Hope for the Nations ( Briggate, Leeds) 25th June 2011
“Let there be light in the midst of the darkness”
These were the opening words of the first song which heralded the start of the 5th year of Hope for the Nations.
The light really shone throughout the day, both literally and metaphorically, as each
contribution came from the different nationalities represented.
This year it was good to welcome participants originally from the Philippines, Mauritius and India
for the first time.
Making a return visit were groups from the African nations including Ghana,
Cameroon, Caribbean, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe.
Also represented were Arab speaking nations and Chinese speaking countries,
as well as Iran, Poland, and South Korea.
It was a relief to see the market stalls arrive at 7.30am this year, especially since
they had been stolen before the event last year!
We were very grateful to the many
helpers assembling them at such an early hour.
In many ways there was a different feel to the event
this year, reflecting HFTN’s ongoing development.
The back drop on the stage was a huge world map kindly
donated by Alistair Kaye.
It was good to have RETAS ( Refugee Education Training and Support) with their stall.
They were encouraged by the number of people who visited them and showed a
lot of interest in their work and that of Leeds City of Sanctuary.
His Majesty’s House, a newly formed international congregation in Leeds, were offering free
clothing under their stall’s banner which said “Freely, freely you have received, freely give”.
They had many conversations and much response.
Nearly all those running the 16 stalls commented how much busier they had been
than previous years and some said they just could not keep up with the numbers of
people who wanted to talk.
This was especially the case on the Jewish stall. Jeff reported meaningful conversations with twoIsraeli students.
One of them, reading Law at Leeds University, was fascinated by the whole
event and the fact that those on the Israeli stall were followers of Yeshua.
An Israeli tour guide, who happened to be visiting Leeds, was also very responsive.
There were eight helpers on the Arabic stall and they were all kept busy most ofthe time.
Many useful conversations were had with people from a wide range of
Arabic countries.
One man in particular from Saudi Arabia, was amazed when it
was explained to him that he could have assurance of sins forgiven and entry into
heaven. He gladly accepted an Arabic New Testament.
Those offering free drinks said they managed to give out 800 cups and people were expressing such
gratitude and asking why they were doing this.
Ben Jones and his team doing the facepainting, hardly had a moment to spare
when they were not painting flags on youngsters’ faces.
The musical contributions were varied and reflected the different cultures and age groups.
There were the great harmonies of Voices in Praise and the NTCOG Youth Choir and a group called The Visionairs.
The crowd were fascinated with the choreography of the South Korean young people as their children sang and danced.
The children gave a demonstration of how Korean martial arts can come in useful when dealing with bullies.
The rhythms of African nations pulsated through Briggate as God’s Name was lifted up in various languages.
It was especially good to have Songa, a mixed
African drumming group and Nikita (Indian) who sang Bollywood style worship songs.
Her passion for Jesus was so apparent. Tosin Okuzu did a great job as the MC for
the event and she also managed to organise an African fashion parade.
All the clothes were designed by Lol, a young Nigerian designer.
They were hoping that maybe Debenhams would take notice!
We decided this year not to carry the 60 foot banner of nations down the whole of
Briggate and found that it gave more time to hold and “ripple” the banner to great
effect, all the time drawing in the crowds that had gathered.
The magnetic impact of the banner never fails to generate a sense
of joy and celebration for young and old alike.
Many of those involved in the event
commented that in many ways this was the best we have had so far.
Raphael, leader of the Songa drummers, said that he felt the event was well organised and
yet flexible enough to accommodate people.
Whilst we acknowledge none of those
involved on the stage were professional performers, none the less there was an
appreciative response from those who happened to be in Briggate.
On a personal note this year’s event was special for our family as it happened to be
my grandson’s (Amos) birthday and to hold him on the
stage whilst everyone sang Happy Birthday was such a privilege.
The Leeds City Centre Warden asked for
photos of the event as a reminder of the amazing contrast
of diversity and unity on the streets of Leeds.
We thank God for such a great day, and 150 of you, for bringing joy to the centre of Leeds. We are already
anticipating another great time together next year, as the momentum continues to build.
Paul Lancaster (on behalf of the planning team)
a video clip of the event is on You Tube
Hope for the Nations
Saturday 25th June
Briggate Leeds
12noon to 4pm
You can download your poster by clicking
worship bands, dancers, drummers, international stalls, face paints, refreshments and much more!
