2021-08-31-accounts - God's Vineyard Ministries

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GOD'S VINEYARD MINISTRIES

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED: 31 AUGUST 2021

CHARITY INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

CIO NO 1168046

Contents	Page
Legal and Adminstrative Information	1
Report of the Trustees	2-5
Statement of Financial Activities	6
Balance Sheet	7
Notes forming part of the financial statements	8-12
The following page does not form part of the Statutory Accounts
Income and Expenditure Account	13

God's Vineyard Ministries

Reference and Administrative information

Charity Incorporated Organisation Name:

Charity Incorporated Organisation Number:

Principal Address

Trustees

Bankers

Accountants

God's Vineyard Ministries

1168046

292 Derby Road Lenton Nottingham NG7 1QF Dr O O Olubowale Chairman Mr Kevin Price Secretary Barrister Dennis Ekagha Pastor Jerome Obode Dr Jaf Abu Barclays Bank Plc 2 Bishop Meadow Road Loughborough LE11 5RB National Westminster Bank Plc 56 Churchill Square Brighton BN1 2ES Royal Bank of Scotland 13 Derby Road Nottingham NG1 5AA PVG Accounting Services 344 Moston Lane Manchester M40 9JS

Page 1

God's Vineyard Ministries Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 August 2021

The trustees present their annual report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' effective 1 January 2015.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

God's Vineyard Ministries was originally a charitable organisation registered with the Charity Commission and governed by a Trust Deed dated 5th August 2001 and supplementary deed dated 14th May 2003 until 12th November, 2018 when it fully changed status to Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

Generally trustees are appointed by Board of Trustees. Trustees are appointed by invitation as at when required and depending on their expertise and requirements of the charity.

Induction and training of new trustees

We arrange appropriate training both internally and through other voluntary training providers. The trustees and all involved in running the charity, including volunteers are always encouraged to acquire the necessary skills required for the achievement of the charity objectives.

Additionally, new trustees are invited and encouraged to attend series of short training sessions to familiarise themselves with the charity and the context within which it operates.

Organisational structure

The trustees who served during the period and up to the date of the report are set out above. The day to day responsibility for the running of the charity lies with the Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor is accountable to the Board of Trustees who are ultimately responsible for all strategic decisions of the charity.

The trustees meet regularly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. All trustees including the senior pastor give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. There are full time employees who are engaged in the administrative running of the Church office. The charity is also assisted by members who render voluntary services.

Risk Management

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to operations and finances of the charity, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to major risks.

Objectives and Principal Activities

Our objectives and principal activity is to promote the advancement of the christian faith, the relief of poverty to general public and promotion and fulfilment of various charitable causes within the local community and such other parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the trustees think fit.

The Charity pursues these objectives by operating at the headquarter church in Nottingham and across our satellite churches.

Mission statement

To minister to the total man through:

a) Church Planting: To have churches planted all over the United Kingdom and abroad.

b) Prison Ministry: Providing support and encouragement to offenders while in the Prison. Mentoring programs aimed at befrending ex-offenders to help and re-integrate them into the society.Skill development that can help them to be gainfully employed.
c) Ministry to the Homeless: Sharing God's love with the homeless and vulnerable people in the community.
d) Family Forum: Quarterly programmes which focus on relevant family issues; parenting, relationships, communication etc.
e) Youth Development &Capacity Building: Library open to students and others in the community, computer training specially designed to help equip the youth for employment, seminars, counselling on drug addiction, marriage, carreer etc.

Page 2

God's Vineyard Ministries Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 August 2021

Ensuring Our Work Delivers Our Aims

We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. This review looks at what we achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. The review looks at the success of each key activity and the benefits theyhave brought to those groups of people we are set up to help. The review also helps us ensure our aim, objectives and activities remained focused on our stated purposes. We have referred to the guidiance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aim and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

The Focus of Our Work

Our main objectives for the year continued to be the advancement of the Christian religion and the relieve of poverty and sickness. The policy of God's Vineyard Ministries is to pursue objectives in the following ways:

Provision of Weekly Churcces on Thursday and Sundays and to minister to physical,spiritual and material needs of the congregants.
Provision of services to individuals, families and community at large. The service includes a wide range of spiritual and social care.
Focusing on the material needs of certain members undergoing difficult financial situations.
Working with other Christian agencies and Churches in Nottingham, London, Derby, Manchester, Birmingham and Loughborough to advance the preaching of the Gospel.
Radical Youth outreaches in over 25 Universities in the United Kingdom at: Aston University(Birmingham) Bristol University, Derby University,Leicester University,Loughborough University,Manchester Univeristy, University of East Anglia,-Norwich Nottingham Trent Univeristy, Nottingham University(Headquater), Bradford University, Coventry University, Sheffield University etc.
Offering our services to anyone in need of spiritual help through free Christain counselling, prayers and deliverance solely on the basis of our ability to provide appropriate help and regardless of race, colour nationality, religion,gender,age, legal status and personal history.

Development and Achievements in the Year

The charity's events were properly managed, executed and reviewed for its impact on members. Our charity continues to grow in Sunday morning attendance, youth and children's ministry. We minister to the physical, mental and spiritual needs of our members and new comers in our midst. We have helped relief poverty and hardship amongst both regular and irregular congregants who are suffering from financial hardship due to unemployment and lack of financial resources.

The charity conducted crusades in the community to propagate the Christian tenets to non Christians. The charity has not undertaken any large capital projects although it continues to search for appropriate site to increase its charitable activities.

Financial Review

The charity was able to raise a total income of £551,949 during the year under review. This amount includes the Job Retention Scheme grant received from the government to support small businesses and charities during the Covid-19 period.

Principal Funding Sources

The principal funding sources for the charity are currently by way of donations and gifts from congregants through the offering basket passed during church services and though bank standing orders. We have exercised our right to reclaim the tax on the donations and gifts received from the congregants and this has proved a steady and growing source of additional income.

Investment Policy

The Charity retains a significant amount in the savings account. The objective of the investment policy is to invest in cash at banks where the capital is protected. The charity currently has a policy of keeping any surplus liquid funds in cash at banks where immediate access and security of funds is guaranteed.

Page 3

God's Vineyard Ministries Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 August 2021

Reserves Policy

It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds which are the free reserves of the charity at a level which equates to at least 3 months of unrestricted expenditure. This provides sufficient funds to cover management and administration and support costs and to respond to emergencies which may arise from time to time.

The expenditure for 2021 is £396,799 and therefore the targeted reserves should be between £99,200 and £198,399.50 in general funds. The reserves are needed to meet the working capital requirements of the charity and the trustees are confident that at this level they would be able to continue the current activities of the charity in the event of a significant drop in funding. The reserve policy was met during this year.

Plans for Future Periods

In the near future, the charity plans to expand its operations and will continue our drive towards providing more benefits to our community The Charity plans continuing the activities outlined above in forthcoming years subject to satisfactory funding arrangements such as Work Based Academy comprising - Youth Employment,Sector based Academy, Adult Education and Training for not in Education or Employment for not in Education or Employment/Vocational Training.

Page 4

God's Vineyard Ministries

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 August 2021

Trustees ' Responsibilities

Charity Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and applications of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements the trustees should follow best practice and the followings:

Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently

Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent

Prepare the financial statements on going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statement comply with the Charities Act 1993. They are also responsible for the safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Statement of Disclosure of Information to the Accountants

In accordance with charity law, as trustees, we certify that:

So far as we are aware, there is no relevant information of which the charity's accountants are unaware; and as the trustees of the charity we have taken all steps that we ought to have taken in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that the Charity's accountants are aware of that information'.

This report has been prepared,

By order of trustees:

Dr O O Olubowale Chairman

21 May, 2022

Page 5

God's Vineyard Ministries Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the God's Vineyard Ministries for the year ended 31 August 2021

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2021, which are set out on pages 7 to 13.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (The 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibilty to:

examine the accounts (under section 145(1) of the Charity Act 2011;

follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5)[b] of the Charity Act 2011; and

to state whether particular matters have come to my attention

Basis of Independent examiners statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning such matters.

The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair" view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below:

Independent examiners statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 2011; and

to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities, have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mrs Dorcas Olowoyo FCA, FFA/FIPA PVG Accounting Services & Consultancy Ltd 344 Moston Lane Manchester M40 9JS

Page 6

God's Vineyard Ministries

Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 August 2021

Notes Incoming resources Incoming resources from generated funds: Voluntary Income: Donations -Tithes and Offering Gift Aid Tax Reclaim Building Fund Youth Ministry Magazine/Calender Covenant Partner Sundry Income Job Retension Scheme Grant Derby City Council Grant Activities for generating funds: Investment Income Incoming resources from charitable activities: Grants & Contracts Total incoming resources Resources expended *Cost of generating funds* Costs of generating voluntary income 2 Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold Charity activities 3 Governance Costs 4 Total resources expended Net Incoming resources before other recognised gains Net movement in funds Reconciliation of Funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	2021 2021 2021 2020 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £ 368,186 - 368,186 358,716 87,971 - 87,971 83,943 14,869 - 14,869 20,052 4,675 - 4,675 30,756 544 - 544 130 1,858 - 1,858 2,213 278 - 278 848 73,568 - 73,568 41,018 - - - 10,000 - - - - - - - -
	551,949 - 551,949 547,676
	318,704 - 318,704 322,153 - - - - 74,595 - 74,595 130,250 3,500 - 3,500 3,500
	396,799 - 396,799 455,903
	155,150 - 155,150 91773
	155,150 - 155,150 91,773
	615,986 615,986 524,213
	771,136 - 771,136 615,986

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.

The notes on Pages 8 to 12 form part of these Accounts.

