresidentsjoinedinwithus;itwassuchabeautifulandspecialmoment.

Mylène

TheTeam

ministeredtoresidentsatthe

followingEalingcarehomes:

•StDavid'sHouse•HaymillClose•MayoCourt

•EalingManorHouse•BlakesleyHouse

•GeorgianHouse

During the Christmas season last year, YVONNE JOHN and a group of people from ECC went into the community to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ

EVANGELISMin the community

April / May 2012 • Issue 55 • GRAPEVINE �

What is it?

The vision of the KingdomWorship Movement (KWM)

can be best described as amovement of people whoare Kingdom-minded in thepursuit of God’s will in theirlives,towns,citiesandnations.The Renewal Conference setsabout to seek and encouragethe worshipper to bring aboutthe Kingdom of God in everyspheregoverningtheirlives.

Who is it for?

It is an event, not just forpastorsormusicians,butfor

the entire body of Christ; agathering which seeks to stirthe heavens with corporateworship, as we unite as onevoiceandonebody. Becauseyouweremadetoworship,it’sforyou!

TheRenewalConferenceishosted annually by NoelRobinson, who himself

hasbeenaninfluentialworshipleaderoverthepast20years.Withapassiontounite,teachand equip, the four-day eventcatered for all ages, with twonights of celebration concertsfollowed by two days ofteachingseminarsandworshipcelebrations.

Working together as onebody, the sessions andeventswereledbyvarious

t e a c h e r s ,w o r s h i p

leaders andC h r i s t i a n

a r t i s t s ,j o i n i n g

togetherfromalldenominationsto equip and build up the

local church and people.Each evening culminated ina collective worship session,ledbysuchasIsraelHoughton(above), Lara Martin, TimHughes, Graham Kendrick,Joseph Perry, Ben Cantelonand, of course, our very ownElimSound,ofwhichourMusicDirector-SamBlake-isapart(picturedbelowleft).

A number of worship teammembers from ECC attended

this Conference and the two-day seminars, to further theirpersonal development andknowledge. They describedthese sessions as inspiringand equipping in knowledgeof prayer, power and the HolySpirit.

For me, I personally attendedoneoftheworshipcelebrationconcertsandfeltanawesome

presence of God. Theplace was filled withworshippers engaging

with and praising God. Thesound and atmosphere wereincredible, nothing short of ahostofharmonies liftedup toGod.Withaworshipline-upofmanywell-knownandtalentedartists who live for God, itwas sure to be an impressiveevent. The different worshipleaders worked well together,as they sang and seamlesslytransitioned between oneanother.Directingallattentionto Jesus, He was without adoubt the Centre of attention,and the most impressivePersonpresent.

Many collectively describeda significant point in theeveningwhenashiftoccurredin the spiritual realm. At thispoint, itwasgreat toseehow

God’s presence directed theremainingprogramme.God,inHisimminentpower,tookoverandmany in thecongregationandleadersonstagehadtobestill or simply retire from theirduties, in order to receive thepresenceofGod.

It was by no means just aconcert; it was an appointedtimeofreceivingandgivingoftheHolySpirit!

Personally Investing in theministry God has given me isvery important, and for me,being a part of KWM bothstretchedandencouragedmeto aim high in the things ofGod.

cecilia lubbock

A Time of

rEnEWAlThe rEnEWAl conFErEncE was held from 25th to 28th January 2012. Below, we can read about some of the experiences of those who attended.

What others had to say...•KWM was a great place to be! The presence of God was so

uplifting,andIreceivedanewfreshtouchfromtheAlmightyGod.WorshipmusicfromallovertheworldbroughtagreatsenseofGod’swonderfulcharacter...Itwasawesome!(GraceNartey)

•Iwasbuiltupbyanartistwhotalkedaboutsongwritingandthesourceoftheirinspiration.Inowfeelencouragedtobecreative,tomakeadifference,totakerisks,andtochallengemyself.Iamnolongerthesame!(AgnieszkaPytlik)

•KWMwasarealtimeofrefreshing.(ChrisWilliams)

•I’ve not heard Israel Houghton live before; he’s an amazingmusicianandworshipleader.(RachelBlake)

•Sooftenwegiveoutasaworshipteam,itwasgoodtogoandbeministeredto.(HeatherTrail)

•In the session ‘Worship, a tool of intercession’ with MadeleineKerzner, she talked about her lifestyle change since becomingaChristian,andIespeciallylikedherideaofprayerwalkingwithyourmobilephonetoyourear-itworks!(TraceyHoyte)

•I felt very much privileged to see live singers and learn newwaysto loveandadoremyLordJesusChrist,whomadeawayconcerningeverythinginmyfuture.(CristianeFerreira)

•Itwasanhonourandprivilegetobeapartoftheevent!ToseepeopleengagewithGodthrough‘ToBeholdYou’–asongthatI had written with Elim Sound – was a dream come true. (IanYates,ElimSound)


AnSWErThE

Testimonies from the Prayer & Healing meetings

God is our Source of life. He isourSaviour,Healer,DelivererandProvider.Belowaresomepowerful

testimoniesofthosewhohavebeensavedfromtheirsins,healedofphysicalproblems,and testimonies of God’s great provision.Jeremiah 32:27 says, “I am the Lord, theGodofallmankind.IsanythingtoohardforMe?”JesusChristsavesandtotallytransformslives,andthatisdonethroughthepowerofGod’sHolySpirit.IfyoudonotknowJesusChristastheLordandSaviourofyourlife,itisyouropportunitytogiveyourlifetoJesus-eventoday.Ifyouaresickorhaveanyneed,cryouttoHimforyourhealing,forHewillansweryourprayerstoo.

You are welcome to join us on the second Sunday eveningof every month for personal ministry for any situations ordifficulties youare facing. Also,pleasecallour24/7PrayerCentreon02087992199,andanintercessorwillpraywithyouoverthetelephoneline.

PastorRAJINDER BUXTON

AdamA transformed life and miraculous

deliverance from cigarettes

IamfromaPolishbackgroundandcametotheUKafewyearsago.MyfamilyareallCatholics.IusedtoattendaCatholicchurch,but foundtheservicesveryboringandgotvery little

outofthem. IcouldnotfindthetrueGodwhilstattheCatholicchurch.Afriendofmine,whowasonceamafiamemberandadrugdealer,gotsavedwonderfully.HislifewastotallytransformedandhewitnessedtomealotaboutJesus.Icouldnotbelievehowadrugdealercouldhavehis lifesotransformed.HewouldringmefromabroadandencouragemetoreceiveJesusintomylife.EventuallyonedayIdidgivemylifetotheLordoverthephone,asheledmethroughthesinner’sprayer.

IwasenjoyingmyChristianlifebutthenIbackslidandstartedarelationshipwithanunsavedPolishwoman.Mylifeimmediatelywentdownhillandwithmymoneyallgone,sheleftmeandwentbacktoPoland.Iwasabrokenman,whohadturnedhisbackonGod.Istartedtosmoke35to40cigarettesaday.ItookalcoholandnowIwasleftwithnomoney,adesperateman.

IgotdownonmykneesonedayandpleadedandcriedouttoGodforHisforgiveness,andrepentedofallmysins,re-dedicatingmylifetoJesus.MylifestartedtochangealotasIbeganattendingEalingChristianCentre. I live inTottenhamand it takesme26stops each Sunday to get to ECC. I was hooked on cigarettes,andonedayasItravelledhomeIcriedtotheLordtohelpmetostopsmokingbecauseIhadtriedveryhardandnothingseemedtowork.

TheHolySpiritspoketomeaskingmetogiveupcigarettesthereandthen,whichIdid.Itoreupthepacketofcigarettesandthrewthemaway. Theamazing thingwas Iwas instantlydeliveredofsmoking. Iwenthomeandcouldnotstand thesmellofsmokeandhadtofreshenthehometogetridofthelingeringsmoke.Ihated the smell of smoke. Also, I did not have any withdrawalsymptoms.

GodhasblessedmewiththebestjobinthecompanythatIworkfor.Mypaywasincreasedby20%andIamaregulartither.Hehasblessedmefinancially. IwouldlikeotherstocometoknowJesusChristastheirLordandSaviour,andtoknowtransformedlives,asHehaschangedme.

EhimaWhole family saved, healed of blood

pressure and heart problems

BeforeIbecameaChristian,myfamilyhadbeenintoidolworship.IamfromNigeria.Evenwhenwecouldnotaffordfoodtoeat,mymumstillboughtitemsfor

sacrificetotheidols.Shedidthistobuyprotectionforusfromtheidols.

Duringallthistime,myfamilywasgoingthroughvariousdifficulties.Mymum’sbusinesswentdownthedrain.Whatevershelaidherhandsondidnotwork;shewasdeniedvisascountlesstimes.Everythingwasgoingfrombadtoworse;mymumwassickandsowasmysister.Thewholefamilywascrashing.

ThenonedayafriendintroducedmetoJesus.IgavemylifetoChristbecauseIcouldnolongerhelpmyself.Andeversincethen,mylifeandfamilyhavechangedforgood.Iwasabletowinmybrothers,sistersandmumtoChrist.Today,mymumisattendingaBibleCollegeinCanada.Anewchapterofgrace,peace,prosperity,opportunitiesandbreakthroughscameintoourlives.Mymumwashealedfromhighbloodpressureanddiabetes.Mysister,too,washealedfromaheartproblem.

Jesuscaresforyoutoo.IfHehaschangedmylifeandmyfamily’s,Hecanalsochangeyours.


MukesitHealed of backache

“IcametochurchwithabackachewhichIhadhadforthreeweeks.AstheMinistryTeamprayedforme,IwascompletelyhealedinJesus’Name.Thankyou,Jesus,forhealingme.”

EllisRight knee healed

“IhadapaininmyrightkneewhichIhadbeensufferingfromforoverafewmonths.However,whilePastorgavea

oth

er t

esti

mo

nie

s

RammiSaved and healed of sciatica

problems, persistent headaches and cramps

Mylifewasinarut.Iwentouttoclubs,winebarsandrestaurants,anddidthesamethingsoverandoveragain.Nothingeverchangedforme.

ItcametoapointwherelwascompletelyboredandsawnopointinwhatIdid.

SolthoughtI'dputmymindonwork,sothatatleastlcouldconcentrateon thepositiveandremain focused.Solconcentratedonwork,andsolelyonwork.Iworkedwhenovertimewasrequired,andlrecallworkingfor21dayswithoutadayoffaslwasbecomingaworkaholic,workingonweekends,bankholidays,etc.

Ihadamortgage,butno life! I couldn't seewhy lwasworkingsohardandforwhom?I'msingleandhavenochildren.Iwasjustlivingtopayoffmymortgage.

I kept bumping into my cousin, who led me to JesusChrist. I was saved on 26th June 2011, baptised inwater on 4th July 2011, and was speaking in tonguesaround5thAugust2011.

I had previously suffered from headaches for a while,takingallformsofpainkillers.Ilaidhandsonmyheadandkeptrebukingthepainforthreenightsasllayinmybed,refusingtotakeanypainkillersandlwasnotgoingtogiveup!OnthefifthnightIrealisedthatthepainhadgone.Andithasneverreturned.

Afewmonthslater,Isufferedwithasciaticaproblem-atrappednerve-andlhadtoattendthegymonaregularbasistoeasethepainasthedoctorhadadvised.Ilaidhands on my back on the left side, and prayed andcommandedittobehealedintheNameofJesus.Ihadforgottenabout itandrememberedafewmonthslaterasthepainhadnotreturned.

Isufferedwithcrampsandwasfindingdrivingdifficult,as l would have to pull over and get out of the car.Doctorswereunabletohelpme.I laidhandsonbothmyfeetandprayedformyhealing.WithGod'sgrace,Iamnowhealed.Ialsohadamusclepainontheleftsideofmystomach,aslwasunabletoliftmyleftlegwithoutfeelingpain.Again,doctorswereunabletodiagnosethisbutJesushashealedme.