You are more then Welcome to have a Flantastic Day with people of all Nations.
Leeds 7th Global Day of Prayer
Pentecost Sunday 12th June 2011 6pm
New Testament Church of God
Easterly Road
LS8 2TN
You can download your poster by clicking
HERE GDOP Poster 2011
Global Day of Prayer UK Report 2010
Posted: April 29, 2011 in International CongregationsTags: Global Day of Prayer UK Report 2010
Here in the British Isles (which includes Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Ireland) we have seen
how the Global Day of Prayer initiative has acted as an important catalyst for unity, prayer and
action over these past 6 years. The sun shone on Pentecost Sunday enabling Christians to gather
in over 70 different locations across our family of nations. Prayer services, prayer meetings and
prayer celebrations took place in city squares, in Cathedrals, in churches, in a marquee, in parks
and on city walls. Many leaders picked up strongly the scriptures from Joel 2, which had provided
the framework for the 10 days of prayer, sensing the need for repentance by God’s church before
we can see the transformation we long for. We have seen:
A deeper commitment to the 10 days of prayer. In Northern Ireland
10 different towns took responsibility for providing a 24 hour venue
open to all denominations. In Medway (Kent) 24 prayer centres
were open and on the Sunday morning BBC Radio Kent broadcast a
live interview on their Sunday programme. York Minister had a
prayer tent in the middle of the Cathedral.
A renewed appreciation of the richness of our culture. Many
groups share of how Christians from different nations took the lead
in praying for the 5 continents of the world
with prayers being prayed in different
languages and national costumes worn. In
Leeds Christians unfurled a 60 x 30’ banner
consisting of over 120 flags of nationalities
living in city of Leeds.
An expectation that God does answer
prayer! In the Channel Islands in the Royal Square in St Helier Jersey in front of the Parliament
building the first every united GDOP event was held (building on a long tradition of united prayer
& mission across the island). One focus for prayer was the new potato industry as yields were less
than 50% of normal and the ground was too dry to plant for later crops. From the foundation of 2
Chronicles 7.13 they prayed in earnest, and two days later it rained hard all night! In
Northampton their Faith on the Streets initiative in which they sent teams of people representing
12 churches out in the town centre during the 10 days of prayer with questionnaires and
invitations to GDOP saw lots of conversations with 13 people making commitments to follow
Jesus and many more wanting further information.
A renewed commitment to pray for both big and small issues. ‘We gathered in Armagh because
we believe God wants to shift something in the heart of the church. Our time of intercessory
prayer touched on very timely and sensitive issues. It seemed appropriate therefore to pray for the
church recognising our failings, our need for God’s love and grace, and for the Holy Spirit to guide
and give us ability to listen and to obey. A priest then gave an inspirational discourse on the issue
of child abuse within the church. There was also a very moving testimony of a father who lost his
son through suicide. We had a time of prayer into these issues and the problems of alcohol and
drug addition affecting many young people and families. This concluded with a very passionate
prayer ending with the cry, “Jesus the door of Ireland is open, come rushing in!” The use of
personal testimony and telling the stories of what God has done in a community, in a town/city
was another common feature this year. Other themes that strongly emerged are prayer for those
being persecuted for their faith around the world, for our governments (local and national) as
well as for unreached people groups and people trafficking issues.
A growing desire to want to meet to pray anywhere! GDOP here is not
so much about large events in stadiums, but about gathering to pray in
unity across different denominations for local, national and global
issues. In York, Norwich and Peel (Isle of Man) it was in their
Cathedrals. In Edinburgh it was on Blackford Hill overlooking the city.
In Medway it was in a great marquee. In Sunderland – outside the
Council Offices. In Ireland it was in the market square in Armagh the
ecclesiastical capital of Ireland. In Swansea, one group met on a hilltop overlooking the city, the
other was at County Hall. In many places local churches opened their doors for united events.
The UK capital – London – celebrated GDOP in a number of ways:
The 10 day prayer guide & Prayer for the World were distributed by email to most churches.