Page 7

God's Vineyard Ministries

Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2020

Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 8 Currents assets Debtors: amounts falling due 9 within one year Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 10 Total Assets less Current Liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due over one year 11 Net Assets Unrestricted funds General funds 12 Total funds	2021 £ 914,423 30,675 289,989 (50,850) 1,184,237 (413,101) 771,136 771,136 771,136	2020 £ 935,372 26,218 102,766
		(66,434)
		997,922 (381,936)

		615,986
		615,986
		615,986

Approved by the Board of Trustees on the 21 May, 2022 and signed on its behalf by:

Dr O O Olubowale Chairman

The notes on pages 8 to 12 form part of these financial statements.

Page 8

God's Vineyard Ministries

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2021

1. Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and in the preceding year.

(a) Basis of Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the inclusion of fixed assets investments at market value, and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities effective 1 January 2015.

(b) Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furthermore of the general objectives of the charity. Unrestricted funds include a revaluation reserve representing the restatement of investment assets at market values.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Trustees for particular purposes.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.

(c ) Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity , are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.

Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts.

Invested income is included when receivable.

Incoming resources from charitable trading activity are accounted for when earned.

Incoming resources from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.

(d) Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates:

Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of trading for fundraising purposes.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the accountancy fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.

All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SoFA (Statement of Financial Activities) on a of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on an basis designed to reflect the use appropriate basis e.g. floor areas, per capita or estmated usage as set out in Note 4.

Page 9

God's Vineyard Ministries

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2021

e. Fixed Assets

Fixed assets (excluding investments and Land and Building) are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The costs of minor additions or those costing below £1,000 are not capitalised. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write of the cost of each asset over its expected useful life, which in all cases is estimated at 4 years.

Depreciation of Building is calculated to write off its cost over 50 years on a straight line basis.

Investments held as fixed assets are revalued at mid market value at the balance sheet date and the gain or loss taken to the Statement of Financial Activities.

1. Donations

1. Donations
Donations -Tithes and Offering Gift Aid Tax Reclaim Building Fund Youth Ministry Magazine/Calender Covenant Partner Sundry Income Job Retension Scheme Grant Derby City Council Grant	Unrestricted Restricted 2021 2020 Fund Fund Total Total £ £ £ £ 368,186 - 368,186 358,716 87,971 - 87,971 83,943 14,869 - 14,869 20,052 4,675 - 4,675 30,756 544 - 544 130 1,858 - 1,858 2,213 278 - 278 848 73,568 - 73,568 41,018 - - - 10,000
	551,949 - 551,949 547,676

Total Resources Expended

2. Costs of Generating Voluntary Income	2. Costs of Generating Voluntary Income
	*Basis of Allocation*	*Church Work*	*Support Cost*	*Governance*	2021	2020
		£	£	£	£	£
Staff Costs	Direct	133,639	-	-	133,639	142,874
Bank Charges	Direct	-	28,960	-	28,960	30,484
Administration	Direct	-	25,203	-	25,203	35,689
Professional Fees	Direct	-	6,782	-	6,782	2,781
Support Costs	Direct	-	78,100	-	78,100	84,305
Premises	Direct	-	46,020	-	46,020	26,020
		133,639	185065	-	318,704	322,153
3. Charitable Activities
Ministry	Direct	74,595	-	-	74,595	130,250
		74,595	-	-	74,595	130,250
4. Governance Cost
Professional Fees	Direct	-	-	3,500	3,500	3,500
		-	-	3,500	3,500	3,500

Total Resources	Expended	208,234	185065	3,500	396,799	455,903

Page 10

God's Vineyard Ministries

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2021

5. Net incoming resources for the year

This is stated after charging: Depreciation Audit & Accountancy Fees	2021 £ 31,164 3,500 34,664	2020 £ 28,403 3,500
		31,903

6. Trustee Remuneration & Related Pay Transactions

No member of the Board of Trustees, Chief Executive/Senior Pastor received any remuneration during the year.

7. Taxation

As a charity, God's Vineyard Ministries is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or s256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have risen in the Charity.

8. Tangible Fixed Assets

Equipment Land & Motor Furniture 2021 Building Vehicles & Fittings Total £ £ 1,202,640 9,518 236,827 1,448,985 - 10,216 10,216	Equipment Land & Motor Furniture 2021 Building Vehicles & Fittings Total £ £ 1,202,640 9,518 236,827 1,448,985 - 10,216 10,216	Equipment Land & Motor Furniture 2021 Building Vehicles & Fittings Total £ £ 1,202,640 9,518 236,827 1,448,985 - 10,216 10,216
1,202,640 9,518 247,043 1,459,201
285,497 9,517 218,600 513,614 24,053 - 7,111 31,164
309,550 9,517 225,711 544,778
893,090 1 21,332 914,423
917,143 1 18,228 935,372
	2021 £ 30,675 30,675 2021 £ 3,500 47,350 50,850	2020 £ 26,218
		26,218
		2020 £ 3,500 62,934
		66,434

Page 11

God's Vineyard Ministries

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2021

11. Creditors: Amounts falling due after one year Mortgage Creditors Barclays Bounce Back Loan Long Term Creditors	2021 £ 363,101 50,000 413,101	2020 £ 381,936 -
		381,936

12. Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds

	General Designated Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £
Tangible Fixed Assets Investments Current Assets Current Liabilities Long Term Liabilities	914,423 - - 914,423 - - - - 320,664 320,664 (50,850) - - (50,850) (413,101) (413,101)
Net Assets at 31st August 2021
	771,136 - - 771,136

13. Movements in Funds At 1 Restricted Funds: Total Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds: General Funds Total Unrestricted Funds Total Funds	September Incoming Outgoing Transfers At 31August 2020 Resources Resources 2021 [Inc Gains] £ £ £ £ £ - - - - -
	- - - - -
	615,986 551,949 396,799 - 771,136
	615,986 551,949 396,799 - 771,136

	615,986 551,949 396,799 - 771,136

Page 12

God's Vineyard Ministries

Income & Expenditure for the year ended 31 August 2021

2021 2020 £ £ £ £ £ £ 551,949 547,676 121,632 129,633 6,000 7,443 2,604 3,367 3,403 2,431 133,639 142,874 6,839 9,831 2,002 2,401 36,171 12,186 1,008 1,602 46,020 26,020 1,066 2,123 27,894 28,361 28,960 30,484 1,844 4,267 8,001 10,392 5,187 2,462 1,517 1,952 8,654 16,616 25,203 35,689 9,116 11,608 7,606 6,029 8,364 48,585 6,504 16,959 2,904 11,781 15,013 15,679 24,926 19,223 162 386 74,595 130,250 6,782 2,782 3,500 3,500 10,282 6,282 30,420 37,517 582 899 13,624 14,366 31,164 28,403 2,310 3,120 78,100 84,305 (396,799) (455,903) 155,150 91,773 615,986 524,213 771,136 615,986	2021 2020 £ £ £ £ £ £ 551,949 547,676 121,632 129,633 6,000 7,443 2,604 3,367 3,403 2,431 133,639 142,874 6,839 9,831 2,002 2,401 36,171 12,186 1,008 1,602 46,020 26,020 1,066 2,123 27,894 28,361 28,960 30,484 1,844 4,267 8,001 10,392 5,187 2,462 1,517 1,952 8,654 16,616 25,203 35,689 9,116 11,608 7,606 6,029 8,364 48,585 6,504 16,959 2,904 11,781 15,013 15,679 24,926 19,223 162 386 74,595 130,250 6,782 2,782 3,500 3,500 10,282 6,282 30,420 37,517 582 899 13,624 14,366 31,164 28,403 2,310 3,120 78,100 84,305 (396,799) (455,903) 155,150 91,773 615,986 524,213 771,136 615,986	2021 2020 £ £ £ £ £ £ 551,949 547,676 121,632 129,633 6,000 7,443 2,604 3,367 3,403 2,431 133,639 142,874 6,839 9,831 2,002 2,401 36,171 12,186 1,008 1,602 46,020 26,020 1,066 2,123 27,894 28,361 28,960 30,484 1,844 4,267 8,001 10,392 5,187 2,462 1,517 1,952 8,654 16,616 25,203 35,689 9,116 11,608 7,606 6,029 8,364 48,585 6,504 16,959 2,904 11,781 15,013 15,679 24,926 19,223 162 386 74,595 130,250 6,782 2,782 3,500 3,500 10,282 6,282 30,420 37,517 582 899 13,624 14,366 31,164 28,403 2,310 3,120 78,100 84,305 (396,799) (455,903) 155,150 91,773 615,986 524,213 771,136 615,986	2021 2020 £ £ £ £ £ £ 551,949 547,676 121,632 129,633 6,000 7,443 2,604 3,367 3,403 2,431 133,639 142,874 6,839 9,831 2,002 2,401 36,171 12,186 1,008 1,602 46,020 26,020 1,066 2,123 27,894 28,361 28,960 30,484 1,844 4,267 8,001 10,392 5,187 2,462 1,517 1,952 8,654 16,616 25,203 35,689 9,116 11,608 7,606 6,029 8,364 48,585 6,504 16,959 2,904 11,781 15,013 15,679 24,926 19,223 162 386 74,595 130,250 6,782 2,782 3,500 3,500 10,282 6,282 30,420 37,517 582 899 13,624 14,366 31,164 28,403 2,310 3,120 78,100 84,305 (396,799) (455,903) 155,150 91,773 615,986 524,213 771,136 615,986
6,839		9,831 2,401 12,186 1,602
2,002
36,171 1,008
1,066 27,894		2,123 28,361
1,844 8,001 5,187 1,517 8,654		4,267 10,392 2,462 1,952 16,616
9,116 7,606 8,364 6,504 2,904 15,013 24,926 162		11,608 6,029 48,585 16,959 11,781 15,679 19,223 386
6,782 3,500		2,782 3,500
30,420 582 13,624		37,517 899 14,366 28,403 3,120
31,164
2,310


	771,136		615,986

This page does not form part of the statutory accounts.