Day by day l am getting stronger and stronger in theLord,andIamtrustinginHimmoreandmore.1Peter5:7says,“CastallyourcaresuponHim,forHecaresforyou.”Inowknowmypurposeinlife,andtheLordwillneverleavenorforsakeme.

MirriamGreat financial answer to prayer

Until2005,Ihaveneverhadtopayformyeducationfrommyownresources, however, when I was prompted to do a doctorate inBusiness Studies on a part-time basis, I knew I had to pay the

schoolfeesmyself,andthereforeIneededtotrustGodforprovision.Theinitial fees were £7,500 and later increased to £9,000 per year. TheuniversityIwasattendingisbasedinGuildford,whichmeantIhadtodrivetherequiteoftenforthetaughtlessonsaswellastoreviewtheacademicjournals. In 2008, two of my cars were involved in accidents and were writtenoff inaspaceofsixmonths,whichleftmeabittraumatised. Ithereforerequestedtohaveagapyear. Littledid Iknowthattherequesthadnotbeen formalised by the Registrar and, as a result, I was presented witha bill of £13,000 payable within seven days. If it was not paid, I wouldbe de-listed from the university. This happened in the third year of mystudies,justasIwasfinalisingmyfieldwork.Iwrotebacktotheuniversity,requestingreconsiderationinviewofmyrequestforagapyear,andIdidnotreceiveanyresponseuntiloneyearlater. Whilstwaiting fora response, Icarriedonstudying,believingGod thattheresponsewouldbefavourable.ThefactthatittookthemalongtimetomakeadecisionmeantthatIwentintomyfourthyear,andsubsequentlyan additional £9,000 was due to be added to my bill to bring the totalamount payable to £22,000. Just before I was externally examined, Irequestedforthecompositionfeedue,asIknewthatmyawardwouldbewithheldifIdidnotpayup.Tomytotalsurprise,Iwaspresentedwithabillofonly£2,160,sonotonlyweremygapyearfeeswrittenoff,butthefourthyearcompositionfeewasalsowrittenoff(£20,000)!

AlbertGod gave me a job

Pastor Richard prayed a few weeks ago for thoseseeking a job, or success in business. I got aphone call first thing the following day from a

majormultinationalcompanythatwereverykeentoseeme.Ihadaninterviewafewdayslater.Iwasofferedajobonedayaftertheinterview.IwouldliketothanktheLordforwhatHehasdoneforme.TrustintheLordandyourprayerswillbeanswered.

commandforallpaintogo,Isuddenlyfeltnomorepainonmyrightknee.However,Ialsohadapainonmyneckwhichwasstillthere,butafterIreceivedministryprayers,thepainonmyneckalsovanishedimmediately.”

CyrilNeck healed

“Ihadbeensufferingfromexcruciatingpaininmyneckforfourweeks.ButtodayasIreceivedministry,myneckhasbeenhealed.”


FundingA lady called for prayerabout funding to pay forher master’s studies.She had a meeting andwaspromisedpartofthemoney for her studies.She was very happy andsaw it as a real answertoprayer.

thePRAYER

centre 020 8799 2199

The Prayer centre operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as compassionate prayer partners are waiting to take your prayer requests and to pray for your individual needs over the telephone. here are some of the amazing answers

to prayer, as individuals ring back to share their answers with us.

A very small selection of the many answers to prayers received in the Prayer Centre

Accommodation found

AsistercalledthePrayerCentre in December onbehalf of friends whowere due to be madehomeless. After prayer,she reports that a flatin Northfields has beenfound, and they canafford the rent. PraiseGodforprovision.

Cyst goneAladypraisestheLordbecausethe cyst on her kidney hasgone.ThanktheLord.

Speedy recoveryA sister called to giveglory to God for anextremelyquickrecoveryafter an eye operation.ThankYou,Jesus.

University offerA sister came to theprayer meeting onTuesdayandwasprayedforconcerningaplaceatBuckingham University.She has been acceptedbytheuniversitytostudy.PraiseGod!

Mercy for twinsA gentleman called thePrayer Centre for herfriend, who is pregnantcarryingtwins,whichthedoctors thought weregoing to be stillborn. ByGod’s great mercy, thetwins are healthy andwell in the womb, andhavea fewmonthsuntiltheyareduetobeborn.GlorytoourGod.

Successful operation

A lady’s brother wasgoing into hospital for atriple bypass operation,and she rang the PrayerCentreaskingforprayers.She later rang back tosay that the operationwas successful. He wasoperated on a Tuesdayand was well enough togohomeontheSaturday-muchto thesurpriseofthesurgeons.

FavourA sister was due to gotoRevelationTVbutwashindered from leavinghomeearly.She rang forprayers that God wouldgive her favour with thetraffic so she would notbe late. God granted herrequest and there wasno traffic problem. Shearrivedontime.Shealsoprayed that God wouldbring the four guestsshe needed for theRevelation TV interview.Sherangbacktosaytheyhad all turned up, evena Muslim cleric, and theprogramme went verywell.WegiveGodthanksagain for answering herprayers.

Probation passedA lady wants to givethankstoGodforpassingherjobprobationperiod.

goD cAn uSE youAmazing testimonies abound at the

Prayer centre, and you can make a difference to someone's life. Are you willing to be used by god in

this area? Please contact rudy or Tom, our Prayer coordinators, on

020 87�� 21��.

SPECIALSUPPLEMENT

CELEBRATING 10TH

ANNIVERSARYOF THE ECC

PRAYER CENTRE

WITH NEXT ISSUE OF

GRAPEVINE

Double job offerAfterreceivingprayerataSunday morning serviceinJanuary,abrotherhasbeen blessed with notone but two job offers.PraiseGodforansweredprayer.

Fear of flyingAbrothercalledthenightbeforehewasdueto flyto Malaysia as he wasafraid of flying. Whenhe got on the plane, hewas seated next to aChristian man who wastalking about Jesus allthe way, which was soencouraging. He gavehim 100 dollars; all hisfearsweregoneandthejourneywasasuccessfulone.PraiseGod.

Negative thoughts gone

AsistercalledthePrayerCentre because shewas having a terribleheadache and her mindwas full of negativethoughts. After prayersand encouragement,she testified that theheadache had gone–alongwiththenegativethoughts.

April / May 2012 • Issue 55 • GRAPEVINE 1�

PRAYER DIARY for

MAY 2012

Bible Readings and Prayer Points for individual and c

hurch Spiritual grow

th

HavingwritteninthefirstthreechaptersaboutallthespiritualblessingsinChristforthebeliever,inthelastthreechaptersPaulwritesveryspecificallyabout thepracticaloutworking inour livesofwhat itmeans tobe ‘inChrist’.Weare to livea life thatisworthyof thecallingwehave received,puttingoff theoldnatureandputtingon thenewnature,whichpursuespractical

righteousnessandholiness. GodhasplacedintheChurchthoseministrieswhichareforhelpingeverybelievertofulfilhisorherlifetimeroleasaministerforChrist.Thusapostles,prophets,evangelists,pastorsandteachersaregiventoprepareGod’speopleforworksofservice,andtohelpthemreachaunityinthefaith,becomingspirituallymature.Thismaturitywillbepracticallyoutworkedbyallowingonlywholesometalktocomeoutofourmouths,andactionsthatdemonstrateweareseekingtoimitateGod,byimitatingthelifeofloveasdemonstratedbyChrist,sothatwedonotgrievetheHolySpirit. Thiswillaffectourattitudesandactionstowardsfellowbelieversandhowweliveamongstunbelievers.Sothereshouldnotbeevenahintofsexualimmorality,impurity,coarsejoking,ordrunkenness,whichareoutofplaceforthechildofGod.Instead,therewillbethefruitofrighteousness. ChildrenofGodliveinmutualsubmissiontooneanother,thatis,notbeingself-centredbutalwaysputtingtheinterestsofothersbeforetheirown.WithintheChristianfamily,husbandsthereforewilllovetheirwiveswithasacrificiallovethatmirrorsChrist’sloveforhisChurch,andwiveswillrespecttheirhusbandsastheChurchrespectsChrist.Althoughhusbandsandwiveshavedifferentroleswithinthefamily,aseachputstheinterestsoftheotherfirst,thereisputintoeffectatotalequality.Similarly,childrenaretoliveinsubmissiontotheirparents,whoaretotreattheirchildrenfairlyastheyraisetheminthelovinginstructionoftheLord. TheChristianworkethicisthatChristianemployeesmustaimforastandardofexcellenceinalltheydo,performingalltheirworkasiftheyweredoingitfortheLordhimself,knowingthathewillrewardsuchfaithfulness.Christianemployersmustlikewisetreatemployeesfairlyandwell,knowingtheLordwatchesemployeeandemployeralike-withoutfavouritism. Finally,weneedtohaveoureyesopentothefactthatweareinaspiritualbattle,fightingagainstunseenforcesofevilintheheavenlyrealms.Thus,weneedtowalkcloselywithGod,puttingonallavailablespiritualarmourandensuringwearepeopleofprayer.Inalltheseways,wewillthenbeabletoovercomeinallsituations.


1st–Ephesians4:1-2A life worthy of our calling1.Lord Jesus, make us firm in our resolve

to make following you our first priorityalways,wepray.

2.Enable us to maintain a righteous andgodlystandard ineverythingwesayanddo, in all that we are involved in, bothinside and outside of the church, wepray.

3.HolySpirit,makeusmorelikeJesusdaybyday,andhelpustoco-operatewithyouinthatprocessofchangingus,wepray.

4.Giveusthegracetolearnthepowerthatcomes through humility, and to learn toturntheothercheekwhenever it isrighttodoso,wepray.

5.Useeachofus inourownuniqueways,OLord,toleadotherstoChrist,attractingthembythepowerofthelifeofChristtheyseeinus.

2nd–Ephesians4:3-6Unity1.Holy Spirit, help us to be peacemakers

and not ones who cause dissension,preferring to be wronged rather thanstandonour‘rights.’

2.If there are any believers we are out of

fellowshipwith,giveusthegrace,OLord,toseekreconciliation.

3.HolySpirit,forgeustogetherinthechurchwithanunbreakableunity,wepray.

4.May the power of our unity enable amightyoutpouringoftheHolySpiritinourmidstinrevivalpower,OGod.

5.Aswestand together in theunityof theSpirit, O Lord, may no weapon of theenemy fashioned against us be able toprevailinanymeasureatall.

3rd–Ephesians4:7-10Using our gifts and talents1.May we not be people who bury our

talents, O Lord, but who use whateverabilityyouhavegivenus.

2.May we not waste our talents in worldlywaysthatbringnoeternalbenefit,OLord,butusetheminwaysthatwillimpactfortimeandeternity.

3.Giveus thewisdomanddiscernment toknowwhatourgiftsandtalentsare,andwhattheyarenot,sothatweoperateatmaximumeffectiveness,wepray.

4.Teach us how to work together in usingour gifts and talents, O Lord, so thatthe effectiveness of your church ismaximised.

5.Whether our gifts are practical or

charismatic,wenowofferthemuptoyou;anointustousethemmightilyforyou,OGod.

4th–Ephesians4:11The five-fold ministry1.Raiseupmightyapostlesinyourchurch,

OLord,whocanpioneernewworkswithgreatsignsandwonders.

2.Raiseupmightyprophetsinyourchurch,O Lord, who can speak prophetically tonationsandcausechange,wepray.

3.Raise up evangelists in your church, OLord, with a mighty anointing to leadmanypeopletosalvationinChrist.

4.Raise up pastors, O God, who can belovingshepherds toyourpeople,servingforyoursakeandnotfortheirown.

5.Raiseupteachers,OLord,whocanbringtherevelationofyourWordinaclearandpracticalway,convictingtheunsavedandinspiringyourpeopletogreaterworks.

5th–Ephesians4:12-13Equipping the saints1.Giveusteachablespirits,OLord,always

willing to learn more of you, so that wecanbeequippedtoserveyoubetter.