On Pentecost Sunday events were held in each of the London boroughs (around 42 events in all)
The M25 Nutcracker initiative took place for a week following Pentecost Sunday mobilising prayer
around the M25 motorway with prayer stations at 13 different junctions.
Global Day of Prayer London hosted a national prayer event
on June 13th at West Ham stadium thousands gathered from
across the capital and nation. Prayers were offered for a
wide range of issues: including our government, youth, the
persecuted church and the church. Different gospel artists,
worship leaders & dancers took part. Support was given by a
number of MPs and the Mayor of London joined in the day.
‘Today the church drove a stake into the ground and we
drew a line and said in the spirit that this nation belongs to
Jesus’.
And the work goes on as through the 90 days of mission for example Christians across Ireland
have been invited to do ‘random acts of kindness’ e.g. flower sending, free hugging, petrol buying,
shoe shining, free ironing, garden weeding, sick visiting.
If you want to know more click on the links.
Multicultural Mission in a Non Church Attending Society
Multi-cultural mission in a non-church attending society
report
12th February 2011 St Matthias Church Centre
Hosted by Hope for the Nations
Introduction
Approximately 60 people representing many nationalities, networks, mission agencies and age groups gathered for a consultation addressing the issue of “Multi-cultural mission in a non-church attending society”
After the initial welcome Paul reminded everyone of the vision of Hope for the Nations which is to work together as different nationalities in order to reach the nations represented here in Leeds. A short extract from a DVD “Why Europe Why Now? was shown which highlighted the issues and the challenges we were about to discuss.
Each topic was then introduced:
Who are the least reached people groups in Leeds and how can we prioritise reaching out to them? Linda Harding
How can young people be inspired and mobilised in international mission in Leeds? Ben Jones
Are we as the church really coming to terms with international mission in Leeds?
Paul Lancaster
Everyone was divided into groups and after half an hour moved to the next topic so there was an opportunity to engage with each subject. Please find outlined below a collation of the discussions in each of the areas. Each topic covers issues, challenges and outcomes.
“Who are the least reached people groups in Leeds and how can we prioritise reaching out to them?”
Discussion led by Linda Harding (International Director of Kairos)
Issues and challenges
- In general there seemed to be a lack of awareness of least reached people groups in the city and not many were looking to work intentionally with them
- One of the groups identified some of the LRP’s, including Mirpuris, Sylhetis Somalis, Bangladeshi, white working class and post-modern youth. A question was raised as to how we can reconcile focus on LRP from overseas and post- Christian Europeans.
- 2 courses were mentioned which equip people for this kind of work Kairos and Crossing Cultures. Both these courses help apply the lessons of “frontier missions” to work in a city such as Leeds
- Barriers to reaching such groups were identified in terms of language culture, geography( how to engage if they are living in a different part of Leeds to where we live) and being able to reach women
- Some of these people have to pay a big price to convert to the Christian faith
- Our churches may not be culturally accessible
Outcomes
- The need for people to network together who have a passion or similar interest in reaching particular people groups. In the world mission scene organisations have had to work together with resources –now the same is needed here.
- Inter- church prayer groups with specific focus together with prayer walking identifiable areas.
- Encouragement for people to adopt a LRP
- Many people are alongside LRP’s in their work and everyday life but need equipping, empowering and encouragement to know how to be a blessing to them. Recognising that those in this position are frontline. Kairos and Crossing Cultures courses are ideal for this.
- Encouragement to get involved in teaching English. There is still a great need for women to get alongside women in their homes.
- Identifying and supporting those who are the best people to reach LRP’s
e.g. those from similar cultural background
- It was recognised that this is too big a challenge for any one church so there is a need for church leaders to have a vision for this in order to encourage people from different congregations to work together collaboratively.
- COSI ( Collaboration of Strategic Initiative) was presented as one possible framework that could be helpful.
- To understand Ummah(An Arabic term)-the concept of community
- To not be afraid to enter into their community life
- Learn Arabic or Asian language-even using a little can have an impact showing you care for them.
- It is important to meet the material needs alongside the sharing of the gospel
- Do the small things showing love for your neighbour
- To be available but know your limits
“How can young people be inspired and mobilised in international mission in Leeds ?”