WELCOME TO GOD’S VINEYARD MINISTRIES

Here is a brief summary of who we are, what we are called to do, how we do it and how you can fit into this family. Our desire is to see you becoming a part of us and to find a place where you can serve God and fulfill your God ordanied purpose on the earth.

OUR MISSION

‘’Empowering lives and Building society’’

WHO WE ARE

OUR JOURNEY

We are not just a conventional church. We are more than a church; we are a family. God’s Vineyard Ministries is a God given vision, where God is the Gardener, Jesus is

God’s Vineyard Ministries (GVM) was founded in Nottingham, United Kingdom in 2001 by Dr. Ezekiel Olusegun and Dr. (Mrs.) Funmi Alawale, under God’s leading and instruction. During this period, the Lord led Dr. Ezekiel to Pastor E.A Adeboye, the General

the Vine and we are the Branches. Through this relationship, we spread the gospel to the world and bear fruits that abide to serve as the Vineyard of God on earth (John 15).

Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of

God, to submit under his spiritual leadership and mentorship.

Under Dr. Ezekiel & Dr. (Mrs.) Funmi Alawale’s oversight as Senior Pastors of GVM, the Ministry now has 6 Churches in the United Kingdom.

OUR VISION

‘‘To raise a people with a Kingdom mindset, to

discover their purpose, maximise their potentials and influence their generation with the Gospel of Christ.’’

OUR CORE BELIEFS

We believe that the Bible is the word of God: its doctrine is our doctrine.
We believe in God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We believe that Jesus Christ died for
the sins of the whole world, and rose up the third day for our justification.
We believe in Christ’s second
coming, the day of judgment and salvation of the faithful.
We believe salvation is obtained
through faith in the atoning work of
To create a platform to disciple everyone who becomes a member into Christ-like maturity [Matt 28:20; Col 1:28].

Jesus Christ on the cross. It is by grace.

We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We believe in the great commission: To go into the entire world and preach the gospel to all the people.

And prepare members for Christian service and missions [Matt 22:39; 28:19].

We believe in the efficacy of prayers in communicating with God through Jesus Christ. We believe in life after death.

With the ultimate objective of raising an army of believers whose sole aim is to glorify God in all things and make heaven [Matt 22:37-38].

We believe in investing in the development of the younger generation

WHAT WE DO

Youth work
School outreach
Community outreach [Prison Ministry, Food banks, etc]

OUR IDENTITY

God’s Vineyard Ministries is a praying church, and we are committed to raising a praying generation of young and old believers, who will put God’s Kingdom first. (Matt 6:33).

Work and career development
Family and relationship development

WHERE YOU CAN FIT IN

Men’s fellowship - Known as ‘Men of Radiance’
Women’s fellowship - Known as ‘Women of Excellence’
Youth Fellowship - Youth Church and Radical
Youth (RY).
We are also

committed to raising a generation of people who will be heavenly conscious and earthly relevant.

Teenager’s Fellowship - Known as ‘Vine Teens’ Children Ministry - Known as ‘Vine Heritage’ Couples Forum
House Fellowships
Various service groups across our branches.

Our identity is about seeking to help people discover their purpose and fulfill their destiny in God.

How we seek to achieve this: By reaching UP, By reaching IN and By reaching OUT.

OUR GOALS

To draw many into the GVC family
To offer them the opportunity to have personal encounter with Christ and become true members of God’s family [Matt 28:19]

4 THE VINE MAGAZINE

THE VINE MAGAZINE 5

----- Start of picture text -----
Dr Alawale started his early family
life and career in Niger State Nigeria,
where he worked at the General
Hospital alongside his wife, who
was also working at the time in the
same hospital. He left Niger state
in 1987 and later joined Jokotola
Memorial Hospital for two years as
a Medical officer. In 1989, he began
his postgraduate surgical training
with University of Ife Teaching
Hospital and later completed the in the same year. In 1995, he was to Nottingham and also to free
training at the University College ordained a full pastor and was his weekends to focus more on
Hospital (UCH) Ibadan. responsible for planting several the work of the Ministry
church branches while in the
Dr Alawale Lectured in Surgery at Ministry. He pastored Covenant God’s Vineyard Ministries
UCH and the University of Ibadan, Chapel Bodija before finally currently has six branches in
Nigeria; where he was the chief leaving for the UK to further his the United Kingdom and two
resident surgeon. He was later studies. branches in Nigeria (Lagos and
appointed a consultant in Pediatric Abuja). The Ministry also has
Surgery after his Fellowship in 1995. He received the call to pioneer a heart and calling towards
In 1996, he worked briefly in the God’s Vineyard Ministries the youth; with a vibrant and
Pediatric Surgery Unit in a hospital in 2001, while working as a fast growing youth ministry,
in Mannheim, Germany and later Pediatric Surgical Registrar, popularly called ‘Radical Youth’,
returned to Nigeria in 1997, after at Royal Alexandra Children currently established in 26
God spoke to him that Germany Hospital, Brighton, UK. universities in the UK, and still
was not the place for him. growing.
In February 1998, he took a study God’s Vineyard Ministry The Ministry hosts several
leave from the University of Ibadan Dr Alawale and his wife, Dr annual conferences and
Olufunmilayo Alawale, founded
to further his studies in pediatric events; including the Kingdom
God’s Vineyards Ministries,
surgery in the United Kingdom. Life Conference, Women of
popularly known as GVC; with its
Excellence Conference, Let Your
headquarters in Nottingham, UK,
Ministry Years Life Count (Youth) Conference,
in March 2001. They co-pastor
Prayer Conference, Young
the Nottingham church. Due to
In 1989, Dr Alawale was the head People & Singles Forum, and
the demands of long distance
of the Prayer unit at the Chapel of Youth Weekend Away.
weekly travels from Brighton to
Grace Ile-Ife, Osun State Nigeria.
Nottingham, Dr Alawale made
He was also the Intercessory unit Alongside his pastoral calling
the decision to give up his
leader and Sunday school teacher and duties, Dr Alawale currently
while in UCH Ibadan. Surgery career and retrain as a works as a General Practitioner.
General Practitioner under the
He and his wife are blessed
VT Scheme for another three
In January 1994, he joined the with three lovely Children;
years in Mansfield. This was to
Sword of the Spirit Ministry and Tosin, Toyin and Tomi, and two
was ordained an Assistant Pastor give him the liberty to relocate beautiful granddaughters.
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KLC 2022

KINGDOM LIFE CONFERENCE 2022

Pastor Agu Irukwu

Pastor Agu is the senior pastor of The Redeemed Christian Church Of God, Jesus House London. Having read law at the University of Warwick, he began his legal career as a barrister and then progressed into investment banking. He was ordained as a pastor in 1993 and became senior pastor of Jesus House in April of the following year, two months after the church was set up.

Rev Samson Ajetomobi

Rev Samson Ajetomobi, is an Agricultural Engineer by profession and a member of several professional bodies of managers. He is a televangelists and the President of The Men of Issachar Vision Incorporated (MIV),which commenced in 1989 and the Overseer of the Redemption Faith Churches is a man called by God with the mandate to reach the unreached at all cost and reawaken the Church to her responsibilities.

Brother Gbile Akanni

Brother Gbile Akanni heads the Living Seed Ministry located in Gboko, Nigeria, which is committed to turning believers into disciples. The ministry is trans-denominational and reaches into every strata of the nation.

He is the author of many books and has published life changing magazines. His Ministers’ Leadership Retreat, which takes place in December every year, is attended by 15,000 leaders from all walks of life. Brother Gbile travels extensively and his authoritative teaching is deeply challenging and lifechanging, and he has a deep desire to see a mighty visitation of God in these crucial times.

Reverend Funke Felix-Adejumo

Reverend Funke Felix-Adejumo, a graduate of English, is a woman with deep insight into God’s word. She is in high demand as a Conference and Seminar speaker. Her weekly Television Broadcast (The Woman) reaches many homes.

She is also the convener of the annual “Woman In Conference”, “Mother’s Summit” and “Women On The Winning Edge”, to mention a few. She is the Vice-President of Agape Christian Ministry and she is married to Bishop Felix Adejumo, the president of Agape Christian Ministries Inc., Akure, Nigeria.

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Some Couples Are Not Enjoying The Blessings of Why Marriage

Reverend Funke Felix-Adejumo

God’s Vineyard has a deep commitment to the marriage institution. Every year the couples forum committee helps to facilitate programmes aimed at strengthening marriages. Just to mention a few, in 2021, a Singles and Couples Conference was held from 14th-16th May, with the theme ‘Back To Eden’. There was also a couples breakfast on the 13th of November 2021, with focus on certain qualities that make-up a healthy marriage, namely; good communication, transparency, mutual-respect, intimacy, etc. A special dinner session was also held for couples who have been married for up to 5 years.

The following article features some of the highlights from Reverend Funke FelixAdejumo’s message at the ‘Back To Eden’ conference. She spoke on what marriage is, The five phases of marriage, benefits of unity in marriage and what a man and woman want or desire from each other.