PRAYER DIARY for

MAY 2012

LIVING AS CHILDREN OF GOD (2)Ephesians Chapters 4-6

PRAYER DIARY for

MAY 2012


2.Help us to recognise what spiritual giftsandtalentsyouhaveendoweduswith,OLord,andthegracetogrowanddevelopinthem.

3.Teachushowtowaitonyou,OGod,andin so doing, to grow and develop thosegifts and talents you have equipped uswith,toexcelinthemforyou.

4.Helpustohaveanhonestunderstandingofwhatwearenotgoodat,OLord,andso encourage others who can do thosethingsbetterthanwecan.

5.Giveuseyestoseethechurchasyouseeit,OLord,asabodyofwhichwearebutone part, but who work closely with allotherpartsofthebodyofChrist,inunity.

6th–Ephesians4:14-15Becoming spiritually mature

1.Give us the grace to grow up in ourspiritual lives,OLord,andnottoremainasspiritualinfants.

2.HolySpirit, giveusadeeper insight intotheWordofGod,bywhichwecangrowinfaith.

3.Drawusclosertoyourself,OGod,sothatwemayleaveworldlyideasandattitudesbehind.

4.Help us to get to the place where wecan say with the apostle Paul: ‘Followmy example as I follow the example ofChrist’.

5.Causeustohaveareverentialfearofyourholiness,OLord,whichisthebeginningofwisdom.

7th–Ephesians4:16Building through love1.Teachustoloveasyoulove,OLord.2.Holy Spirit, help us to love one another,

whichisthesignthatwearetrulydisciplesofChrist.

3.Giveusthegrace,wepray,whichallowslovetocoveramultitudeofsins.

4.Give us a love for one another, O Lord,that prefers to give rather than take, toblessratherthanbeblessed.

5.Maywegrowinyour love,OLord,aswelearnmoreandmoretogiveitaway.

8th–Ephesians4:17-19Leaving the old way of life behind1.Enable us to throw off everything that

hinders and the sin that so easilyentangles,OLord.

2.Help us to run the race that you havemarkedoutforus,wepray.

3.Giveusadeephatredforsin,OLord,sothatweavoidanyassociationwithitatallcosts.

4.Cause us to break free fully and totallyfromthewayoflifeweoncelivedbeforeweknewChrist,wepray.

5.Teach us to be sensitive to all yourpromptingstowardsus,HolySpirit,sothatwemaybeledbyyourstill,smallvoice.

9th–Ephesians4:20-24Living the new life in Christ

1.HolySpirit,helpusdaily toput todeathour old nature with all its unchristlikespeech,attitudes,behaviouranddesires.

2.CauseustoriseupeachdayinthepowerofthenewlifeinChrist,wepray.

3.Lord,maywebesocloseinourrelationshipwithyouthatitisobvioustothosearoundus,evenwhenwesaynothing.

4.May we truly be able to say with theapostlePaul:‘Fortome,toliveisChrist’.

5.Lead us today, Holy Spirit, into allrighteousness,wepray.

10th–Ephesians4:25-28Overcoming sinful ways

1.HolySpirit,prickourconsciencesanytimewe may be tempted to tell untruths orhalf-truths,sincesuchwouldbeungodly.

2.Stir us to get angry, like you get angry,O God, at wickedness, injustice andunrighteousness,andtodowhatwecantostopsuchthings.

3.Giveustheself-disciplinenottogetangryat things that, in reality, only hurt ourprideandnothingelse.

4.Giveusthewisdomanddiscernmentnotto give the devil any form of foothold inanyareaofourlives,wepray.

5.Keep us from idleness, we pray, andinsteadmakeusapeoplewho,whateverwe do, are profitable to you, O Lord, toothersandtoourselves.

11th–Ephesians4:29Watching what we say1.Keep our thoughts and therefore our

tonguespureinyoursight,OLord.2.Mayour tonguesspeakwordsthatbuild

people up and not tear them down, wepray.

3.Give us the wisdom to think before wespeak,andtoholdourtongueswhenweareangry.

4.Just as a spring cannot produce bothfresh and salt water, may our lips onlyproduce the sweetness of the water oflife.

5.Lord,weconsecrateourlips,mouthsandtongues to you, to be dedicated to youruse.

12th–Ephesians4:30Not grieving the Holy Spirit1.HolySpirit,teachustobesensitivetoyour

presencewithinusandaroundus,sothatwelearnhownottogrieveyou,wepray.

2.HolySpirit,helpustorecognisewhenandhowyouarespeakingtous,wepray.

3.Leadusinthewaysofallrighteousness,HolySpirit,weask.

4.Burden our hearts, Holy Spirit, with thedeepdesiretoseektobecomemoreliketheSaviourwhodiedtomakeusholy,wepray.

5.Make us quick to respond to yourpromptings, Holy Spirit, and not ignoreyourleading.

13th–Ephesians4:31-32Christlike relationships

1.Help us to keep all ungodly emotionsundercontrol,OLord,sothatwedonotlivetoregrettheirconsequences.

2.Enableustoridourheartsandmindsofanyformofmalice,wepray,andinsteadto seek only the good of others, eventhosewhowrongus.

3.Helpustoperfectthepracticeofkindnesstooneanother,sothatitbecomessecondnaturetous,wepray.

4.Causeus,OLord,tobepeoplewhocanempathisewithothers,beingabletofeeltheirconcernsastheyfeelthem,andsotohelpandencouragethem.

5.Help us to be able to forgive others tothe same degree that you have forgivenus,OLord,so thatwedonot live in thebondagethatcomeswithunforgiveness.

14th–Ephesians5:1-2Imitators of God

1.Teach us to imitate you in how you lovewithanagapélove,OGod.

2.Mayweimitateyou,OGod,inyourdesirethat no one should perish, but that allshouldcometothesavingknowledgeoffaithinChrist.

3.Teachusto imitateyou,OLord, in livingoutalifeofsacrifice.

4.Cause us to imitate you, O Lord, in notengaging inanything that is taintedwithsin.

5.Enable us to be people through whom,Jesus,theLightoftheworld,canbeseentoshinealways,wepray.

15th–Ephesians5:3No hint of sexual immorality

1.Help us to live, not according to thelax standards of the world, but ratheraccording to the highest standards ofGod,wepray.

2.Give us all wisdom in dealing withthe opposite sex, O Lord, so that wealways remain within appropriate, godlyboundaries.

PRAYER DIARY for

MAY 2012



th

The letter to the church at Ephesus was one of the letters Paul wrote during his imprisonment in Rome, while he was awaiting trial before the Roman Emperor, Nero. It is likely that he intended this to be a circular letter that was to be read out in churches in other towns in the region after it had been read in the church at Ephesus and, as such, deals with the spiritual and practical lives

of believers, who are blessed “…in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Physically, Paul is a prisoner, but in reality his spirit is totally free, and soars to the highest places as he finds it difficult to contain his excitement at all the blessings that are ours in Christ. The first three chapters, through which we are praying this month, highlight many of the spiritual privileges that belong to the one who trusts in Christ. So, in Christ, we have been chosen to be holy and blameless, for the praise of his glory; we have been adopted into God’s family; we have been redeemed through the blood of Christ, securing forgiveness of sins; to us has been made known the mystery of God’s will; we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit, whose presence within us not only signifies we are God’s possession, but is also the deposit and guarantee of an even greater inheritance to come. Once we were dead in our transgressions and sins, influenced by the “ruler of the kingdom of the air”, as manifested by ungodly desires, thoughts and actions, but now, because of the vastness of God’s love for us as shown through Christ, not only has he saved us by his grace alone, but we have become fully alive, and he has raised us up to seat us with Christ in the heavenly realms. Even now in this lifetime, we are created in Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. In other words, once we have been saved by his grace through faith, he has a perfect destiny tailor-made for each one of us individually, that we can walk into by making the right choices in life, as guided by the Holy Spirit. We are designed to bring him glory and, in fact, God is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Our task is to begin to understand the enormity of the implications that follow from our relationship with God through what Christ has done for us, and to then live now in its power. As we pray through the prayer points for this month, may the Holy Spirit open and enlarge our minds and understandings to the privilege that is ours, and to the power that resides within us to effect change for good.

living AS chilDrEn oF goD (1)Ephesians chapters 1-�


1st–Ephesians1:1-2By the will of God1.Teachusalwaystoseekyourwill,OLord,

ineverythingwedo.2.Cause us to so read and understand

your Word, O Lord, that we know whatdecisions we need to make in everycircumstance.

3.HolySpirit,helpustospirituallymaturetotheplacewherewecanalwayschoosetodothewillofGod,evenwhenitiscontrarytoourwill.

4.As we wait on you, O God, reveal to usclearlythatindividualcallingyouhaveforeachoneofus,andenableustofulfilit.

5.Strengthen our resolve, O Lord, to fulfilyourwill asanambassador forChrist ineveryareaoflifeweareengagedin.

2nd–Ephesians1:3-4Chosen to be holy and blameless1.Teach us the importance of living out

ourlivestoyourstandardsofholiness,OLord.

2.Give us the strength and moral fibre toresistbeingdrawnintolivinginwaysthatarefashionablebutunholy,wepray.

3.Causeustorememberthat,sinceweareonthisearthforashorttimebutwilllivewith you forever, our goal should alwaysbetopleaseyou,OGod.

4.Whenweneedtochoosebetweenholiness

andhappiness,helpustoexperiencethejoy thatcomesthroughmaking thehard-butright-choices,wepray.

5.Helpus,HolySpirit, toexperiencebeingchangedfromglorytoglory,aswemaketherightandgodlychoicesinallourdailyexperiences.

3rd–Ephesians1:5-6Adopted as sons1.Since we have been adopted into your

familythroughourfaithinChrist,helpustoliveasbefitschildrenofGod,wepray.

2.Enableustoexhibitthatsurpassingtraitof the familyofGod,namelyyouragapélove.

3.Because we are now your children, OLord,maywesoliveourlivesthatpeoplecanseethelikenessofJesusinus.

4.Since you discipline those you love, OLord, help us to recognise, accept andrespond when you are disciplining us inourlives,wepray.

5.Since we are now your children, O God,give us the confidence to exercise thespiritual power and authority that hasbeendelegatedtousthroughJesus.

4th–Ephesians1:7-8Redeemed through Christ’s blood1.Lord,weseekyour forgiveness today for

anyoffencewehavecommitted,andaskthatitbeputunderthebloodofJesus.

2.Since we have been forgiven throughthe blood of Jesus and totally acceptedbyyou,helpustoboldlyandconfidentlydrawclosetoyou,heavenlyFather.

3.Since the redemption through Christ’sblood means you have forgiven useverything, help us to be able to forgiveourselves, not being bound by pastmistakes.

4.Since we have been fully redeemed, helpus to live the new life in Christ, sheddingeverythingunhelpfulfromouroldwayoflife.

5.Maywealwaysthankyoueachday,LordJesus,forthepricelessandindescribablegift of eternal life, secured through yourblood,shedonthecrossforus.

5th–Ephesians1:9-10Reconciliation through Christ1.Teachustobepeacemakersinallwedo,

OLord,sothatwecanbelikeyou.2.Motivateustobewitnessestotheunsaved,

Holy Spirit, we ask, so that we can beinstrumentalinreconcilingthemtoGod.

3.Giveusaloveforthelost,OGod,justasyouhavesuchalove.

4.Move us to pray for those unsavedpeopleweknow,OLord,thattheymaybereconciledtoyouthroughfaithinJesus.

5.As we meet and interact with people- believersandunbelievers - giveus themind of Christ to know how to act, wepray.

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6th–Ephesians1:11-12Bringing glory to God1.Lord Jesus, just as you brought glory to

the Father through your sacrificial love,helpustodothesame,wepray.

2.LordJesus,justasyoulaiddownyourlifetofulfilthewilloftheFather,helpusalsoto be people who are ready to give ourlivesoverfullytothewillofGod.

3.Lord Jesus, just as you brought glory totheFatherinallyousaid,mayourwordsalsobringglorytoGod.

