Educating churches to build walls at annual conference

Christian Aid’s Director Dr Daleep Mukarji and Evangelical Alliance’s Executive Director, Dr Krish Kandiah were amongst the speakers educating churches to pro-actively engage with their community at Love and Joy Ministries annual conference last Saturday.
The one day event began with the harmonious sounds of Love and Joy Gospel Choir before John Cavanagh  lead the morning’s prayer and worship. LJM’s Senior Pastor, Dr Tani Omideyi was first to speak as he focused on the active and varied work of the Ministry. This was followed by Christopher Gibaud from North West Christian Business Forum who talked about the forum and how businesses can engage in the community projects that carry out God’s work.
 
Our first keynote speaker, Dr Daleep Mukarji took to the lectern and gave a passionate, and inspiring international focused talk. Dr Mukarji is due to stand down from his position as Director of Christian Aid later this year and so for many this was the last opportunity to hear him speak. He reflected on his own experiences during his work with Christian Aid and shocked with statistics of third world poverty that still exists in this world.

  
The second keynote speaker, Krish Kandiah gave a lively talk about integrated mission. He engaged with delegates by facilitating participation exercises that provided food for thought and discussion within the audience.

Dr Modupe Omideyi, rector at LJM then shared best practice by providing the Love and Joy Ministries model – explained the achievements, aims and goals.
The practical workshops came after delegates were fed and watered. They included ‘A business focus’ from John Manwell, ‘Setting up and managing community projects’ from Pastors Tani and Modupe Omideyi, ‘How to start the ‘Square Mile’ project from Krish Kandiah and ‘Principles to developing formal partnerships with other organisations’ from Steve Robinson of Samaritan’s Purse.The well attended event sent over 100 church members back to their churches and communities with the tools, abilities, insight and encouragement to begin or continue developing their transforming work in God’s name.

The conference didn’t just cater for the adult Christians however, Christian Aid lead an afternoon of practical and fun workshops. The good turn out is sure to lead to more and more youth mission work in the future.
Love and Joy Ministries would like to thank all the guest speakers and people who attended the event for making is such a great success.