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Marriage could mean different things to way traffic, neither is it a 50/50 affair; it is different people. To some it is a necessary 100/100. Marriage is sweet based on the evil; doing it because it has to be done. cutlery you use. It is the highest level of To some, a social contract dictated by friendship anyone can ever experience. traditional and societal beliefs; to others an organised relation, a business transaction, Marriage goes through different stages. etc. Friendship with your partner is an absolute key to a long-lasting marriage. Marry your What is Marriage: friend! Marry someone you know and like Marriage is a gift of God [Genesis 2:18]. very well. Always speak to your heavenly Adam never asked for a wife, nor did Eve Father [GOD] about whoever you might a husband; HE gave them to each other. be interested in for marriage. Ladies, don’t Marriage is a covenant relationship not a marry a man because of what he drives; contract; it is for life. Marriage is a mystery marry him because of what drives him.

Marriage is a gift of God [Genesis 2:18]. Adam never asked for a wife, nor did Eve a husband; HE gave them to each other. Marriage is a covenant relationship not a contract; it is for life. Marriage is a mystery that is meant to be unravelled [Proverbs 30:19]. It’s a divine calling.

Your spouse is someone you associate with on all levels, psychologically, financially, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and all [Genesis 2:25]. Your spouse is somebody who knows your faults and accepts you just as you are, but helps you grow to who you could be. But be careful not to marry a parasite, for they’ll suck the life out of you. As we rise on the ladder of success, honest feedback becomes rare.

Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman. In a marriage relationship both parties seek to give and to receive satisfaction of healthy needs, desires and expectations. It is not about perfection; it’s about progress, where both choose to be the right person, choose to contribute, choose to please GOD. It's not a one-

Your spouse is meant to tell you humanity of your spouse shows the truth, to help you realise the up. Marriage is whatever you make purpose of God for your life. out of it; no one wants a liability in their marriage. You must help each Your spouse can be transparent, other during this phase and ensure honest and vulnerable with you. that you let no one’s opinion You can count on them in times dictate the reality of your marriage.

Gracious phase: You have an indepth understanding of each other as well as yourself. You’ve done it all, you’ve seen all there is of your spouse. It’s a beautiful stage. Ageing together, sit back to watch your children and grandchildren thrive. Here you enjoy the compound interest of the hard work and effective planning together you’ve put into your marriage. This is a beautiful and blissful phase.

Your spouse can be transparent, honest and vulnerable with you. You can count on them in times of crises. A good spouse will stand for and by you

I am not a fool or ‘what about me’ phase: This phase is loaded with tensions and most couples separate because each one is trying to find out what they want

A good marriage is not a masterservant relationship. Husbands, your wife is not inferior to you. You were not created to dominate her. If you want to know how to treat your wife in the right way, just look at how Jesus treats you.

What a man wants from a woman

in life; who they are aside from this marriage, individual legacies. Hence most couples begin to act selfishly, which might have a negative impact on the marriage, causing a lot of tension. This phase requires a lot of prayers, understanding, sacrifice, selflessness, etc. Identify the root of the problem and deal with it properly.

Respect: Every man has ego; rich or poor, tall or short, every man has an ego. Also fulfilling sexual relations: Wives, do not take your husband for granted; make it your commitment to make him enjoy your union sexually.

Five Phases Of Marriage

The honeymoon phase: You’re both excited and deeply in love with one another, spending time exploring each other, a period of intimacy and love, practising every single thing you learnt about being a wonderful husband and wife. It is intended by God for this phase to last forever.

Furthermore, a man wants a decent and neat woman; an intelligent, hospitable, forgiving and Godly woman. A non-arrogant, submissive woman. Submission is strength; not subjugation.

Teamwork or Cooperation phase:

Couples working together to better and Godly woman. A non-arrogant, understand each other, sorting out submissive woman. Submission is the issues and the problems by strength; not subjugation. sitting down to discuss practical What a woman wants in man steps on how to better solve the Someone to look up to; a friend not problems. It requires lots of prayers, understanding, and endurance. a boss, a decent man. A man who Consistent effort is put into building validates her both in public and in private. A man that speaks her your home, raising your children, improving your finances, furthering love language, meets her needs, defends and protects her your careers. If you get it right, it’s a wonderful accomplishment.

Reality phase: Life is dawning on you, and slowly but surely you realise the flaws and shortcomings of your spouse. Welcome to the University of Marriage! Each marriage is unique; you cannot compare it with another, you build it with one another. No one else can build but you. At this stage the

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OPE AND EBUN ADEJUYIGBE

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PRECIOUS AND AJI
THOmAS
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Short story line: How we met

We met at a mutual friend’s fundraising event. On a flight from Italy, Aji randomly met a long-time friend of Precious, who later invited him to an occasion organised to support family and friends. Both of us were completely unaware that our common friend actually prayed to God that we would connect at the event.

discussed as many life topics as we could think of.

Any challenges?

We could say COVID-19, although we eventually realised it was a blessing in disguise for us – in all things we are learning to place our complete trust in God. Another challenge was around where to build a home as we initially lived far from each other and both wanted a change. Words and pages wouldn’t be enough to testify of God’s goodness and how we both ended up in Nottingham and especially at GVC.

How I knew she was the one

After the event, I picked up the conversation with her a month later – yeah slow, right?! Anyway, we started getting to know each other. I had my resolve with God not to make a decision until He directed me. As I prayed, and we spoke over a vast range of topics, I realised her hunger for God and the overwhelming peace of God in my heart.

How the marriage counselling went - Was it helpful in

any way?

What I did when He spoke to me

Aji made his intentions clear right from the first date. This gave me some reassurance that he had good motives and he wasn’t interested in casual dating but a long-term relationship. As we started having regular communication, I prayed and asked God to guide me and also to dissolve the relationship if it wasn’t His will.

Marriage counselling helped in shaping our understanding of God’s intent for marriage as well as providing principles and practical examples to help us build a thriving relationship. We strongly recommend counselling before any marriage in our ‘modern’ world.

What have we learnt in these early days of our

marriage?

What role did parents and mentors play

Communication is key! We are each other’s best friend and being on the same wave-length just makes it an absolute joy to be married. The first year is special in its way and we tackle issues immediately as they arise, making sure we build a solid and Godly foundation for the future.

We both came to the table with clear ideas of what to look for in a godly spouse. Parents, mentors, pastors, and Christian friends had enormous impact in the way we approached the relationship and made our choices.

The build-up to marriage

Advice to soon to be married

Following our introduction, we took enough time to prepare for the marriage. When all was said and done, we had undertaken counselling with three different ministries (though, this wasn’t intentional), read and discussed various books on marriage, prayed and fasted together, spoken with mentors and models, attended Christian singles retreat, and

There is safety in counsel; bible-based counsel. We also realised that preparation time was important, while taking time to know and really understand each other. Above all, you need God, so be sure you are in-tune and listening.

Short story line: How we met

Ebun: We actually met at God’s Vineyard Church. Ope was here visiting during his last Sunday in Nottingham and after the church service he walked up to me to introduce himself. After a brief conversation, he asked for my number. I was rather reluctant but couldn’t think of a good reason to say no at the time, so I gave it to him. He later told me I had ‘distracted him throughout the service’. He’d spotted me backing up during the praise and worship and then had gone to find out who I was.

How did you know Ebun was the one?

Ope: When I saw Ebun, I knew she was the one immediately; something in me resonated with her even though I’d never met her. I was advised by my mentor earlier in the year to pray about my choice of wife, and during the process of prayer, I felt led to the story of Isaac and Rebekah as a picture of how I would meet my wife. I equally had a perception about the time period in which I would meet her. When it was time, things happened in exactly the time period and in the manner in which I had perceived. Additionally, I had a very specific description of what the person would look like. I remember describing them to my Aunt a week before I met Ebun and was chastised for greatly narrowing my options, but in the end God was simply at work in me to will and to do His good pleasure

What exactly did you do as the man and what did she do when you spoke to her?

Ope: I silenced my fears and went to speak to her! I knew I didn’t have much to lose if she said no to me at that point. After I’d spoken to her, she told me she would let me know when she was ready for a call at a later date - this took about a week. I was very honest with Ebun from the start about where I saw the relationship going and who I

thought she was to me.

What role did parents and mentors play

Ebun: Both our mentors and parents played big roles in the process for us, by praying along and giving Godly advice. My mentor was able to advise me on questions to ask and behaviours to observe when we went on our first date. Also my parents were able to give further confirmation regarding my choice in Ope. God had spoken to them 18 months previously about the process of marriage and they both knew things about Ope’s character before they’d even met him, which they just confirmed in person. Both sets of parents were incredibly supportive of our decisions and the quick progression of our relationship - we can’t thank them enough!

Ope: My mentor was also very supportive in providing Godly counsel about managing the relationship and the boundaries we should maintain during the engagement period.

In the build up to the marriage, were there any challenges?

Both: In truth, compared to many couples we don’t think we had many challenges, as the process was very quick for us: less than a year from when we first met to when we got married. The main ‘challenge’ we faced was to reassure people we knew what we were doing. The decision making was very easy for us as we had both felt we heard God on the matter and other godly people confirmed it. Having two sets of godly parents made things much easier. They were able to

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Vine Teens Summer Camp 2021

by Joanna Mwansa

GVM Vine Teens had their annual summer camp on Saturday 14th August 2021. This was an exciting event because the teen did not get to do anything last summer due to the global pandemic. Although the summer camp happened as a one day event in the GVM auditorium rather than a residential trip away from home for a few days, the teenagers still enjoyed it. We had a total of 29 teens which included 20 teens from GVM Nottingham, 4 teens from GVM Loughborough, 2 teens from GVM Derby and 3 visitors.

centered life; we want them to excel in every area of their lives. It is important to lead them to Christ from a young age so that the foundation can be set, as they grow up and go to university it’s easy to succumb to peer pressure and to lead an ungodly life. We want them to remain in Christ at every stage of their lives.