4.LordJesus,justasallyouractionsbroughtglorytotheFather,mayouractionsalsoalwaysbepleasinginhissight.

5.LordJesus,enableustoputtodeathouroldnatureandinsteadtoliveout,tothegloryofGod,ournewspiritualnature.

7th–Ephesians1:13-14Sealed with the Holy Spirit1.Holy Spirit, thank you for coming to live

withinusthemomentweacceptedChrist;mayweneverquenchyourmovinginourlives.

2.Change us from within, Holy Spirit, weask, helping us to grow more and morelikeJesus.

3.As we wait on you, fill us afresh eachday,HolySpirit,wepray,andoutof thatinfilling, may it overflow into the lives ofotherswemeetdailyaroundus.

4.Prompt us to seek the gifts of the HolySpirit that you know, O Lord, will be themost profitable for us as individuals touseinourownparticularcircumstances.

5.Give us the boldness and confidence touse the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a waythatministers toothers,but thatalwaysbringsglorytoyou,OLord.

8th–Ephesians1:15-16Giving thanks to God1.Lord,we thankyou for thecrossandall

thatitmeanstous.2.Lord, we thank you for your great love

forusasdemonstratedinthat,whilewewerestillsinners,Christdiedforus.

3.Lord, we thank you for the resurrectionand the power of the new life that itbrings.

4.Lord, we thank you that you havetriumphedoversin,deathandthepowersof darkness, releasing us to live in theeternaljoyofthepresenceofourGod.

5.Lord, we thank you for your Church andfor the family of God drawn from everynation, possible only through the deathandresurrectionofChrist.

9th–Ephesians1:17Wisdom and revelation1.O God, give us your wisdom that

transcends our own human wisdom, wepray.

2.Knowing that wisdom comes fromknowingyourways,makeuspeoplewhocontinually read and remember yourWord,whichwillmakeuswise.

3.As we continue to read your Word,continuallybringfreshrevelationsofyourwillforourlives,wepray.

4.Aswegothrougheachdaywithitsvariousactivities,speakintoourmindsandspirits,OLord,wheneveryouwanttoguideusinaparticularconversationoraction.

5.Daybyday, stepbystep,mayweget toknowyoubetter,OLord.

10th–Ephesians1:18-21Knowing Christ’s power within us1.HolySpirit,enableustoliveinthepower

of the new life in Christ, overcoming alltendencies to sin, rebellion against yourwill,orwantingtodothingsourway.

2.Anoint us, Holy Spirit, as we witness topeople, so that your conviction of sin,righteousnessandjudgmenttocomewillgripthem,wepray.

3.Helpus togrow in thegiftsof theSpirityouhavegivenus,OLord,sothatwecanusethempowerfullyinfulfillingyourwill.

4.Causeus torecognisethedifferentgiftsandtalentsyouhavegivenus,OGod,sothatwemayusetheminthepoweroftheHolySpirit.

5.Helpustomakeourstandagainsteverypower of darkness that would seek tocomeagainstustorenderusineffectiveforGod,wepray.

11th–Ephesians1:22-23Christ the Head1.May we always submit our will to you,

LordJesus,as theHeadofyourChurch,holdingnothingbackfromyou.

2.Causeustosoyieldourwilltotallytoyou,LordJesus,thatwegiveyouthefreedomtomoveinrevivalpowerinyourChurch.

3.If there are any blockages in our livesthatarepreventingyoumovinginrevivalpower,OLord,revealthemtous,sothatwemaywillinglyremovethem,wepray.

4.Jesus, bring us to the place where wemake you Lord of all our plans andambitions, so that we live out our livesfulfilling your perfect destiny for each ofus.

5.Inour localchurch,beLordofallwedoand plan, so that as the local assembly

ofGod’speople,wecanfulfilyouruniquepurposethroughuscollectively,wepray.

12th–Ephesians2:1-2Following the ‘spirit of disobedience’1.Lord,weprayfortheleadersofournation,

whoaremore influencedby fashionableviews than by godly standards; causethem to cease to be influenced by the‘spiritofdisobedience’.

2.Weprayforallthechurchesupanddownthe land, which are more influenced bytheideasofmenratherthanbytheWordofGod;changetheirhearts,wepray.

3.We pray for all our national institutionsthat are more influenced by ungodlypractices than by God’s revealed ways;turnthetide,OGod.

4.We pray for our schools, collegesand universities, where the spirit ofdisobedienceisrife;bringatotalchangeofheart,OLord.

5.Lord, we pray that we may continuallyexamine ourselves, so that we are nottemptedtofollowwaysthatarenotyourways.

13th–Ephesians2:3The objects of God’s wrath

1.Aswe realise,OLord, thathell isa realplace,wherepeoplewillfeelthewrathofarighteousGod,moveustointercedefortheunsaved,wepray.

2.Knowing that it is a fearful thing to fallinto the hands of the living God, maywe be moved to serve you untiringly aswitnesses,OLord.

3.Maytheknowledge,thathellisareminderoftheholinessofGod,causeusnevertobecome complacent in seeking to liveholylives.

4.May the knowledge of the reality of hellcauseustobecontinuallygratefultoyou,OLord,inrescuingus.

5.May the knowledge that hell is a realplace,putintoperspectiveforuswhatisimportant and what is not important inthislifetime.

14th–Ephesians2:4-5Made alive in Christ1.Lord,helpustoliveeachdayforJesus.2.Stirupthefirewithinus,OLord,sothat

ourpassionforChristisinfectious.3.May the love of Christ within us be so

evidentthatitradiatesfromwithinus.4.CausetherealityofthenewlifeinChrist

to help us make your priorities for ourlivesourprioritiesalso.

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5.May we always seek first your Kingdomandyour righteousnessaboveall things,OLord.

15th–Ephesians2:6-7God’s kindness to us in Christ1.Makeusa truly gratefulpeople,OLord,

whodeeplyappreciatethecosttoyouofoursalvation.

2.Open our understanding, O God, torevealtoustheheight,depth,lengthandbreadthofyourkindness,sothatwegivethepraiseyoudeserve.

3.Make us realise what we have beensavedfrom,OLord,sothatwemaytrulyappreciatewhatwehavebeensavedto.

4.Keep our lips from complaining, O God,since you have given us incomparablerichesinChrist.

5.MayourlivesbeagratefullivingsacrificeofpraiseforyourgreatkindnesstousinChristJesus.

16th–Ephesians2:8-10Saved by grace to do good works1.Having been saved by your grace alone,

quicken our hearts to desire to do thegoodworkswehavebeencalledtodo,todemonstrateyourgraceinourlives.

2.Helpusmaketherightdecisionsinlife,sothatwefulfilthedestinyyouhaveplannedfor our individual lives, not missing itthroughwronguseofourfreewill.

3.Causeustorealisethatwehavetowaitonyouandwalkcloselytoyoutodiscoveryourpre-plannedwillforourlives,OLord.

4.Sinceweareyourworkmanship,OLord,mayweseektoexcelinalltheworksyouhavecalledustodo.

5.Whateverwedo,enableus toworkat itwithallourheart,asworkingfortheLordand not for men, knowing we have aninheritancefromtheLordasareward.

17th–Ephesians2:11-13Brought near to God1.As we remember how we were once

separated from you, O Lord, move ourheartsincompassionforthelost,whoarestillseparatedfromyou.

2.Useustobringthelosttoyou,OGod.3.Help us to not only appreciate the fact

that we can come near to you, O God,through the blood of Christ, but also topractiseitdaily.

4.Mayyourpresencebesocloseandrealin all our meetings, O God, that sinnersbecome conscious of their sin, and cryouttoyoutobesaved.

5.May you so move in revival power in

our midst, O Lord, that we see signsandwonderscontinuallyconfirmingyourWord.

18th–Ephesians2:14-15Reaching out to all people1.Lord, send a mighty move of your Spirit

amongst the atheists and agnostics ofthiscountrythatturnsthemtoChrist.

2.Lord,sendagreatrevelationofyourSpirittotheMuslimsofthiscountrythatcausesthemto realiseJesus truly is theSonofGodandtheirSaviour.

3.Lord,movebyyourSpiritamongstalltheHindusof thiscountrythatcausesthemtorealisethatJesusistheonlyGodandtheonlyWaytoeternallife.

4.Lord,foralltheSikhsinthiscountry;senda great move of your Spirit that turnsthemtoJesusastheirSaviour,wepray.

5.Lord, for those in this country who are‘spiritual’buthaveno ideawhoyouare,open their eyes to the reality of eternaljudgmentandtosalvationthroughChrist.

19th–Ephesians2:16Unity in Christ1.Lord,ifweareoutofrelationshipwithany

brotherorsisterinChrist,convictusnowtoseektoputmattersright.

2.Weprayforourchurch,OLord, thatyouwouldforgeusevercloserinunity.

3.We pray for all the churches in ourneighbourhood, O Lord, that you wouldcauseeachcongregationtodrawclosetooneanotherintheunityofChrist.

4.Weprayforallthechurchesinournation,OLord,thatyouwouldbringaunityintheSpirit,centredonyourWord.

5.WeprayforyourChurcharoundtheworld,OLord,thatyouwouldendueitwiththepowerthatcomesfromaunityintheHolySpirit.

20th–Ephesians2:17-18Preaching the Gospel of peace1.Anoint us individually, Holy Spirit, as we

seektobewitnessesforChrist,wepray.2.Anoint the street teams as they go out

collectively towitness,wepray,enablingthem to lead others to Christ on thestreets.

3.Anointourleaders,wepray,thattheymaypreachtheWordofGodinallthepoweroftheHolySpirit.

4.Anoint our meetings, we pray, that yourpresence will be strong, convicting menand women of their need to know andwalkcloselywithJesus.

5.WeprayfortheGospelasitgoesoutovertheairwaysviaradioorTV;mayitcause

manytobereachedwiththeGospelandbesaved.

21st–Ephesians2:19-20Living as citizens of God1.Makeusconscious,Lord,aswelivethis

life,thatwebelongtotallytoyou,sothatnothingwill discourageordisheartenusinourspirituallife.

2.May we take full advantage of theprivileged position you have given us,O Lord, making full use of our dailyrelationshipwithyou.

3.When circumstances seek to trouble oroverwhelm us, may we remember therealitythatwearecitizensoftheKingdomofGod.

4.Lord,teachustolivealwaysinaccordancewiththehigherlawsofyourKingdom.

5.Moveourheartstobecomefullyfamiliarwith the lawsof theKingdomofGodasrevealedinyourWord,OLord.

22nd–Ephesians2:21-22God’s holy temple1.Maywe,asyourchurch,OLord,carefully

ensure that all we do is built upon thefoundations of your Word, as revealedthrough your apostles and prophets, wepray.

2.Lord, you have given us the privilege ofhaving our bodies as the living templeof the Holy Spirit, may we respondhonourablytothatprivilege.

3.Lord,helpustorememberthatweeachareonestoneinalivingchurch‘building’andso recognise the responsibilitieswemust carry out that come with such aprivilege.

4.Since we are each part of your livingtemple, cause us to realise that ourbrothersandsistersinChristneedusaswe need them, and so remain in closeandconstantfellowshiptogether.

5.Helpusnottogrieveyou,HolySpirit,butinstead, by living together in unity, allowyoutohaveyourwayamongstus.

23rd–Ephesians3:1-3Suffering for Christ1.Lord,helpuscountall things joy for the

sakeoffollowingChrist.2.Teachus tocountourblessings,OGod,

recognisingthatnohardshipcomparestothefullnessofblessingthatcomesfromknowingChrist.

3.We pray for all believers who are inprison because of their faith in Christ;strengthen, comfort and help them intheirtrials,OLord.

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4.We pray for all the families of those inprison because of their faith in Christ;strengthen, comfort and help them intheirdistress,OLord.

5.WeprayforthefamiliesofthosebelieverswhoarebeingkilledaroundtheworldfortheirfaithinChrist;beeverythingtothemthattheyneed,OGod.

