Keep The Faith issue 121
Wow, I can hardly believe we’re at the end of the year already! Not only has 2021 seemingly flown by, but when I think back to how the pandemic was ‘brewing’ back in December 2019, little did we know we’d still be feeling the effects of ‘All change’ at the end of this year.
Some things will never change though. Like the faithfulness of God, and the fact that Jesus, the Word, was made flesh and dwelt among us. At least that is firm foundation we can rely on.
Another change at Keep The Faith magazine is that Shirley McGreal has stepped down to enjoy ‘retirement’, which we announced in the previous issue. Thank you to all those who were able to submit tributes for her farewell issue. We honour her for all she has done. We know she’ll still be busy (!), but we wish her every success in her next season.
I guess you may be wondering who I am… I’m Jackie, a committed Christian, and I’ve been working with Shirley and the KTF team for over 10 years now. I have some pretty big shoes to fill, I know, but the Lord has assured me that He has crafted my own special pair of shoes to step into, and He has given me hinds’ feet. So the new publishers — Rev Ade Omooba and the NCLF — and I are really looking forward to building on the legacy that Shirley has left.
Our cover for this Christmas issue features Pastor Michael White from The Tab Church, and alongside our Christmas articles – including ones by David Shosanya and Gary Clayton — we have an NCLF special feature on ‘Church and prison’ by Joe Aldred, and an article by Marcia Dixon, entitled ‘I am not my hair!’, which talks about how a brave six-year-old girl, Delena Thompson, who has written a book about alopecia. Also included in this issue are the usual favourites: Gospel News, Food 4 Thought, Lifestyle, Comment and Missions, plus a piece about the recent COP26 conference by Dionne Gravesande, which we hope you’ll enjoy.
Keep The Faith magazine is an important voice in the Black Church community, and long may it remain so. But we can’t do it without you — our readers, volunteer contributors, advertisers, churches, community groups and supporters. We hope this beautiful relationship will continue long into the future.
As we celebrate the birth of our Immanuel in our homes and churches, we remember those of you who may have suffered illness or bereavement and are facing an entirely different Christmas this year. We pray especially for God’s shalom peace to comfort you, and for His arms to strengthen you throughout this season.
Stay blessed, in Jesus’ Name
Jackie Raymond