The Vine Teens teachers agreed that the Vine Teens summer camp camp would go on this year following began at 10am till 6pm, Covid guidelines, and we also decided it was a day of worship, to make it free because we understood seminars, games and that some parents have more than one activities. We had teenager attending the camp; we simply 4 guest speakers wanted to make it accessible to all. God’s and 2 Vine Teens Vineyard Ministries sponsored the event teachers lead us in to cover food, drinks and snacks for the the seminars. The whole day. GVM believes in empowering first seminar was led by the teenagers to live an enriched Christ

first seminar was led by Mr Opeyemi

heart and a new spirit’ focusing on King David, the aim of this was to

Adejuyigbe, he spoke about a ‘New

as someone who is still in university and was able to share some helpful tips for those who are preparing to start.

encourage t h e t e e n a g e r s to have a r e n e w e d heart and mind through the Holy Spirit and he ended the session with an Altar call.

Our final seminar was split into two sessions, male & female. Female session led by Miss Joanna Mwansa and male session led by Minister Clive Burton. These sessions were focused on relationships with self and others. Minister Clive focused on Identity, and understanding the basic temperaments which will allow us to have healthy relationships with others. Joanna focused on self-esteem and how that can affect how you relate with people and then gave biblical truths on how God wants the teens to see themselves through His own eyes. She also explored boundaries and how they can set healthy boundaries within their friendships groups so that people will never take advantage of them.

The second seminar was led by Vine Teens teacher Dr Ebun Adejuyigbe, she focused on emotional and mental health, discussing topics such as depression and anxiety. Mental health difficulties are very prevalent within teenagers with alarming suicide rates in the last 2 years. “There were 5,691 suicides in England and Wales in 2019, that is 321 more compared to the year before.” – Samaritans. Then Dr Ebun also gave helpful ways in which they can look after themselves and also how

We were also joined by Senior Pastor, Dr Ezekiel Alawale, who closed the evening off in a time of prayer and also did an Altar call.

God wants them to have a healthy mind and soul.

The third seminar was on academic excellence led by Mrs

Tope Osaze and Miss Mayowa As you can see from the topics Olubowale, an ex-Vine Teen who explored during the day, we wanted spoke to the 3 teenagers going to to make sure that we address university in the year matters that relate to the teens 2021. Tope spoke to and to give them a chance to ask the teenagers about questions and to reflect on some excellence and diligence of the things they may need to in their studies and how change in their own lives. We hope the Grace of God and that it wasn’t just a one day event planning in advance can for them but an event that will help really help them to excel. She them to make better decisions also gave tips on how they which will align them with their God can improve in their exams given destiny. and also learn how to utilize their teachers. Mayowa focused on the university journey,

Tope Osaze and Miss Mayowa Olubowale, an ex-Vine Teen who spoke to the 3 teenagers going to

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God’s Vineyard Ministry’s School Of Ministry (GVM-SOM)

GVM–SOM was commissioned in April 2011 by Dr Ezekiel Alawale as part of the continuing quest to fulfil the divine mandate of God’s Vineyard ministries; ‘Empowering Lives and Building Society’. The ultimate objective of the school is to ensure that ‘the man of God is perfected, thoroughly furnished unto every good work’. The school has since graduated over 130 students, who are serving in various capacities in the Kingdom of our Lord. The school currently boasts of a number of high quality academic staff and a research board.

SOM Graduation Ceremony at the Kingdom Life Conference in March 2020

Contact details:

Dr Joseph Nipah- GVM Director of Training & Development: 07734957502, jonipah@yahoo.com

Mr Olawale Ogunmola- GVM Administrator: 07734957501, admin@godsvineyardministries.org

Course Structure:

The course structure is a modular system involving the following arrangement:

• The programme can be completed within one or two years

• Class lectures are supplemented by “home Studies.”

Each module is usually thought in four sessions, on Tuesday nights, 7.00-9.30pm
• One week breaks between modules, with a longer break from Dec to Jan
On-Line facilities are available for distant students for the entire duration of the course.

Course Content:

Leadership
Introduction to Counselling
• Foundation Theology
Old & New Testament Surveys
Church Administration
Introduction to Biblical Doctrines
• Mission, Evangelism and Revival.
Bibliology and Hermeneutics (Understanding the Bible & Biblical Interpretation)
• Pastoral Ministry and Homiletics

Date and Time:

The academic year of the GVM-SOM runs from May to February each year. However, as a result of the modular nature of the course, students can join the programme at any stage within the year and work through the modules.

Cost:

The only cost students are eligible to pay is £200 to cater for stationery and administrative costs. Payment can be made by instalments. The course is subsidised by God’s Vineyard Ministries.

We wish to use this opportunity to encourage everyone, who desires to play a leading role in the Kingdom and influence our society with Godly virtues to contact the leadership of the school to take advantage of this great opportunity that God has blessed us with.

GVC LOUGHBOROUGH: THE YEAR 2021 IN REVIEW

he year 2021 began COMMUNITY OUTREACH: we had a colourful International with increases in GVC Loughborough recognises Sunday, where our different Covid-19 cases leading that God performed the miracle of cultures were showcased to Tto nationwide lockthe church property to empower demonstrate our unity in diversity. downs that greatly impacted on the local assembly to better fulfil the activities of the local church. His purpose in Loughborough. THE YOUTH: However, in March 2021 when Among other things, the church is GVC Loughborough has a sizable conditions were eased, the church constantly reminded that one of its student membership. On the third bounced back with fresh zeal and key purposes is to take the gospel Sunday of each month during enthusiasm. To the glory of God, into the community where we have University Term Time, our student the church has grown stronger been located. To the glory of God, members are given the opportunity

CURRENT LOOK OF THE GVC LOUGHBOROUGH CHURCH HALL

to showcase their gifts by ‘TakingOver the Service’. On those special occasions, the youth are made to plan and lead main aspects of the service such as Praise & Worship, Bible Studies, Coordinating, Ushering, etc.

ever since.

this reminder has given birth to a renewed focus on evangelism. The church has been actively driving this core agenda of God, through town centre outreaches and other special programmes, aimed at reaching our immediate environs with the good news.

CHURCH BUILDING WORKS:

Within the year, through the generous giving of members and partners, the Lord immensely provided the needed resources to continue with the refurbishment of the church property on Cradock Street. Carpets were laid, screens were fixed for projections, and several other mini projects were completed. 14/14A Cradock Street is indeed a testimony of God’s faithfulness and provision.

The local church also provides solid support for the Radical Youth Society at Loughborough University, which currently has a membership of over 50 students, with a weekly average student attendance of about 35. During the first term of the academic year,

INTERNATIONAL DAY:

As a result of the intermittent lock-downs due to Covid-19, the church could not hold its annual variety weekend to celebrate its anniversary as usual. However,

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Reflections on
GVC Derby’s :
15 Year Anniversary Thanksgiving Service
by Akinola P. Akinyede (Pastor, GVC Derby)
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GVC LOUGHBOROUGH TOWN CENTRE OUTREACH

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GVC LOUGHBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL DAY
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the fellowship, among others, enrolled in the Freedom in Christ Course; a discipleship program that seeks to establish the believer’s identity in Christ.

The Men’s Ministry: The effectiveness of the Women ministry had a ripple effect on the men, who also got together on a number of occasions to learn about things peculiar to them.

THE CHILDREN’S CHURCH:

It has been our greatest joy to see our children’s church grow Loughborough Churches in the grace of our Lord to love Partnership (LCP): GVC God and enjoy the fellowship Loughborough also played of the believers. In a recent a significant role in LCP; an Bible competition between the alliance of churches with the aim children and some members to unite churches to spread the of the adult church, we were gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ pleasantly surprised when together. the children scored the same points as the adults. Kudos to What can we therefore say to our dedicated children teachers, these things! Ebenezer; hitherto who are making such invaluable has the LORD brought us!! input in our children!

’m sure we would all agree that GVC Derby), including a series of In his message titled: 'I will restore', 2021 had been an exceptionally special renditions carried out by the Senior Pastor stated that God challenging and traumatic some members of the Church. wants to restore what you have Iyear in more ways than one. As a Church, we also welcomed a lost, missed opportunities, what the However, at God's Vineyard Church number of visitors and first timers enemy has stolen and destroyed, (GVC) Derby, we are filled with to the occasion; it’s always a joy amongst others. This was followed praise, gratitude and thanksgiving and great privilege to be given by a special thanksgiving session because of what God had done for the opportunity to minister to first with high praises and dancing us throughout the course of the timers. A poem rendition was to God for bringing us through year, and what He continues to do delivered by Sonia Odudu, one of another anniversary celebration. for us. In the year 2021, GVC Derby the teenagers in the Church. celebrated its 15th Anniversary, also The Senior Pastor then performed known as 'The Glory Conference' This was followed by a lovely and the closing benediction, after (see John 1:14), on November 7th. highly captivating performance of which the Church members helped The theme for the celebration was ‘I a well known Christian song (‘My themselves to refreshments and Will Restore’; taken from Joel 2:23life is in your hands’- Kirk Franklin) enjoyed some fellowship time. 29. by a number of our children in the As a Church we are thankful to Church. After this, was a special God for the way He has blessed The Anniversary Thanksgiving Spanish poem; a duet recital, and used us to positively impact Service commenced with prayer, performed by two of our teenage our community for His Kingdom praise, worship, and thanking God members (Masters Destiny and in 2021. Furthermore, as we enter for how far He had brought us Choice). A powerful and edifying a new year, we are expectant that individually and collectively as a sermon was preached by the Senior God will do even greater works Church. This was followed by a warm Pastor Ezekiel Alawale, the one to through us to help bring salvation welcome and announcements from whom God gave the vision to start a to our community and raise up Pastor Akinola Akinyede (Pastor, GVC branch in Derby 15 years ago. many disciples for Christ.