24th–Ephesians3:4-6God’s revelations1.Giveusearsthathearwhenandwhatyou

wanttocommunicatetous,OGod.2.Helpustolearnallthedifferentwaysyou

communicatetous,OLord.3.When we recognise your voice, O Lord,

maywealwaysbequicktoactuponwhatyousay.

4.Show us your destiny for our individuallives,OGod,andgiveus thewisdom tomake the right choices to see your willfulfilled.

5.Revealtousasachurchyourdivinewillforuscollectively,asthelocalrepresentativesofyourbodytothepeoplearoundus.

25th–Ephesians3:7-9Making plain to all the unsearchable riches of Christ1.Motivate us with the desire to take the

Gospeltoeveryone,OGod.2.Helpus realise thatwehaveeachbeen

giventheresponsibilitytobeambassadorsforChrist,presentingtheGospeltothosestillinthekingdomofdarkness.

3.Helpustobesimpleinourpresentationof the Gospel, O Lord, so that peopleunderstandclearly.

4.Give us the wisdom to know what kindof language to use when we are talkingto different kinds of people, so theyunderstandusclearly.

5.CauseustoliveourlivesinawaythatisasimplebutpowerfulpresentationofthechangeChristwithinusbrings.

26th–Ephesians3:10-11The Church a witness to the spirit world1.Teach us to understand, O Lord, that

justas in thecaseof Job, youwantourfaithfulness inall circumstances tobeapowerfultestimonytothespiritworld.

2.Causeus to trust you totally,evenwhenwedonotunderstandourcircumstances,recognising how powerful a testimonyfaithundertrialcanbe.

3.Asweremainhumblebeforeyou,OLord,mayweremaininthepositionwherethedevilfleesfromus.

4.Help us not to give the devil a footholdintoourlivesthroughsin,OGod,sothatourtestimonyisnotcompromised.

5.Cause us to remember that since ouractionsarealwaysobservedbythespiritworld,maywelivelivesthatalwaysbringglorytoyou,OGod.

27th–Ephesians3:12-13Confidently approaching God1.Helpustoremember,OLord,thatnothing

canseparateusfromtheloveofGodthatis in Christ Jesus, and therefore we canalways come before you confidently inprayer.

2.May discouragement never prevent usfrom coming to you in prayer, O Lord,whateveritscause.

3.May suffering never be a reason toprevent us coming to you in prayer, OGod,recognisingthattherearetimesyouwillallowthisforyourglory.

4.Mayasenseof failureneverpreventuscoming to you in prayer, O Lord, as werememberyouaretheGodofthesecondchancetothosewhotrulyrepent.

5.Enlighten our minds, Holy Spirit, as wemeditate on the power of the blood ofChrist to save us, and to enable ourconfidentaccesstothethroneofGod.

28th–Ephesians3:14-16Strengthened by the Holy Spirit1.HolySpirit,strengthenourresolvetolive

outthelifeofChristfearlesslyandinyourpower,wepray.

2.HolySpirit,strengthenusineveryareaofthefruitoftheSpirit,wepray,especiallyinthoseareasthatwestrugglewith.

3.HolySpirit,strengthenourminds,wepray,so that theyarealwayssteadfastly fixedonfollowingthewaysofChrist.

4.HolySpirit,strengthenourunderstandingoftheWordofGod,sothatwemaygrowinallspiritualwisdom,wepray.

5.Holy Spirit, strengthen us in the use ofthegiftsof theSpirit,sowemaybe theeffective people you want us to be, wepray.

29th–Ephesians3:17-19The power of Christ’s love1.As we begin to understand the extent

of the measureless love of Christ, maywe develop a total sense of completesecurity,sothatwecanministertoothersfromapositionofstrength.

2.MaytheconsciousnessoftheperfectloveofChristforuscastoutallfearfromourlives,wepray.

3.Teach us, Holy Spirit, to understand thenatureoftheagapéloveofChrist,sothatwecangrowinlivingoutsuchaselflessloveourselves.

4.Teach us, Holy Spirit, to stand out fromtheworld,bytheagapéloveofChristthatweexhibitatalltimes.

5.Holy Spirit, as we pursue righteousness,may you enable us to be filled to themeasureofallthefullnessofGod.

30th–Ephesians3:20-21Immeasurably more1.Lord, we pray that you would do

immeasurably more with us to bringyou glory than we could imagine forourselves.

2.Lord, we surrender all the talents youhave given us, and ask that you doimmeasurablymorewithusforyourglorythanwecouldimagine.

3.Lord,giveusafaiththatlearnshowtoaskyouinprayerforimmeasurablymorethanourhumanreasonwouldunderstand.

4.Give us a faith that can confidently askyou to see immeasurably more peoplecome to faith in Christ than we couldimagine.

5.Lord, give us a faith to believe that youcan do immeasurably more in turningour nation back to you than we couldimagine.

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REVIVALPRAYERS

Volume 1 a daily devotional prayer book

by Pastor Richard Buxton

COMING SOON!

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3.Helpustoguardoureyes,OGod,sothatwe do not watch any images that areinappropriateforachildofGod.

4.Holy Spirit, give us a heightened senseof what is sinful, so that when we areindangerof temptationwearequick torecogniseit.

5.O Lord, may we desire and seek afterholiness, living out the principles ofholinessineveryareaofourlives.

16th–Ephesians5:4-7Not joining in coarse conversations 1.Give us the wisdom when and what to

speak,andalsothewisdomwhentosaynothing,OLord.

2.Help us to put a guard over our lips, OLord, so that we do not participate inungodlyconversation.

3.Make us a people who speak - evenwithout thinking - words that are alwaysbeneficialtothosewearetalkingto.

4.Maywealwaystalkandact inthesamewaythatwewould ifyouwerephysicallystandingnexttous,LordJesus.

5.KeepourlipsfromutteringwordsthatareoutofplaceforachildofGod,evenwhenweareangryorfrustrated,wepray.

17th–Ephesians5:8-14Living as children of light

1.Helpustogrowinlivingoutalifethatisappropriateforoneswhoarechildrenoflight,wepray.

2.Bringtoourminds,HolySpirit,anyareasofourlivesthatwearestillallowingtobegovernedbyouroldandfallennature,sothatwemaychangethem.

3.Helpustopursuegoodness,righteousnessandtruthinallwedo,wepray.

4.Causeustocontinuallypursueseekingtodiscoverwhatpleasesyou,OLord,sothatwecanactaccordingtoyourwill.

5.Keepusacutelyawareofwhatthefruitlessdeedsofdarknessare,sothatwearenotentrappedorbeguiledbythem,wepray.

18th–Ephesians5:15-17Being careful how we live

1.Teachustonumberourdays,OLord,sothatweuseallourtimeprofitably.

2.Giveusthewisdomweneedtobegoodstewardsofourpossessions,andtousethemprofitablyandsensiblyaccordingtoyourwill,OLord.

3.Helpustobecarefulinallaspectsofhowwe live,OLord,asbefits thosewhoareambassadorsoftheKingofkings.

4.Deliverus from foolishness,OLord,andinsteadhelpusbecomemature inmindandinspirit.

5.Teach us your will, O Lord, and giveus a receptive mind to understand andpractiseallyourways.

19th–Ephesians5:18-20Filled with the ‘new’ wine1.As we wait on you now, Holy Spirit, fill

us afresh with the ‘new wine’ of yourpresence.

2.When we need our spirits to be lifted,HolySpirit,maywealwaysturntoyouandnevertoanyexternalsourceofstimulus.

3.For those of us not yet baptised in theHolySpirit,weprayyouwillfillusrightnowaswewaitonyou,OLord.

4.As we draw close to you, O Lord, fillour hearts with songs of worship andpraise, no matter what our outwardcircumstancesmaybe.

5.Let us be a thankful people, O God,rememberingyourgreatmercyandgracetousinmorewaysthanwecouldtell.

20th–Ephesians5:21Godly submission1.Teach us how to prefer one another, O

Lord,ratherthanselfishlyputtingourowninterestsfirst.

2.Since submission comes from respect,helpusalwaystobepeoplewhorespectyouandothers,OLord.

3.Enableustolearn,OGod,thatlovegives,andmaywe learn tobegiversofallweare.

4.Help us to see the strengths in others,andtoencouragethemtogrowinthosestrengths, rather than see them as athreattoourselves.

5.Cause us to be model citizens, O Lord,obedient toall the lawsof the land thatdonotcontradictyourWord.

21st–Ephesians5:22-24Godly wives 1.Weprayforallthewivesinthechurch,O

Lord,thatyouwouldhelpeachonetobeastrongwomanofGod.

2.Wepray thatyouwouldhelp them inalltheir responsibilities as wives, enablingthemtogrowdailyinspiritualmaturity.

3.Helpeachwifeinherrelationshipwithherhusband,OLord, that thebondsof lovewouldgroweverdeeper,showinghimtherespectyouaskfromher.

4.We pray that you would help each wifein thechurch tocopewithall thestressandstrainsthatmodernlifemaylayuponher, and for her to emerge stronger notweaker.

5.Weprayforyourgraceandpeacetogoverneachof thewives in thechurch,helpingthemtomaintainacloserelationshipwithyoudespiteallpressures.

22nd–Ephesians5:25-28Godly husbands1.We pray for all the husbands in the

church,OLord,thatyouwouldhelpeachonetobeastrongmanofGod.

2.Wepraythatyouwouldhelpthemwithalltheirresponsibilitiesashusbands,helpingthemgrowdailyinspiritualmaturity.

3.Help each husband in his relationshipwith his wife, O Lord, that the bonds oflovewouldgroweverdeeper,lovingherasChristlovedtheChurch.

4.Wepraythatyouwouldhelpeachhusbandin thechurch tocopewithall thestressandstrainsthatmodernlifemaylayuponhim,andforhimtoemergestrongernotweaker.

5.We pray for your grace and peace togovern each of the husbands in thechurch, helping them to maintain aclose relationship with you despite allpressures.

23rd–Ephesians5:29-33Godly marriages1.Weprayforallsinglepeopleinthechurch

who have a desire to marry; Holy Spirit,guideand leadthemto therightpersoninChrist.

2.We pray that you would make all themarriages in the church strong, O Lord,ensuring that husbands and wives buildtheirrelationshipsolidlyonChrist.

3.For any marriages in the church thatarecomingunderpressure forwhateverreason,strengthenthem,wepray.

4.Cause each husband and wife to putyou first in their lives,OLord, so that insubmission to you, they will always fulfiltheirresponsibilitiestoeachotherwell.

5.Cause all the marriages in the churchto be the great blessing that you intendmarriagetobe,wepray,ashusbandsandwivesputyourwaysintopracticedaily.

24th–Ephesians6:1-3Godly children1.Weprayforallthechildreninthechurch,

OLord,thatyouwouldrevealyourselftothem at a young age, so that they cancometoknowyoupersonallyasSaviourandLord.

2.Wepraythatyouwouldguardourchildrenfrom all the ungodly pressures of theworld inwhichthey live,helpingthemtoavoidallthatwouldharmthem.

3.Helpourchildrento learn thevalueandbenefit that comes from treating theirparentswithrespect,andmayitbecomesecondnaturetothem.

4.Helpourchildrenwhentheycomeunderpeer pressure to act in a way that isungodly or unhelpful, to be able to say,“No”.

PRAYER DIARY for

MAY 2012

COMING SOON!

PRAYER DIARY for

MAY 2012


5.Forallmarriedcouplesinthechurchwhoareseekingtohavechildren,blessthemwithafamily,wepray.

25th–Ephesians6:4Training children in the instruction of the Lord

1.Weprayforallthefathersinthechurch,OLord,thatyouwouldgivethemwisdomatalltimesinraisingtheirchildren.

2.Help the fathers in the church to beable to structure their time spent withtheirchildren,modellingtothemagodlylifestyle.

3.Cause the fathers in the church to takethe leadtoensurefamilydevotionstakeplace each day, through which they cantraintheirchildrenintheinstructionoftheLord.