Discussion led by Ben Jones (Leeds Youth Cell Network)
Issues and challenges
- There was some discussion about existing activities amongst young people
e.g .Joint youth initiative in Armley, Youth Alpha, choir, dance groups, homework clubs, football, concerts
Doug (YWAM) spoke about art based projects, graffiti club, video production, pinhole photography, hip-hop, dance etc youth leadership training
The work of Friends International (Rhian) was outlined –a ministry amongst
International students- Global Café, small groups working with local
churches.
Youth Cell Network- Worship, Word, Witness being key components in
each cell and the vision for Christ –centred youth work within walking
distance of their home
- The biggest challenge seemed to be how these activities can become more cross-cultural in their reach.
- Other issues mentioned were fear of failure in working multi-culturally,
the fear of being rejected by different ethnicities, a lack of order, challenge of peer mentoring. Is all this going to produce a lot more work?
Outcomes
- The need to draw young people into the decision making process
- The need for more vibrant youth leaders
- To encourage young people in schools to reach out to others cross-culturally
- Encouraging small local groups of young people to work together more.
- Networking with other churches and events
- The importance of the Hope 11 initiative this summer was emphasised as a great opportunity to work together cross-culturally and to see more cross cultural cells emerge. The Youth event is called “ The Hub which will be a fun-filled, five day residential for young people aged 14-21years. A chance for young people to put their faith into action, be equipped, discipled and sent out to mission centres.”
Are we as the church really coming to terms with international mission in Leeds?
Discussion led by Paul Lancaster ( Hope for the Nations)
Issues and challenges
- Over 94% of population not attending church at all- most who do attend are over the age of 50 and in the south of Leeds over 50% who attend church are of African origin
- Are we spending too much time maintaining our structures and meetings? Do we continue to focus on church as it is or do we go wider in mission?
- Multi-cultural churches are experiencing some growth –mono cultural not seeing same growth.
- Africans are wanting to integrate more with whites in mission but this proves to be difficult so find themselves just working within their own culture.
- The challenge” to get off our high horses” and accept each other.
- Should we be reaching out to different cultures in order to invite them in to our congregations or should we be thinking more about just reaching them where they are and looking at new shapes of “church”?
- WEC beginning to feel the challenge of the church’s task here in multi-cultural mission rather than just concentrating overseas.
Outcomes
- To find ways of praying alongside particular mission strategies
- There should be no cultural restrictions in working together as long as we keep to common ground in mission
- There is a need for a holistic approach in mission not just monochrome
- There is a need for a variety of approaches using multi-cultural resources
- The need to develop flexible, small missional groups
- A wider geographic focus is needed- not just around the city centre e.g Arab population in North Leeds area.
- To support those whose work gives them a lot of mission opportunity
- To find ways of working together more inter-dependently outside existing church structures and not let denominational allegiance get in the way
- The importance of focus on particular geographies as well as being able to use the wider multi-cultural resources within Leeds
- The need to adapt our church culture to a more thorough going mission culture
Conclusion
Many people commented on how useful the day had been and how important it was to keep engaging with the issues that were discussed. There was an enthusiasm and a real willingness to consider new ways in order to meet the challenge of multi-cultural mission in Leeds.
The time together helped to raise an awareness of issues such as least reached people groups, youth and student outreach. These three aspects in particular made people consider how they can work together outside the “church constructs”
The issue of working together in local areas as well as being able to tap into multi-cultural resources from across the city was appreciated. The outcomes need to be thought about and worked through in different contexts but there was clarity about how we can move forward together. Obviously this cannot be centrally organised but Hope for the Nations could be a reference point and a resource in helping in the process. The Kairos course and “Crossing Cultures” course are excellent tools for equipping people in cross-cultural mission and it has been encouraging to see many nationalities from within Leeds doing the course.
Prayer was seen to be key to all mission activity and that this needs to be encouraged
a lot more especially in the various mission contexts
A group of us will meet together to reflect on the issues and outcomes raised and to suggest further ways forward. If you feel there has been anything significant missed out of this report –please let us know.
Finally a huge thank you to all who came but especially those who helped in any way – Linda and Ben for leading the discussions, Rhoda, Jean and Jackie for recording the discussions, Peter for handling the technical aspects of the day, the worship team from Living Hope and Meeting Point who catered for us.
Paul Lancaster (On behalf of the planning team)