CHILDREN’S PERFORMANCE AT 2021 CAROL SERVICE

For those who desire to worship with us, please contact the resident Pastor, Dr Joseph Nipah on 07734957502

CHILDREN PERFORMANCE AT 2021 CAROL SERVICE OTHER MINISTRIES AND ACTIVITIES:

or visit us between 10.00am and 12.30pm on a Sunday, at 14/14A Cradock Street, Loughborough, LE11 1AH, United Kingdom. The Lord bless you!

The Women Ministry in GVC Loughborough also experienced a revival in various ways. Pastor Evelyn O-Nipah effectively mobilised the women for various activities to enrich the lives and services of the women in the church.

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ways. Pastor Evelyn O-Nipah The Anniversary Thanksgiving Spanish poem; a duet recital, and used us to positively impact
effectively mobilised the
Service commenced with prayer, performed by two of our teenage our community for His Kingdom
women for various activities to
praise, worship, and thanking God members (Masters Destiny and in 2021. Furthermore, as we enter
enrich the lives and services of
for how far He had brought us Choice). A powerful and edifying a new year, we are expectant that
the women in the church.
individually and collectively as a sermon was preached by the Senior God will do even greater works
Church. This was followed by a warm Pastor Ezekiel Alawale, the one to through us to help bring salvation
welcome and announcements from whom God gave the vision to start a to our community and raise up
Pastor Akinola Akinyede (Pastor, GVC branch in Derby 15 years ago. many disciples for Christ.
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GVC LONDON: THE JOURNEY SO FAR Alfredo Bampoe (Pastor, GVC London)

GVC Birmingham Church 2021- Year In Review By Owolabi (‘Labi) Mebude (Pastor, GVC Birmingham)

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e thank God for all the activities
GVM vision, activities and church leadership to
of GVC Birmingham in 2021.
our new members. We wrapped the welcome
Due to covid 19 protocols and
service with good refreshments for all. Over 8
Wrestrictions, physical service
new students attended and 5 of those became
started on Sunday 21st of March 2021. The
permanent members of the church to the glory
church celebrated her 12th year anniversary
of God. Christmas Carol in December was
in April; it was a low-key event, with focus
another highlight of 2021, with the children's
church presentation, 4 visitors and a time of
celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ with Christmas gifts from the
church for all attendees and good refreshments “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God
after service. in Christ Jesus concerning you.”- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
on thanksgiving; appreciating God for keeping the Overall 2021 was indeed a fair year for us at GVC In spite of the challenges the church has experienced
church and all members including students through Birmingham, 3 new families joined the church since the onset of Covid-19 in 2020, we still want to
the pandemic. The Senior Pastor graced us with during the year and we celebrated the birth of thank God for how far He has brought God’s Vineyard
a short virtual fatherly thanksgiving message and a baby boy and a christening ceremony. Also Church, London. Although the Church could not hold
prayer for the church as we celebrated God’s mercy. church members and leaders testified about her annual anniversary celebration in 2020 due to
The peak moments for GVC Birmingham in 2021, promotions at work, new and better job offers, COVID-19 outbreak, we had the amazing privilege of
were in October when we held a welcome service graduation with outstanding results (Undergrad celebrating a wedding ceremony.
for new students and our Christmas carol service in and masters), etc.
December.
On Saturday 3rd October 2020, GVC London
In summary, we thank God for the leadership
celebrated the wedding of Chloe and Ayodeji. The
The welcome service in October officially welcomed of GVC Birmingham, as well as, our entire
marriage was a testament of God’s goodness in their
new students into church, as well as introduced the membership, visitors and the Senior Pastor
life and we pray that more weddings will follow in
for the support in 2021. We look forward to a
years to come in Jesus Name.
greater 2022 and all that God will do through
the church!
This clearly showed us that in the midst of uncertainty,
God is still sovereign over everything.
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GOD’S VINEYARD (YOUTH) CHURCH, LEICESTER “…the Lord has perfected our years”

od's Vineyard Church, As a church, we always recognise year students in our fellowship. Leicester was birthed that the days of the academic We have been privileged over the under the divine vision sojourn of students are numbered; years to celebrate with over 350 Gof God through the as such, we swing into action as soon students and their families, as we dynamic leadership of our senior as the session starts. Apart from wished them the very best of God pastor, Pastor (Dr) Ezekiel Alawale our Sunday services, we organise for the future. These occasions are in October 2013. “GVC Leicester” weekly discipleship meetings on fondly remembered to be full of joy, as it’s popularly called is a vibrant the back of our evangelism and appreciation and testimonies. We and inspirational youth church. A follow up efforts, bible study, prayer glorify God that our students have community of sold-out youth, who and counselling meetings. We gone on to stand as a beacon of are passionate about their Christian tailor all these sessions to mentor light in the work and marketplace, faith and happily sharing them with them to live victorious Christian and their exploits for Him continue people in their sphere of influence. lives in the midst of all the vices to delight and encourage us. Some and distractions on campus. have even gone into ministry The church has a vision to build Furthermore, bi-weekly men and of the service of God, and their Christian character and values in women fellowship meetings contentment with His call continues the lives of young people by the are conducted to provide an to be a testimony. systematic study and examination atmosphere, where generic issues of the word.

of the word. are discussed and resolutions We are also delighted that we made in light of the word of God. now have members who are no The church continues to grow longer undergraduates; having through the years and has A youth church service schedule transitioned to postgraduate or stabilised its presence within the isn’t complete without the working life while staying back in student communities of Leicester organisation of singles and Leicester. The church is forever and De Montfort Universities. The relationship seminars. Our yearly grateful to the faithfulness of hunger for more of God has been Valentine special event has proven God all through the years, as we unprecedented and the atmosphere to be one of the most sought after continue to seek His purpose and of our services continue to herald programmes on campus. This event will for our lives. the manifestation of the move brings together a panel of couples to of God. To the glory of God, this answer burning questions relating We would conclude that if you live ministry has added immense value to pre-marital relationships and the or you are on an academic sojourn to the lives of the students over the dynamics of Christian dating and to Leicester, or maybe you have a years. Its great impact continues to engagements, all to the edification son, daughter or siblings coming be seen in the lives of the graduates, of the students. to Leicester, we encourage you (or as they continue to reminisce about ask them) to join us, as we are a what God has been doing in and Another major highlight of every church on a journey with God and through their lives while on campus. year is the graduation of the final He is taking us far!

GOD’S VINEYARD CHRISTIAN CENTRE (GVCC LAGOS & ABUJA): THE JOURNEY SO FAR

Noel Ezefosie (Pastor, GVCC Abuja)

present GVC families together; Foundation Training Complex, Ikosi to provide spiritual, social GRA, Ketu. and professional networking

he journey started with the formation of GVC CONNECT Fellowship in TNigeria by the leadership of God’s Vineyard Ministries (GVM) Nottingham. This came at the time the UK government stopped granting post study work visas to international graduates from UK Universities. As a result of this, a lot of Nigerians started coming back home to avoid staying back illegally in the UK after their visas expired.

HOMECOMING GATHERING 2013

opportunities among the brethren who are now back home in Nigeria, having fellowshipped in different capacities with God's Vineyard Ministries while in the UK.

Homecoming Gathering 2013, the first of its kind was held from August 29th-September 1st to welcome the fresh graduates and members of Radical Youth Fellowship returning home after successfully completing their studies in the UK. During this event, the Senior Pastor, Dr Ezekiel Alawale officially commissioned GVCC weekly Sunday Service in Lagos on 1st September. The event attracted a lot of our brethren within Lagos and its environs with over 90 people in attendance, it was indeed a time of celebration. The Church later relocated to Akoka area.

Universities. As a result of this, a In February 2013, at a meeting lot of Nigerians started coming with the Senior Pastor, Dr Ezekiel back home to avoid staying back Alawale in Lagos, the vision of illegally in the UK after their visas establishing God’s Vineyard expired. Ministries in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos and Abuja was discussed. The inaugural fellowship of GVC Immediately, a monthly afternoon CONNECT was launched in Sunday fellowship commenced Lagos by the leadership of GVM in Sister Rolake (Nee Akinsola's) UK on Sunday, 25th November house at Badore, Lagos. In July the 2012 at Sweet Sensation, Ikeja. fellowship venue was relocated The aim was to connect past and to the Community Development

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GVCC Nigeria Homecoming photos.
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GVCC LAGOS Pastor Adeola Olugbenga

GVCC ABUJA

In 2014, the Senior Pastor, Dr Ezekiel Alawale saw the need for GVCC to commence in Abuja, and in the first quarter of the year, GVCC Abuja commenced Sunday Services under the leadership of Minister Noel Ezefosie.

Prior to that, following the meeting with Senior Pastor in Lagos in February 2013 when he shared the vision of establishing God’s Vineyard Ministries (GVM) in Nigeria, Pastors Chijioke Elekwachi and Noel Ezefosie began holding informal meetings with identified alumni of GVC and Radical Youth in Abuja with a view to laying appropriate foundations and working out modalities for moving the vision forward.