4.Help the children to see their father inprayer,inreadingtheBible,andinmakingJesusLordofhislifeandthecentreofthefamilylife,wepray.

5.Help each father to have the wisdom toknow how to discipline in love and notin anger, thereby teaching his childrenfairnessandrespect.

26th–Ephesians6:5-8A godly work ethic

1.Causeustobeworkerswhoalwaysseektoperformtoastandardofexcellenceinallourdailywork,OLord.

2.May we be people who always give, tothosewhoemployus,therespectthatisduetothem,OGod.

3.Causeustobemodelemployees,OLord,suchthatemployerswouldbereluctanttoseeusleave.

4.Teachustodoeverythingasuntoyou,OGod,notcuttingcornersbutknowingyoureyeisuponus.

5.For those who are in tedious jobs, OLord,helpeachone todoeverythingasuntoyou,knowingtheywillnotlosetheirrewardfromyou.

27th–Ephesians6:9Godly employers

1.Endowwithasenseofcompletefairnesstowardstheiremployees,allthoseinthechurchwhoareemployers,OLord.

2.Helpemployers inthechurchtothinkofeveryaspectoftheiremployees’welfare,wepray,spiritual,emotionalandfinancial,seekingtheirhighestgood.

3.Causeallthosewhoareemployersinthechurchtoseektodeveloptheiremployees’skillsnotjustforprofit,buttohelpthemasindividuals.

4.Help all those in the church who areemployers to foster a sense of the

3.Cause us to remember to keep prayingfor one another to remain strong in theLord, and to overcome each obstacle orchallengethatmayarise.

4.Helpustoremembertokeepprayingforourleaders,OLord,sothattheycanfulfilyourwillinleadingyourpeople.

5.Help us to remember to pray for all ourmissionaries, O Lord, that they wouldcontinuetoexpandyourKingdominthoseareasinwhichtheyareworking.

31st–Ephesians6:21-24Encouraging one another

1.Make us a people, O Lord, who arealwayslookingforwaystoencourageoneanother.

2.Giveuseyestoseetheabilitiesofotherseveniftheycannotseeitthemselves,andsohelpthemdevelopthemselves.

3.Bless and anoint all our DiscipleshipCell leaders, as they seek to facilitatethe spiritual growth and development ofothers.

4.BlessandanointallthosewhoattendtheDiscipleshipCells,astheylearnhowtobeablessing tooneanother,andhave theopportunitytoputitintopractice.

5.May we have a testimony like that ofTychicus, who was “a faithful servant intheLord”.

presenceofGod in theirplacesofwork,wepray.

5.As the employers in the church seekto act according to your ways, O Lord,prosper and bless their businesses, wepray.

28th–Ephesians6:10-12Wrestling against powers of evil

1.Giveusthewisdomtoseewhenweareupagainstspiritualpowersofdarkness,OLord,andsousetheappropriatespiritualweaponsyouhavegiventous.

2.Causeustorememberatalltimes,OLordthat“greaterishewithinus,thanhethatis in the world”, so that we can alwaysovercomeall spiritualoppositionagainstus.

3.Revealtous,HolySpirit,schemesofthedevilsenttotemptus,tripusup,orcauseus to fall,so thatwecanbe forewarnedandtakeourstandagainstthem.

4.Give us insight and discernment to seewhenourproblemisnotwithpeople,butwithpowersthatmaybeworkingthroughthem,sothatwecanpraystrategically.

5.Recognising there may be times whenwe have to “wrestle” in prayer, give usthedeterminationandstaminatopersistuntilweovercome,OLord.

29th–Ephesians6:13-17Putting on the armour of God

1.Give us the wisdom to remain close toyou,OLord,safeunderthefullprotectionof the spiritual armour you have madeavailabletous.

2.MakeusapeoplewhoarefirmlyanchoredinthetruthofyourWord,OGod,andwhoputitintopractice.

3.Since we have been clothed with therighteousnessofChrist,helpustoliveoutrighteouslytheGospelofpeace,wepray.

4.Developthefaithwithinusthatwealreadyhave, O Lord, that may extinguish everyflamingarrowsentagainstusbytheevilone.

5.Help us to guard our minds with thehelmet of salvation and to be skilled inthe Word of God, which is our spiritualsword.

30th–Ephesians6:18-20Pray in the Spirit

1.Keepusspirituallyalert,OLord,especiallywhenthingsaregoingwellforus,andnottoneglectprayingatalltimes.

2.KeepusfromspirituallazinessOLord,sowedonotneglecttoprayintheSpiritonalloccasionswithallkindsofprayersandrequests.

PRAYER DIARY for

MAY 2012

NOTES

REVIVAL PRAYERS - Volume 1

a daily devotional prayer bookby Pastor Richard Buxton

REVIVALPRAYERS

Volume 1 a daily devotional prayer book

by Pastor Richard Buxton

COMING SOON!


Next Meetings:Friday 27th April Friday 25th May

A night of intercessory prayers, celebration, thanksgiving and praise!

The last FRIDAY of every month

10pm-5am

All-NIGHT PRAyeR MeeTINGS

MonDAy To FriDAyMorning MEETingS

10.00am Meeting in Annexe Room 2 EvEning MEETingS

6.00pm (Hour of Encounter Mondays-Fridays) Foyer 7.�0pm (Prayer Explosion Tuesdays only) Foyer

Annexe Room 2 is on the main street to the left of ECC's main doors and can be accessed directly from the street

DAIly rEvivAl PrAyEr MEETings

For personal prayer, why not come along to our

ThE SEconD SunDAy EvEning oF EvEry moNTH AT 6.30pm

• Powerful worship!• Testimonies of God’s provision and healing• Bring all your requests – God specialises in the impossible! Jesus is The answer

PRAYER & HEALING MEETINGS

APRIL 2012

1st

15th

8th

22nd

MAY 2012

6th

20th

13th

27th

AMPM

AMPM

AMPM

AMPMAMPM29th

PRAISE & COMMUNION SERVICESpeaker:PastorRichardBuxton

CELEBRATION & MINISTRYSpeaker:PastorWilliamAnane-Forkuo

EASTER CELEBRATION SERVICESpeaker:PastorRichardBuxton

EASTER CELEBRATION & WORSHIPwithECCChoir&KidzAlive

Speaker:SamBlake

CELEBRATION SERVICESpeaker:PastorRichardBuxton


CELEBRATION SERVICESpeaker:PastorRichard

ASIAN EVENINGledbytheAsianmembersofECCSpeaker:PastorAoguTateyama

CELEBRATION SERVICESpeaker:PastorJohnGlass

GeneralSuperintendent,Elim


PRAISE & COMMUNION SERVICESpeaker:DrEliasMalki

MiddleEastGospelOutreach

CELEBRATION & MINISTRYSpeaker:PastorRichardBuxton


PRAYER & HEALING MEETINGSpeaker:PastorRajinderBuxton



CELEBRATION SERVICESpeaker:PastorWilliamAnane-Forkuo

EVENING CELEBRATIONtaken by ECC YouthSpeaker:RuthTrbojevic

AMPM

AMPM

AMPM

AMPM

SunDAy SErvicES at a glance9am, 11.15am, 6.30pm

PrAyEr MiniSTry @ Ecc

Sunday 1�th May

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICEFriday 6th April 2012

10.30am

COMING SOON!


1. THE BIBLE:WebelievetheBible,asoriginallygiven,tobewithouterror,the fully inspired and infallible Word of God and the supreme and finalauthorityinallmattersoffaithandconduct.2. THE TRINITY: We believe that the Godhead exists co-equally and co-eternallyinthreePersons,Father,SonandHolySpiritandthattheseThreeareoneGod,sovereignincreation,providenceandredemption.3. THE SAVIOUR:WebelieveinthetrueandproperdeityofourLordJesusChrist, inHisvirginbirth, inHis realandcompletehumanity, inHissinlesslife,inHisauthoritativeteaching,inHissubstitutionaryandatoningsacrificethrough His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to therighthandoftheFather,inHisheavenlyintercessionandHissecondadventtoreceiveHisChurch.4. THE HOLY SPIRIT:WebelieveinthedeityoftheHolySpiritWhoproceedsfromtheFatherandtheSonandthenecessityofHiswork inconvictionofsin,repentance,regenerationandsanctification,andthatthebelieverisalsopromisedanenduementofpowerasthegiftofChristthroughthebaptismintheHolySpiritwithsignsfollowing.ThroughthisenduementthebelieverisempoweredforfullerparticipationintheministryoftheChurch,itsworship,evangelismandservice.5. MANKIND:WebelieveintheuniversalsinfulnessofallmankindsincetheFall,renderingmansubjecttoGod'swrathandcondemnation.6. SALVATION: We believe in the necessity for salvation of repentancetowardsGodandfaithintheLordJesusChristbywhichthesinnerispardoned

andacceptedasrighteousinGod'ssight.ThisjustificationisimputedbythegraceofGodbecauseoftheatoningworkofChrist,isreceivedbyfaithaloneandisevidencedbytheFruitoftheSpiritandaholylife.7. THE CHURCH:Webelieveinthespiritualunityandthepriesthoodofallbelievers inChristand that thesecomprise theuniversalChurch, theBodyofChrist.8. THE MINISTRY: We believe in the ministries that Christ has set in HisChurch,namely,apostles,prophets,evangelists,pastorsandteachers,andinthepresentoperationofthemanifoldGiftsoftheHolySpiritaccordingtotheNewTestament.9. THE ORDINANCES: We believe in the baptism of believers in water inobediencetothecommandofChristandthecommemorationofChrist'sdeathbytheobservanceoftheLord'sSupperuntilHisreturn.10. THE COMMISSION:WebelievethattheGospelembracestheneedsofthewholemanandthattheChurchisthereforecommissionedtopreachtheGospeltotheworldandtofulfilaministryofhealinganddeliverancetothespiritualandphysicalneedsofmankind.11. THE COMING KING: We believe in the personal, physical and visiblereturnoftheLordJesusChristtoreigninpowerandglory.12. THE FUTURE STATE:Webelieveintheresurrectionofthedeadandinthefinaljudgmentoftheworld,theeternalconsciousblissoftherighteousandtheeternalconsciouspunishmentofthewicked.

FUNDAmENTAL BELIEFS oF THE Elim Pentecostal churches

Ecc Attendance and Finance Statistics

PASTOR RICHARD BUXTON'S MESSAGE ON GIVING

Thisisanaturallawaswellasaspirituallaw.Innature, ifyousowjustoneseedyouwillreaplittle,butifyousowmanyseedsyouwill reapaharvest. Also, If youeatall yourseedsandsownothing,youwillstarve.Thiscan be found in the book of 2 Corinthians8:1-5 and 9:6-11. In the Old Testament,tithing was part of the Law of Moses. GodwascommandingthechildrenofIsraeltobegenerous inorder to financeHiswork.But,atthesametime,therecameanevenmoregenerouspromise,asfoundbelow:

“Bringthewholetitheintothestorehouse”(Malachi3:10).

•

“Bringallthetithes…sothattheLordmaybless you in all the work of your hands”(Deuteronomy14:28-29).

Atitheis10percentofourgrossincome-beforeanydeductionsoftax,bills,etc.SomepeoplearguethattithingisanOldTestamentlaw,andnotaNewTestamentprinciple.BothOld and New Testaments show God’s willregardinggiving.Thedifferenceisthat,intheOldTestament, itwas compulsoryandGodset the measurement of giving. In the NewTestamentGodsays, “Youdecidewhat youwanttosow,andIwillmeasuretheamountyoureapbyyourownstandards.” Tithing is a choice, a freewill decision;there is no compulsion. However, there areconsequences that flow from our choices.

