17 Aug 2023, 11:48Edith Mokada
Prophecies of Hope 2023 (Coventry and Nuneaton)
Planning an outdoor health expo in Coventry City Centre proved challenging in a month of bad weather. However, on Sabbath 29th April, the Coventry district of churches went forward in faith. That morning, the sun shone for the first time in more than three weeks following Storm Noa, which caused extensive damage in Southern England and Wales.
The young people combed through the city centre, giving away goody bags and inviting the public to the health expo. Before we knew it, more than 100 goody bags were gone, with many of the beneficiaries being escorted to the health expo. In no time, the venue was full of individuals learning about the eight laws of health. Miraculously the weather continued to hold until the health expo was over, just like when the children crossed the Red Sea or when Joshua fought the Amalekites and prayed for the sun to stand still. Miracles still happen!
The following week, Coventry Central hosted three more events, beginning with a cooking demonstration entitled "Cook & Eat Well on a Budget." It was a hands-on event with individuals preparing a healthy soup, led beautifully by Sisters Wainiqolo and Simela. The next day, Dr Beatrice Kastrati (NEC Health Ministries Director) presented on gut health and its role in our overall well-being. For many, it was eye-opening. The week's final event was led by Team GB coach (Joseph Caines) and his wife, who directed an exercise session in Coventry Central's youth hall. Despite it highlighting how unfit many of us were, it was still filled with laughter and enjoyment.
But that wasn't everything. The subsequent week focussed on emotional and mental health. It began with a presentation by Brother Alfred Amphosa on sleep, rest and basic life support. Alfred is a nursing professional who loves his God and church. Leaving behind a wife who was due to give birth to their child that afternoon, he devoted some of his time to be with us, for which we were very grateful.
The last two days were a family affair. Husband and wife (Brother Lovemore & Sister Tembie Masiane) delivered lessons on mental health and the Mental Health Tool Kit, with more sessions planned to tackle this rising epidemic that's taking the world by storm.
These various events culminated with the Prophecies of Hope evangelistic series that began on Sabbath 13th May. The guest speaker was Dr Jim Howard from the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Night after night, he fanned the light of the Blessed Hope using the bible and the bible alone. The mysteries of Daniel and Revelation were explained in plain language under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
As our tradition, we always have a children's section where our young ones demonstrate their knowledge of the bible, each receiving a gift. Mbali Tshuma was our first champion for the series and night after night, the championship title rotated among the children, including Tia, Vincent Chikopa, Vanya Chikopa, Eliana Mulewa, and Gloria Majaya. The final prize were two prestigious tablets. Estella Wainiqol won the first and the second Gloria Mujai, who became our Prophecies of Hope Evangelistic Series Undisputed Champion.
On Sabbath 27th June, there was joy in the Coventry district of churches as we celebrated the baptism of twelve individuals – two candidates from Coventry North, three from Nuneaton and seven young people from Coventry Central. All candidates except one were under the age of 25. Dr Jim Howard was in a celebratory mood as he pronounced each candidate as being baptised, with Dr Patrick Herbert enjoying the blessing of physically baptising the candidates. Dr Herbert declared, "This venture was enjoyable and memorable, and it was truly a blessing to see our district work together. We look forward to whatever God has in store for us next."
If truth be told, there are so many other stories that could be shared because there were so many blessings. We praise God for His faithfulness and mercy.
You can learn more about many of these events by watching Coventry Central's YouTube account.
Planning an outdoor health expo in Coventry City Centre proved challenging in a month of bad weather. However, on Sabbath 29th April, the Coventry district of churches went forward in faith. That morning, the sun shone for the first time in more than three weeks following Storm Noa, which caused extensive damage in Southern England and Wales.
The young people combed through the city centre, giving away goody bags and inviting the public to the health expo. Before we knew it, more than 100 goody bags were gone, with many of the beneficiaries being escorted to the health expo. In no time, the venue was full of individuals learning about the eight laws of health. Miraculously the weather continued to hold until the health expo was over, just like when the children crossed the Red Sea or when Joshua fought the Amalekites and prayed for the sun to stand still. Miracles still happen!
The following week, Coventry Central hosted three more events, beginning with a cooking demonstration entitled "Cook & Eat Well on a Budget." It was a hands-on event with individuals preparing a healthy soup, led beautifully by Sisters Wainiqolo and Simela. The next day, Dr Beatrice Kastrati (NEC Health Ministries Director) presented on gut health and its role in our overall well-being. For many, it was eye-opening. The week's final event was led by Team GB coach (Joseph Caines) and his wife, who directed an exercise session in Coventry Central's youth hall. Despite it highlighting how unfit many of us were, it was still filled with laughter and enjoyment.
But that wasn't everything. The subsequent week focussed on emotional and mental health. It began with a presentation by Brother Alfred Amphosa on sleep, rest and basic life support. Alfred is a nursing professional who loves his God and church. Leaving behind a wife who was due to give birth to their child that afternoon, he devoted some of his time to be with us, for which we were very grateful.
The last two days were a family affair. Husband and wife (Brother Lovemore & Sister Tembie Masiane) delivered lessons on mental health and the Mental Health Tool Kit, with more sessions planned to tackle this rising epidemic that's taking the world by storm.
These various events culminated with the Prophecies of Hope evangelistic series that began on Sabbath 13th May. The guest speaker was Dr Jim Howard from the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Night after night, he fanned the light of the Blessed Hope using the bible and the bible alone. The mysteries of Daniel and Revelation were explained in plain language under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
As our tradition, we always have a children's section where our young ones demonstrate their knowledge of the bible, each receiving a gift. Mbali Tshuma was our first champion for the series and night after night, the championship title rotated among the children, including Tia, Vincent Chikopa, Vanya Chikopa, Eliana Mulewa, and Gloria Majaya. The final prize were two prestigious tablets. Estella Wainiqol won the first and the second Gloria Mujai, who became our Prophecies of Hope Evangelistic Series Undisputed Champion.
On Sabbath 27th June, there was joy in the Coventry district of churches as we celebrated the baptism of twelve individuals – two candidates from Coventry North, three from Nuneaton and seven young people from Coventry Central. All candidates except one were under the age of 25. Dr Jim Howard was in a celebratory mood as he pronounced each candidate as being baptised, with Dr Patrick Herbert enjoying the blessing of physically baptising the candidates. Dr Herbert declared, "This venture was enjoyable and memorable, and it was truly a blessing to see our district work together. We look forward to whatever God has in store for us next."
If truth be told, there are so many other stories that could be shared because there were so many blessings. We praise God for His faithfulness and mercy.
You can learn more about many of these events by watching Coventry Central's YouTube account.