Later on, the fellowship meetings were scheduled to be held monthly on the 4th Sunday of every month at 3pm at the Conference Room of Oxford Hotels Zone 4, FCT. Besides, special seminars, dubbed ‘LET YOUR LIFE COUNT SEMINARS’ were held with the

senior pastor in attendance. So, a lot of money was spent on Topics such as ‘Maximising your transport fares to help members life’; ‘Making a difference’; ‘Living get to Church. for purpose’; ‘Diligence’ etc, were explored. The seminars attracted In October, 2018 the Church a lot of young people from Abuja. relocated from Oxford Hotel to At the turn of 2014, regular Sunday Sandralia Hotel. Today by God's church services were launched grace, GVCC Abuja has regular and GVCC became a church in membership and maintains Abuja. GVCC Abuja’s inaugural regular activities including Sunday service was held on house fellowship, prayers and Easter Sunday morning. There evangelism. We have functional were obvious challenges after the units/departments and leaders. fellowship became a church. While The Church is growing in numerical several new people were joining strength and a number of new in, some older members were families have been added to the leaving. This was for a number of Church. God also blessed us with reasons; including some members a Nissan Bus which has been very relocating to the UK, Canada, some useful in conveying people to and relocating to take up new job roles from Church. At the last Church outside Abuja, while some left to service held before COVID-19 join their mother churches. lockdown, the hall was packed to capacity. The church is currently The greatest challenge for GVCC trusting God for a bigger hall in the Abuja at the initial stage was the same facility. Our vision is to move remoteness of the venue. Due from that hall to our own property to the nature of the city, it was in no distant time. We thank God difficult and expensive for people for what He is doing in us and in who do not have their own means Nigeria. of transport, to get to Church.

From the days when GVCC Lagos relocated to Akoka till where the church is today, we can only testify that the Lord has been faithful to us in various ways; to just itemise a few…

The Church recently relocated to a very conducive place of worship, where we have unlimited access.
The Lord made adequate provision of funds available to pay for the lease of the property. While we are enjoying the new facility, we are still trusting Him for our own permanent place of worship.
Within a relatively short period of time, we have experienced God’s faithfulness in the lives of many of our members. Testimonies of promotions, breakthroughs at work, visa acquisition, new job opportunities, divine healings, car dedications, house warming, etc, abound in our midst; all to the glory of God.

By the grace of God, we intend to take the land for Jesus and break new grounds by extending the church into our neighbourhood. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we intend to make our place of worship a place of impact; where the hopeless receive hope, the sorrowful become joyful, lives are transformed, and souls are won into the Kingdom.

We also intend, by the help of God, to make the church a citadel of power and glory; where champions in various spheres are raised and trained to take the city of Lagos for the Lord Jesus Christ.

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COMMUNITY OUTREACHES
AND INVOLVEMENT
MBLC Leaders
THE POLICE AND MBLC TEENAGERS
POLICE/MILITARY TRAINING WITH MBLC YOUTHS
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Chaplaincy team

s a charity, we creation, etc are involved and 2. To enhance spiritual growth engaged with the amongst each other and our conAcommunity. In 2018, gregations by shared engageunder the chairmanship of Dr ments

helping and supporting one anoth-

Police Road Show with 32 • An MBLC Chaplain has since young people from MBLC been appointed at University of Churches Nottingham

er to grow our churches

To actively promote the integration of the BME community in Nottingham and the eradication of all forms of BME segregation.
Black History Month
MBLC’s role to improve covid-19
• MBLC - Police 6-Week Cadet vaccination uptake:
Taster Sessions in Jan-Feb • Vaccination information 2022

under the chairmanship of Dr ments Ezekiel Alawale, the senior pastor of GVM, the MAJORITY 3. To foster unity amongst pastors BLACK-LED CHURCHES (MBLC), and parishes by networking, com- NOTTINGHAM was rebranded ing together in fellowship and sharunder a new core leadership ing each other’s gifts for kingdom team. Since then the MBLC has building.

Vaccination information sharing events via Zoom for MBLC Pastors and members of our congregations, as well as friends and families.
A statement on recent stabbing incident at the Meadows
To be a voice to the voiceless by addressing the various challenges facing the BME community; etc
The City Council: Quarterly meet-
ings with the leader of the City Council and his team
Issued a statement on Covid-19 Vaccinations, in which we declared that the vaccines are safe and encouraged black people to take the vaccination.
• Offered our churches as PopUp vaccination Centres

made a significant impact in the

ENGAGEMENT

WITH

To recognise, develop and create Nottinghamshire community. AIMS: opportunities for new leaders within the Forum

STAKEHOLDERS AND HOW FAR WE HAVE GONE?

The Leadership of the Church of

Among others, the MBLC was set

England: Meetings with the Anglican Bishop of Suthwell – Bishop Paul and his team

Some of the recent MBLC engage5. Meet with senior leaders of pubments and achievements include lic services and organisations in The Police: Quarterly Co-ProducNottingham to provide better option meetings with Nottinghamportunities for engagement with shire Police, which have resulted in BME churches in Nottingham. a number of initiatives, including: 6. To promote love and peace by Involvement in People Panel

To advance, champion, promote and encourage equality, diversity and fairness in strategic areas in the community; including health, business, sports, youth empowerment, leadership development, job

Engagements with the University

NHS-CT Project:

of Nottingham:

COVID-19 disproportionately affected the BME communities. This only highlighted the existing socio-
Regular meetings with the Pro Vice Chancellor and the

economic and health inequalities that exist within the community. The MBLC applied for NHS-CT funding and won a grant to work with the NHS on addressing these issues by recruiting a volunteer coordinator. The coordinator is working with volunteers to find out the reason(s) for vaccine hesitancy, reduce hesitancy and improve the rate of vaccine uptake among the BME community. We hope to use this model to address other health inequality issues.

Collaborations with various charities:

Hope Into Action; 100 Homes; Open Homes; Pathway Housing; Nottingham City Prayer; etc. Other areas where the MBLC is actively engaging with stakeholders to make changes include

Education: There is a widening gap between the educational attainments of blacks compared to whites as they progress from age 4-5 to university. We are working with the education department to address these disparities. At the University of Nottingham, we have employed and are currently paying for the 1st Black Chaplain to address role model issues for BME which make up about 34% of its population.

Media: There is an existing trust gap between the BME and the wider community. It is our desire that the press will collaborate with us in this initiative to build trust, promote equality, fairness, justice, and peace. To stem agitations and carve a new future for our community.

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Women of Excellence Conference 2021: IMPACT

e give God praise is set to do something great and is for the success willing to set us on fire unto greater of the Women works in the year ahead through Wof Excellence the teachings of the conference. Conference - 2021. It was indeed a great and impactful meeting. Her welcome message also

great and impactful meeting. Her welcome message also illustrated clearly the need for every The Women of Excellence believing woman to be a woman Conference started on Thursday, of impact. This, she explained, was 7th October, in the evening and because we are here to affect our ended on Sunday, 10th October world. We are the light of the world She rounded up her welcome 2021. The theme of the conference and the world is waiting for our message with 2 Chronicles 16:9a, was IMPACT, with three guest manifestations as daughters of encouraging everyone to keep their speakers ministering. God. The devil is out to steal, kill focus on God, open their hearts and destroy, and we are the only to God and be ready to obey His Pastor Funmi Alawale gave a short ones who can stop him. We have instructions as He releases them welcome message – encouraging been raised by Jesus to be ‘the to us. She encouraged us to not everyone to thank God for saviours’ of our world. However, permit distractions, be expectant preservation of life and for making for us to be instruments in God’s and let faith arise in us. it possible for us all to be part of this hands to impact our world, God year’s conference, in spite of the will need to encounter us first. The night was set in motion by challenges of Covid-19. There was Jesus encountered the disciples, another powerful message from an exclusive time of thanksgiving even though they were unlearned, Pastor Mrs Ashimolowo on the for all that God has done in the ignorant men, they were able to topic: The Place of Women in midst through the year. Pastor turn their world around for Jesus. Leadership. We were made to know Funmi assured everyone that God that we are God’s Masterpiece,

The night was set in motion by another powerful message from Pastor Mrs Ashimolowo on the topic: The Place of Women in Leadership. We were made to know that we are God’s Masterpiece,

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We were made to know that we are God’s Masterpiece, created to do good works. We are light bearers, we are not a secret to be kept. No more excuses,

The first night ended with the second message by Pastor Mrs Dolapo Adelakun on the topic: Making Impact in the Kingdom. She made it clear that impact is about force, you can’t do anything without force.

our degrees to fight the devil; we will need to pull him down with power. There is a spiritual dimension to everything in life, everything in life is about power.

created to do good works. We are light bearers, we are not a secret to be kept. No more excuses, it’s time for us to arise and shine. There is so much in us as women than we know. God will grant us understanding of who we are and all that He has put in us, for the world around us.

Using various scriptures, she made it clear that we get born again by power – John 1:12 KJV; we get healed by power – Mark 3:12-15 KJV; we need power to get wealth – Deuteronomy 8:18 and Ecclesiastes 9:11; we also forgive by power – Matthew 9:6; we conceive by power - Mary the mother of Jesus and Hannah both received power to conceive – Luke 1 : 3 5 ;

put in us, for the world around us. To live a meaningful life, one must force their way through. We were made to know that as The Kingdom of God that we women, we are complementary belong to, is not in words, but in partners and the quality of a power. It operates in power and leader has never been gender so for us as Christian women, dependent. The need to work to get results we must begin to on ourselves as women and concentrate on the dimension stir up the gifts in us were of power. emphasised. She discussed the traits of a good leader and Pastor Adelakun further used Deborah as a case study emphasised that even for good leadership. She ended the kingdom of darkness her message with this – ‘when operates in power as seen in you take your place, the world Ephesians 6:12, that we wrestle will respect you, remember you, against powers. Your enemy recognise you and you will be is powerful, you cannot be a rewarded’. weakling. We cannot use our polished English language or

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to prayers are

Women of Excellence Conference 2021:

IMPACT

Answers to prayers are according to the power you generate in the place of prayer, studing the word and giving

5). Fine Ladies who are possessed: 6). Alexander the Coppersmith: Always fighting whatever views come from you.