• You may say “Tithing is not compulsory, soIcangiveanyamount.”Well, if youchoosea measurement of giving to God which isminimal, God uses that same standard togive back to you (Luke 5:38). It is also amistaketothinkwewillbeleftimpoverishedifwegive,becausetheBiblesays,“AndmyGodwillmeetallyourneedsaccordingtoHisrichesinChristJesus”(Philippians4:19). My conclusion is: “Let us not becomeweary indoinggood, forat theproper timewewillreapaharvest,ifwedonotgiveup”(Galatians6:9). May God continue to bless you as youcontinuetogive.

Sandra DawoduFinance Assistant

A noTE from the Treasurer

PLEASE NOTE: You can now pay your tithes and offerings through the ECC website at www.ecc.org.uk

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 (*10.30am) Children Children ATTENDANCE 9.00am 9.00am 11.15am 11.15am 6.30pm FINANCE JAN FEB01 Jan 2012* 456 None None None None Tithes &08 Jan 2012 208 34 519 115 155 Offerings £55,264.57 £37,691.8315 Jan 2012 206 23 499 40 95 22 Jan 2012 235 30 509 77 202 Building29 Jan 2012 239 29 462 80 134 Fund £132.50 £613.0005 Feb 2012 166 None 308 42 6012 Feb 2012 240 33 436 89 142 Standing19 Feb 2012 269 40 455 54 131 Orders £10,789.61 £12,239.5326 Feb 2012 360 33 531 92 235

ThAnK you All For your giving ToWArDS KingDoM WorK!!!


FUNDAmENTAL BELIEFS oF THE Elim Pentecostal churches

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thatitdoesnotdeemsuitableforGrapevinemagazine;theEditor-in-Chief'sdecisionisfinal.

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IT IS FINISHEDJohnBaker

Assatanyelled,“Gotchanow!”Hisforeheadfurrowedwithdoubt.

Forthecrushed,beatenfigurethencriedhoarselyout:“Father,forgivethem,

fortheyknownotwhattheydo!”AndasHell’sbastionsstartedtofall

andDeathtoloseitsgripTheparchedlipsofJesusmanagedtogasp:

“Itisfinished”.

Satandeclared,“Iwon’ttellmytroops”.Godsaid,“Youhatethetruth

buttheWariswontodayandthatsituationwon’tchange.

MySonisgoingtoseizethekeysofDeathandHell.Whatyourtroopsandmine

allwitnessthisdayisthebeginningoftheendofyourreign.

Itisfinished”.

Now,thoughsatankeepsdevisingdeviousplanstokeepmankindfromGod,

AlmightyYahwehisstillsecureuponHisthroneandsaystous,“Thepricehasbeenpaid

foryoursinsandyourrebelliousways.TurntoJesus,forHehastriumphed.

Itisfinished”.

PO

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FO

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ADVERTISE YOUR GOODS OR SERVICES

ContactECCOfficefordetailson020 8840 7508

Music Ministry AssistantWearelookingforahighlymotivatedandenthusiasticindividual to support our Music and Worship Directorin all areas of the Music Ministry at Ealing ChristianCentre.

Asuitablecandidatewould:

•haveagoodworkingknowledgeofallaspectsofmusicandvisualproduction

•demonstrateexcellentadministrativeskillandbecapableofcompletingtasksindependently

•beanaccomplishedinstrumentalistorvocalisttoassistwithworshipservices,rehearsalsandteamdevelopment

Part-timeposition–24hoursperweekJobdescriptionavailableonrequest

PleasesendaletterofapplicationaccompaniedbyyourCVtoPastorRichardBuxtonattheECCofficeby22nd April 2012. Interviewstotakeplaceon2ndMay2012.

JOB VACANCY

MONDAY 16th APRIL1.30pm-4.00pm

Speaker:MissionaryVirpiSaha"TimesofEncouragement"

LUNCH-£3.00

MONDAY 14th MAYTOBECONFIRMED

PleasecontactSharonGrantforfurtherdetails

ADVANCE NOTICEMonday11thJune

DaytriptoLondonZoo

EV

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GR

EE

NS

KE

EP

FIT

C

OR

NE

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FellowshipFellowship

COMING

SOON!

Meetings start @ 2pm APRIL 4th EASTER BREAK 11th Merle Aqui 18th Prayer & Praise 25th Merle Aqui MAY 2nd Philip Symes 9th Merle Aqui 16th Prayer & Praise 23rd Merle Aqui 30th Rudy BrannW

ED

NE

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AF

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FE

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MONDAYS12.00pmtil1.00pmSTAY ACTIVE 4 LIFEwithfun,fitnessandflexibility

ONLY £2.00-atECC

THURSDAYS2.00pmtil3.00pmLOW IMPACT AEROBICS

Inspirationmovesandgrooves(pleasebringamat)ONLY £2.00-atECC

'LITTLE STARS' BABIES & TODDLERS GROUP

ManythanksforallwhosupportedtheDonate&Buyfundraisingevent,heldon29thFebruary,whichraised

£663.07forthefollowingcharities:RAYS OF SUNSHINE - grantingmagicalwishes

everyday.Visitwww.raysofsunshine.org.uk

ASHINAGA-educationalandemotionalsupportfororphansworldwide.Visitwww.ashinaga.org/en

LITTLESTARScontinuestomeetonWEDNESDAYSbetween12pmand2pm-term-timeonly

Allwelcome!


&Congratulations

Congratulationsto

BenandFunmiOLOSINMO

onthebirthoftheirdaughter

ADIYA TIRENIMIOLUWA

on5thMarch2012weighing3.435kg


POLISH FELLOWSHIP

Elim Springs

Every Sunday@ 2:�0pm

in theAuditorium

(Please use side entrance)

DElivErAncE MEETingSFor ECC attenders: Before coming for

deliverance for the first time, please make an appointment to speak to Pastor rajinder

Saturday 21st AprilSaturday 1�th May

For non-Ecc attenders:please contact

ELLEL mINISTRIES on 01252 794060

Borough-wide Evangelism11am - 1pm

Saturday 7th April hounSloW

Saturday 12th MayhounSloW

For all those wanting to take part in Evangelism, there will be meetings in the Auditorium on:

Sunday 1st April(after 2nd service)

Sunday 6th may(after 2nd service)

lighthouse Evangelism(in front of Ecc)

11am - 1pmThird Saturday of each month

next dates:Saturday 21st AprilSaturday 1�th May

EvAngEliSM EXPloSion12noon - 2pm

last Wednesday of every monthin front of Ecc

next dates:Wednesday 25th AprilWednesday �0th May

GENERAL NOTICES &FORTHCOMING EVENTS

ECCJapanese

FellowshipEvery Sunday @ 2:�0pm

in the FoyerFor details, please contact

Aogu & chiSATo TATEyAMA

[email protected]

GENERAL NOTICES &FORTHCOMING EVENTS

SUNDAY MORNING29th APRIL

Elim General SuperintendentPASTOR JOHN GLASS will be speaking at the morning services

SUNDAY EVENING22nd APRIL

ASIAN EVENINGInvitations available in the

Auditorium

REVIVAL PRAYERS - Volume 1 a daily devotional prayer book

by Pastor Richard BuxtonCOMING

SOON!


Atortured and bloodied young Man hangs on a cross.

Surroundedbyacrowdofwatchers,manyvoicescryout.Avoiceisheardabovetheothers,“Comedownfromthecrossandsaveyourself!”Othervoiceschimein,“That’sright.IfyoutrulyareGod’sSon,comedown,andwe’llbelieveinYou.”Thenation’sreligiousleaderspointaccusingfingersatthebatteredbodyonthecross.“Hesavedothers,butHecan’tsaveHimself!He’stheKingofIsrael!LetHimcomedownnowfromthecross,andwewillbelieveinHim.HetrustsinGod.LetGodrescueHimnowifHewantsHim.ForHesaid,‘IamtheSonofGod.’”Acriminalexecutedwithhimderides,“Aren’tYoutheChrist?SaveYourselfandus!”

WhatnowareallJesus’claims,miraclesandpromisesworthonthisdarkday?

Jesusjusthungthere;noescape,nodivinerescue.ItseemedthattheaccusationsthrownatHimwerejustified.IfHetrulywereGod’sSon,wouldn’tGodhavepreventedthis?

Weareleftwithtwoconclusions:eitherJesusdidn’tsaveHimselfbecauseHewasn’tableto,orbecauseHechosenotto.

WhicheveryoubelievewilldependonwhoyouthinkJesusis.ExamineJesus’life,andweareleftwiththreeconclusionsaboutHisclaims:eitherHewasaliar,oralunatic,orHewasindeedLord.

IfJesusisLordGod,thentheCreatoroftheuniversewasbeingkilledthatday.That’sexactlywhatoneofHisclosestfollowers,Peter,said,“YoukilledtheAuthoroflife…!”(Acts3:15).Canwereally

believethatthe‘Authoroflife’wasincapableofrescuingHimselffromdeath?JesusHimselfhadnodoubts.

WhenPeterdrewaswordtodefendJesusatHisarrest,Jesusstoppedhim:“Putyourswordbackinitsplace,”Jesussaidtohim,“forallwhodrawtheswordwilldiebythesword.DoyouthinkIcannotcallonMyFather,andHewillatonceputatMydisposalmorethantwelvelegionsofangels?ButhowthenwouldtheScripturesbefulfilledthatsayitmusthappeninthisway?”(Matthew26:52-54).

Twelvelegionscouldconsistofupto72,000soldiers.JesusistalkingaboutanunimaginablypowerfulforceatHisdisposal.Jesusdidn’tlacktheabilitytoescape.Hedeliberatelychosenotto.

AlthoughJesushadthepowertoescapeharmatanytime,therewasanappointedtimeforHimtosufferanddie;arighttime,forarightreason.Itdidn’tcomeunexpectedlytoJesus:itwasachoice.Fromthattimeon,JesusbegantoexplaintoHisdisciplesthatHeMUSTgotoJerusalemandsuffermanythingsatthehandsoftheelders,thechiefpriestsandtheteachersofthelaw,andthatHeMUSTbekilled,andonthethirddayberaisedtolife(Matthew16:21).

Unlikeus,JesuswasabletopredictexactlyhowandwhenHewoulddie.Itwas

Hischoice!Infact,thecircumstancesofHissufferinganddeathwereprophesiedhundredsofyearsbefore.Isn’titironicthattheonlypersoninhistory,whocouldtrulyescapedeath,whorepeatedlydemonstratedHismasteryoveritbyraisingothersfromthedead,deliberatelychosetodie?Heexplainedwhy:“Asaransomformany”(Matthew20:28).Today,weunderstanda‘ransom’tobeapaymentforthereleaseofahostage.InJesus’day,itmeantmoreaboutapaymenttoliberatepeoplefromslavery.

How is Jesus’ death a ‘ransom’?Hecametoliberateallpeoplefromsin.SinissuchaterribleoffenceagainstGodHimself,thatitcan’tsimplybeignoredorforgotten.ItmatterstoGod.Andthereisapricetobepaidforsin,asJesus’warningsabouthellclearlyshow.Howcananyofuspaythatprice?Noamountofmoneyorgooddeedscanmeetthatransomdemand.It’simpossible.

Butthereisaway–onlyoneway–thattheransomcanbepaid:thedeathofJesus,theSonofGod.Itisaperfectplan,becauseonlyaperfect,sinlesspersoncanpaytheprice,andJesus,astheSonofGod,wassinless.Hepaidtheransomfor‘many’.It’stheperfectplanbecauseitshowshowlovingGodis.We’veallwishedthatGodwouldstayoutofourbusiness,sothatwecanlivelifeonourownterms–stayoutofourdecisions,ourfamilylife,ourfinances,oursexualrelationshipsandourfutureplans.Butdespitethis,astheBibleputsit,“GoddemonstratesHisloveforusinthis:whilewewereyetsinners,Christdiedforus”(Romans5:8).

It’stheperfectplanbecauseitshowshowjustGodis.Aperfectjudgewouldneverlettheguiltygofree.Andthat’swhyJesushadtodie‘asaransomformany’.InJesus,Godwassaying,“Imustpunishsin–otherwisethere’snojustice.ButIloveyou,soIwillservethesentenceMyself,sothatyoudon’thaveto.”It’stheperfectplan:God’sjusticeissatisfied-theransomhastobepaid.AndGod’sloveissatisfied-Hisloveprovidedtheransom.GodHimselfistheransom.

Does that mean that Jesus had to die to save everyone?IfoursinswerenotthatserioustoGod;ifwearenotsinnersinneedofsaving,thenJesuswouldneverhavechosentodieasHedid.HegaveHislifeforusbecauseHelovesussomuch.NotbecausewedeserveHislove–infacttheopposite-butbecausethat’showextraordinary,howselfless,howdeath-defyingGod’sloveis.

PastorJOHN STARR

IF JESUS REALLY WAS GOD’S SON, HOW COME HE GOT

kIlleD?

Jesus didn't lack the ability to

escape.He deliberately

chose not to.

It is better that we make no vows, than to make a vow and

not keep it (Ecclesiastes 5:5-6). And there are very good reasons why rash vow-making, while it may feel good at the time, can lead to major drama in our lives. An extreme example of this is Mr Jephthah (Judges 11:30); it’s important for you to read Jephthah’s story...

Now, you will be surprisedhow many vows - big andlittle ones - we make almostdaily. God takes vow-makingvery seriously, and when weunderstandGod'smindonthematter, we too will view vow-makingwithcaution.

Vows can be beautifulevents, like getting marriedor committing our lives toJesus Christ. Other vowscan be made when we arehurt by someone we trust.Sometimeswe‘vow’to‘neverletthathappenagain’...Thesevows, made in the heat ofthemoment,aredangeroustoour spiritual health! The lessobviousvowsarethelittlevows

which have become normalphrasesinconversation,suchas "neverme again", or - thisis a good one - "I'm neverdoing that again." Ever heardthosewordscomeoutofyourmouth?Well,you'vejustmadeavow!

Why are we warned aboutmakingvows?Well, let'sstartwith the question: What isa vow? A vow is a freewillDECISION... Hence marriageis such a great vow; you aremaking a freewill decision tolove,honour,cherish’tildeathdo you part. God can reallyblessthatvow!

Now, let's tackle thosedangerous little vows. Everbeen hurt by someone?Have you ever vowed that aparticular person will neverhurt you again, and so youavoid being in any situationwith them? Here's why Godcan't support that vow. TheHoly Spirit is supposed to

help us make our decisions,and each decision should bebased on the circumstances,not on a previous vow. WhenwemakeavowthatXorYwillnothappentousagain,weareremoving the role of the HolySpirit in that situation, andreplacing it with a previousdecision (vow), made from aplace of hurt. Our vows aresupposed to be made from aplaceoffaith!

So,arewesupposed toallowpeople to continue hurtingus?

OK, if we become perfectat making little vows, whensomething happens that wedon't like, guess what we willdo instinctively? Yes, you’vegotit–wemakeanotherlittlevow.Youmaynotlikethis,butturningtheothercheekmeanspotentially going through thesame situation again, withpotentiallythesameoutcome.However, going through that

experiencewiththeHolySpiritmeansanalternative,powerfuloutcome is possible. Then wecan confidently say, "I can doall things through HIM whostrengthens me." Rash vows

prevent us experiencing thisawesome power of the HolySpirit.

Imagine if Paul, after beingarrested the first time, hadsaid,"Nevermeagain."Infact,Paul was arrested countlesstimesafterthat,andeachtime,more and more people heardthe Gospel as a consequenceofhisarrests.

Solet'savoidmakingrashvowsfromtoday,andsimplyrelyonthe ALL-Sufficient One to getusthroughALLourchallengingsituations-intovictory!

Practical Truths for Today's Livinghow to...

AvoiD MAKing rASh voWS


Vows can be beautiful events, like getting married or committing our lives to Jesus Christ

The Holy Spirit is supposed

to help us make our

decisions, and each decision

should be based on the

circumstances, not on a

previous vow

roy McEwen


DavidMENZINGER

One evening I heard a Joyce MeyerCD playing from my neighbour'shouse. My neighbour invited me toherchurchandIbecameaChristiana year ago because I wantedsalvation and everlasting life, and

alsohealing.SherinaMINTA

Although I was born into a Christianfamily, I have now accepted Jesusinto my heart for myself, and I'mgetting baptised in obedience to His

Word.

EhimaELEMA

I became a Christian in 2008 andsincethenithasbeenwonderful!

JustynaZAJACZKOWSKA

JacquelineLAMBERT

JohnMACHARIA

I became a born-again Christian on4thDecember2011.WhenIbecamea Christian I felt proud of myself,becauseIhadreachedmygoal.Iwantto take my relationship with God a

stepfurtherasIgrowinChrist.

Through the waters of BAPTISM

MaryMACHARIA

IbecameaChristianon4thDecember2011.IamreallyproudaboutbeingaChristian,becauseyoucan reallygetto know God so much. I got saved,andIwouldliketobebaptisedtoget

toknowGodbetter.

AnitaBRUCE-MILLS

I was born and raised in a Christianfamily, and have attended Sundaychurch services all my life. I neverreallyunderstoodthegreatimportanceofituntilayearago.IsawChristianityas justa listofrulesandregulations,and really did not have any real

relationshipwithGod.

Q


Ekaterina PANSHINATotellGodthatIwanttofullybelongtoHim.Iameagerto

bepartofHisfamily.

KimAUGUSTINE

Ifeltitwastherighttime.

Through the waters of BAPTISM

BAPTISMAL SERVICESUNDAY 22nd JANUARY 2012

AtEalingChristianCentreweholdbaptismalservicesthroughout the year. Why? Because we believe inthebaptismofbelieversinwater(byfullimmersion)

inobediencetothecommandofChrist.

Water baptism is an outward, public sign of obedienceafter we have made the conscious decision to repentof our sins and receive the free gift of salvation. This iswhywedonotbaptisebabies,but ratherdedicate theminstead,untiltheyareabletomakethedecisiontofollowChrist for themselves. It follows the confession of ourfaith in theLord JesusChrist, and isoftena joyousandemotional occasion for the family and friends of thosebeingbaptised.Therewereatotalof13peoplewhowerebaptised:10fromECC,2fromECCJapaneseFellowship,andonefromPetraChurch.

We read of Jesus' baptism in Matthew chapter 3, Markchapter1andLukechapter3.InMatthewchapter28,wearetoldto"Thereforegoandmakedisciplesofallnations,baptisingthemintheNameoftheFatherandoftheSonandoftheHolySpirit."

If you are born again, and would like to be baptised atoneofourservices,pleasefillinaleaflet(availableintheInformationAreaatECC)orspeaktoPastorWilliam.

Tomoko WATANABE Q

Aya KIMURA(Readhertestimonyonpage5)

(OneECCpersonmissing...)

The new production hasalready debuted in the USA(September 2011) and hasbeen travelling throughout therestoftheglobesincetheNewYear(2012).

A special NEW BeautifulAfrica: A New Generationalbum, featuring the uniquecontemporary African musicstylingsof theChoirwillbeonsale during the tour. A tributephotographic book, detailingthe Watoto Story, will also bereleasedwiththetour.

Just as last year, we are in need of HOST FAMILIES to accommodate the children and guardians for three nights. Please kindly contact Ernestina Charles-Obi on 020 8799 2174 or via email [email protected] if you’re able to help.

Ernestina Charles-ObiChildren’s MinistriesCo-ordinator

Children's Ministry

WATOTO ARe BACk!!!

�0 GRAPEVINE • Issue 55 • April / May 2012

In conjunction with Children’s Ministry, Watoto is excited to

present a brand new choir tour entitled ‘Beautiful Africa: A New Generation’.

Thedynamic,vibrantproductionis indicative of the newgenerationofleadersemergingoutoftheprogramme.

Beautiful Africa: A NewGeneration features vibrant,originalmusic;danceroutines;stories of transformation;exciting audiovisual effects,and even music videos– all produced to celebratethe beauty of Africa and thetransformational power of theLOVEOFJESUS.

This is WATOTO’S 50THCHOIR TOUR - a significantmilestone for the plight andtransformation of the livesof millions of orphaned andvulnerablechildrenacross thecontinent.

Watoto Children’s Choirpresents CONCERTS OF HOPEas a voice for the cry of theAfrican child, many of whomhave suffered some of theworstatrocitiesknowntoman,but whose lives have beenrestoredbytheloveofJesus.

INVITE FRIENDS AND FAMILIES TO SUPPORT THIS GREAT CONCERT OF HOPE ON SUNDAY 15th JULY at 6.30pm.

YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT!!!

BeAUTIFUl AFRICA:A NeW GeNeRATION

50th MIleSTONe

BeAUTIFUl AFRICA:A NeW GeNeRATION

50th MIleSTONe

�1April / May 2012 • Issue 55 • GRAPEVINE �1

ECC SAYS HELLO TO MUYIWA...

EALING CHRISTIAN CENTRE (ECC) is part of the Elim Pentecostal family of churches, of which there are around 600 in the UK,

and which is in fellowship with approximately 8000 churches worldwide. Year by year, ECC has continued to grow steadily with people coming from every continent, joyfully blending into a multi-ethnic family, drawn from approx 100 nationalities. With its emphasis on prayer, worship, fellowship, discipleship and evangelism, the church seeks to live out its motto.

Now hundreds of Christians - of all ages and backgrounds - meet together for lively celebration on Sundays in the beautifully-restored decor of the 1200-seater auditorium, a former Odeon cinema, and in small Discipleship Cell groups during the week.

one family

of many nations

proclaiming

one gospel

through

many disciples

Weekly MeeTINGS@ SUNDAYS09.00 FIRST MORNING SERVICE09.30 LittleSeekers(Age2-5yrs)09.30 Finders(Age6-10yrs)09.30 TeensTalk(Schoolyears7-11) - single gender classes11.15 SECOND MORNING SERVICE11.45 Crèche(18mths-3yrs) Adventurers(Nursery3-4yrs) Discoverers(Age5yrs) Explorers(Schoolyears1&2) Investigators (Schoolyears3&4) Pioneers(Schoolyears5&6)11.45 NuTalk(Schoolyears7&8) Talkin'God (Schoolyears9,10&11) - single gender classes14.30 Polish Church Service14.30 Japanese Church Service18.30 SUNDAY NIGHTS AT THE CENTRE (seepage21fordetails)20.00 RefreshmentsinCoffeeLounge

MONDAYS10.00-12.00 DailyPrayerMeeting18.00-19.00DailyPrayerMeeting

TUESDAYS10.00-12.00 DailyPrayerMeeting19.30-21.15 Tuesday Night Prayer Explosion

WEDNESDAYS10.00-12.00 DailyPrayerMeeting14.00 WednesdayAfternoonFellowship18.00-19.00 DailyPrayerMeeting

THURSDAYS10.00-12.00 DailyPrayerMeeting19.00-21.30 EITC-BibleCollege Registrationrequired19.30-21.00 FirstSteps(fornewbelievers) Registrationrequired18.00-19.00 DailyPrayerMeeting

FRIDAYS10.00-12.00 DailyPrayerMeeting18.00-19.00 DailyPrayerMeeting19.00-21.30 EITC-BibleCollege Registrationrequired22.00-05.00 All-NightPrayerMeeting (LastFridayofeverymonth)

SATURDAYS11.00-13.00 StreetEvangelism

Prayer • Teaching • Praise & Worship • Evangelism & Missions • Fellowship for all AgesSchool oF MiniSTry (teaching ministry) | PrAyEr & hEAling | DElivErAncE

DiSciPlEShiP cEllS | chilDrEn & youTh MiniSTriES | EvErgrEEnS (Ministry for the retired)

For further information, tel 020 8840 7508; email [email protected], or visit www.ecc.org.ukEALING CHRISTIAN CENTRE • 268 Northfield Avenue • Ealing • London W5 4UB

Registered Charity No. 251549

... AND GOODBYE TO 29TH CHAPTER

Documents

Grapevine Apr/May 2012 - Issue 55