To be able to overcome in the marketplace, know that God wants you to be a blessing. You cannot afford to be quiet in the

marketplace, and you will not allow people around you to intimidate you. Take your place and take charge in the realm of the spirit. God has blessed us with spiritual gifts and these gifts have been given to us to profit within the marketplace. We are to generate power to be a terror to the kingdom of darkness.

The second speaker on the Friday night was Pastor Mrs Fola Achudume, who spoke on the topic ‘Impactful Living: Fulfilling God’s Plan and Purpose for Your Life

She introduced the topic with emphasis on the fact that life is about making an impact, influencing people and touching lives. There is that note of difference and uniqueness to our lives and we are here to impact our generation.

She defined impact as the ability to have an effect on someone’s behaviour, the capacity to build a legacy, so your life does not die with you, your life outlives you. Pastor Achudume discussed the

role of 4-M Words to impact the lives of people in our lives. These include…

Your MISSION in life: You cannot impact if you have not discovered purpose. Locate your mission in life; why am I here? She encouraged us to step out of mere existence to the realm of impact. Jeremiah 1:5,10;

To make an impact, you have to be intentional. When there is the right mindset, people will join you, there are destiny that are atttached to you.

Acts 9:36-42

Dorcas’ life was considered, she impacted the lives of people around her, so much so that the people cried to the servant of God, saying she must not die, see what she did for us. When you don’t locate your mission in life, you can be displaced just as Vashti was displaced in Esther 4:14. Everyone of us has an assignment in life and a place of impact is a place of blessing.

concluded with some pillars

The power of the MIND: To make an impact, you have to be intentional. When there is the right mindset, people will join you, there are destiny that are attached to you. All that you need to make an impact is in you. Proverbs 30:2428; Philippians 4:8

to impacting lives. These included the need to…

Kill our beast, all the beasts that could stop us – flesh, fear, deal with offences, shyness, complexity, average mind-set, unforgiveness, every negative voice on the inside, etv

It is important you look unto God, not on your limitations; your help comes from Him, stop thinking negatively. It limits your relevance and the impacts you can make on earth.

Not let your pain hinder you, deal with sorrow, bitterness

Organise your life, and to let God order your life also. Set your priorities right.

MANAGEMENT: Ecclesiastes 3:13. She laid emphasis on the need to be able to manage our time and

Life is not a ‘run alone’ affair; maintain relationships, and collaborate with others.

our moment very well. Wisdom is a major aspect of management. There is time for everything and it’s important we develop ourselves. She ended up with the place of our MARRIAGE the 4th M, and then

Saturday’s programme started with a seminar on Raising Impactful Children in the 21st Century. The guest speaker was Sharon Mullins-

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Women of Excellence Conference 2021:

IMPACT

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Without purpose, life becomes an experiment or a haphazard journey that results in frustrations.

bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots and the other wings’’ [Wolfgang Goethe].

Sharon laid emphasis on the fact that there is no perfect parent, child or family. There is a myth - allow the children to do what they want, they will learn from their mistakes. It is important

their own part.

She also spoke on the importance of introducing Christ to them early in life, as it’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults. We are the role models to our children, they are looking at us and will do what we will

major causes of social vices – peer pressure, broken homes, social media, and technology, among others.

Parenting is a privilege, it is not a right, so it’s important we apreciate the privilege and do it well. Parenting is a gift

She emphasised that parenting is a privilege, it is not a right, so it’s important we appreciate the privilege and do it well. Parenting is a gift.

2:10).

that he passed through, he had the right attitude. There is a need to be diligent, take risks, take a step of faith, be committed, be daring, be

Purpose as defined by her, is an intended result for life; why something exists. Everything in life has a purpose. Without purpose, life becomes an experiment or a haphazard journey that results in frustrations. Purpose is what fuels life and makes a person passionate. It gives our existence meaning.

devoted, invest in your dreams, pay

the price; there is no glory without The Conference ended with story. Do not be complacent, Sunday Services: Pastor Funmi so you don’t settle for less, also ministered on Being A Woman of don’t blame other people. Your Impact at home, using Proverbs association will affect your dreams 14:1 as the anchor scripture. It was so be careful of people you allow made clear that Satan hates the around you. Develop a winning woman and he is seeking every attitude. possible way to stop the woman. So as women, we have a battle to Saturday night ended with the last fight and so it’s important that we message ‘Parenting & Social Vices take the challenge to fight for our in the 21st Century’ by Pastor Fola home. This we cannot achieve in Achudume. The scripture for the our own power, so we need God in message was 2 Timothy 3:1-5. She this battle. It is therefore important first highlighted behaviours that that our personal relation with God are generally considered to be is taken very seriously. As a woman, unhealthy behaviours in the society you are a help suitable for your and social vices. Some of them are husband, so there is a role we have robbery, kidnapping, occultism, been called to play in the lives of drug addiction, rape, indecent our husbands, the help suitable for dressing and premarital sexual him and the crown. The good news activities. She also discussed the is that the Holy Spirit is our helper. It was indeed an impactful weekend, we had time to ask questions at the end of each session and rounded up with a powerful prayer session led by pastor Ezekiel Alawale, for the grace to become all that we learnt over the weekend, and to venture out to do the great exploits God is depending on us to accomplish.

Purpose is important in life. To get to your destination in life, you must understand the purpose. The greatest tragedy in life is a life without purpose. Purpose empowers perseverance, creates joy and sustains contentment.

must understand the purpose. Saturday night ended with the last The greatest tragedy in life is a message ‘Parenting & Social Vices life without purpose. Purpose in the 21st Century’ by Pastor Fola empowers perseverance, creates Achudume. The scripture for the joy and sustains contentment. message was 2 Timothy 3:1-5. She first highlighted behaviours that Pastor Yemisi highlighted some are generally considered to be key points using the life of Joseph unhealthy behaviours in the society as seen in Genesis 37:6. We saw and social vices. Some of them are that Joseph’s dream brought robbery, kidnapping, occultism, hatred from his brethren, he was drug addiction, rape, indecent sold into slavery and later went to dressing and premarital sexual prison, because he made up his activities. She also discussed the mind to please God. However in all

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TESTIMONIES

“1 Chronicles 16:8 “Give thanks to the Lord. Call on his name. Make known among the nations what he has done.” Over the year 2021 GOD has touched our lives in a variety of ways, here are some insights to GOD being faithful in our lives.

“I want to thank God for his goodness in my life. With HIS help I was able to get my driving licence. All Glory be to GOD.”

Precious Igbinedion

“Safe-keeping . protection & provisions in 2021. Increase in number in 2021. For making good HIS promises to our household; Thank You God. We are grateful.”

Sunday & Blessing Oyedemi’s family

My GCSE grades, I finished with all A stars. It was difficult to maintain momentum and to continue learning during lockdown, God gave me strength and I persisted

Esther Daminabo

Had a job interview for a higher role at my work place and passed. God granted me favour and worked out everything for my promotion

Evelyn O.Nipah

Thanking God almighty for journey mercies top Ghana and back . For a successful celebration in honour of our mum, in keeping myself and my siblings with strong bonds even till this day. To GOD be the glory

Lydia Sedor

As a family October has been a month of celebrations for us. God added another year to Derrick’s life last week and our son Malachi turned one year old on the same day. We also celebrated 4 years of marriage on the 19th Oct. We want to thank God for fulfilling His promises to us. He promised that by our 4th year anniversary, we would carry our Own child and celebrate his birthday in a home of our own. He has been faithful to His Word.

Mrs Tope Osaze

Glory To God in the highest my saviour who destroyed the weapon of covid formed aganist and snacthed me out from its clutches. Hallelujah to the Lord God Almight

Mrs Chidinma Favour Ndukwe

These are just a few… there’re many more God has done in our lives and used to help us to achieve in the lives of our neighbours.. Your testimony is the key to someone else’s prison. May we use not just our words but our lives to give thanks and proclaim to the world the goodness of GOD, as it say in the book of Ephesians “Live as children of light”.

RY ALUMNI WEEKEND AWAY 2021

Radical youth alumni weekend to discuss set questions within their away 2021, a gathering of previously break out rooms. radical youth university students now graduates and professionals in their During the feedback session, the respective fields gather together from various things discussed within small across the nation to fellowship to build groups were summarised for the networks and maintain relationships wider group through a nominated as they journey away from the student spokesperson. back into the realms of society.

At the end of each session, everyone was encouraged to ask questions for the Q&A allowing the attendees to gain answers to questions they had asked for any speakers who spoke.

This year 2021 alumni weekend away was encouraged to ask questions for however was held virtually, meaning the Q&A allowing the attendees to attendees joined the via zoom. Kicking gain answers to questions they had off with worship and prayer followed by asked for any speakers who spoke. the first beneficial and applicable talk on igniting the fire of the Holy Spirit by Senior Pastor Ezekiel with the help Senior Pastor Ezekiel Alawale. Then of the Alumni choir, led extended followed series of series of interesting prayer with worship attendees being and practical talks on Serving God able to raise prayer points and pray in outside of church, starting a side agreement with the pastors and the hustle and buying your first home whole team. We had a total number of presented by Minister Derrick, Mrs 44 people in attendance of which 70% Tope Osaze, and Mr Godwin Wood. were 2021 Radical Youth Graduates. Flowing into an interesting an It was as a matter of fact a wonderful LGBTQIA discussion session with the time we had together. attendees being put in small groups

in attendance

2021 RY Graduates

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THE YOUTH

od’s Vineyard Ministry operates a vibrant youth minitry which G comprises the Youth Church and the Radical Youth Fellowships. The Youth Church holds worship services at 5pm and 7pm every Sunday at the headquarters, GVC Nottingham during

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