In this issue:�

A few years ago, I was visiting with�a friend whose son had recently been�accepted into the United States Marine�Corps and was attending basic training. I�asked how his son was doing and he stated�that things were not going too well. The�training was so rigorous that his son had�been throwing up quite frequently and lost�a lot of weight. He was sleep deprived and�constantly in pain but nobody even�bothered to give him medicine to relieve the�pain. With tears in his eyes, he wondered�whether he had done the right thing in�allowing his son to join the Marines.�

A few months later, I visited my�friend again and asked how his son was�doing. His response was surprising. Instead�of the concern that he had expressed�before, he beamed with pride. He had just�returned from his son’s graduation from�basic training and was quite impressed by�the transformation that he had seen. The�young man had become more disciplined�than he had ever been. He now said, “Yes,�Sir” and “Yes, Ma’am” when talking to his�parents and had even gotten rid of the�baggy and ripped jeans that he used to�wear!! With the smile of a proud father, my�friend said, “I sent him to the Marines as a�boy, but he came back as a man!!”�

For the young man, basic training�in the Marine Corps provided excellent�preparation for life and for the greater�mission of defending America from foreign�enemies. Upon graduation, he would be�deployed to Iraq, where he would serve his�country by joining others who are fighting�on America’s behalf.�

Like that young man, we at United�Christian Fellowship of Arlington are�soldiers on a mission. Our mission is to�rescue the lost from Satan’s grasp and, to�this end, we adopted the motto,�

to guide our work in 2010. By the�end of the year, we would have held more�than 212 programs, including worship�services, Sunday school classes, bible�studies, marriage classes, fellowship�meetings, financial seminars and a host of�other programs with the singular purpose�of preparing every member to wage�spiritual war against the enemy in our�homes, our church, our schools, our�businesses, our jobs, our communities and�wherever the enemy may rear his head. No�doubt, the training has been tedious,�strenuous and even painful, but like basic�training in the Marine Corps, it is necessary�for the fulfillment of our mission.�

Today, having received all of this�training, we have reached the point as a�church where we must be deployed for�service. Like my friend’s son, we have�arrived at a stage where we must put all�that we have learned into practice in pursuit�of our mission. As we enter 2011, let every�man and woman, every young adult and�

every youth, take their place, armed with�spiritual weapons of prayer, praise, fasting�and the Word of God, to engage the enemy�and rescue the lost. Let us fight to recover�every hope, every dream and every�aspiration that God has granted but Satan�has stolen!!�

Let us fight by faith, trusting in the�promise of God that the gates of Hell shall�not prevail against us. Let us remember that�the church of God and all who belong to�her are guaranteed victory as we wage war�against Satan. Let us believe God. There�must be no retreat and no surrender. 2011�is not a year for fear. Our motto is�

Love,�

Pastor Effiom�

UCF page 2�

First, we must believe the word of God. Any�word that proceeds from God is true and the�Bible is the word of God.�

Jesus says “[a]sk, and it will be given to you;�search, and you will find; knock, and the�door will be opened for you. For everyone�who asks receives, and for everyone who�searches finds, and for everyone who knocks,�the door will be opened (Mathew 7:7-8). This�is a great given calling (Matt. 6:5).�

Prayer is simply speaking out the will of God�through the mouth of a believer, in the�presence of God, which is by faith in the heart�of the believer. The believer asks in prayer for�the Lord’s will to be done. God sometimes let�many of his resolutions go suspended due to�lack of prayerful cooperation with Him from�His people (believers). (Ezek.22:30-33) is an�example of where God is requiring us to pray�so that disasters can be averted.�

Prayer is a relational communication with�God through the Lord Jesus Christ who is the�head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23). It is�through prayer that God gives us wisdom�and revelation that we need for ministry�(Eph.1:17-19). The eyes of our heart is�enlightened through prayer and it is the�desire of God to give us direction and vision�for ministry; Jer.29:11 explains this further.�

•Prayers may be written�

• It encourages verbal participation�

•Silent prayer is equally as powerful�

•Agreement prayer is another style�

•Instructional prayer may include adoration,�confession, thanks and supplication�

•Brief prayer is a brief phase of thanks or�intercession for quick or emergency�situations.�

•Praying with the scriptures for example “I�can do all things through Christ who�strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).” Ye are of God�little children, and have over come them�because greater that is He that is in you, than�he that is in the world” (1John 4:4).�

Pray always without ceasing. This does not�mean that the believer should always be on�their knees or ever lifting up their hands and�calling upon God aloud or silently. This is not�necessary. Besides, it will be impracticable�because it will clash with various�engagements that believers are required to�undertake during the course of the day. No�matter how willing a spiritual being may be to�

engage in the work of prayers always, the�flesh is weak and would not be able to do so.�The body requires food and drink, sleep and�rest, for its refreshment and support. All these�require time.�

Praying always and without ceasing means�that believers should engage daily and often�in prayer. We are dependent on God for�every good; without him we can do nothing.�Feel that dependence at all times and you will�always be in the spirit of prayer and those�who feel this spirit will frequently feel the need�to pray and will pray. We should be in this�frame of mind as to be ready to pray publicly�if requested and when alone. There has been�evil done to our soul if it is not prepared for�communion with God at all times and if it will�not find pleasure in approaching his holy�throne. We are to observe the duty of prayer�in the room, while alone, or with family�members at home, and in any assembly�convened to call upon the name of the Lord.�Above all, have faith in God while you pray.�“Therefore I say unto you what things you so�ever desire, when ye pray believe that ye�receive them and ye shall have them” (Mark�11:24).� Rev. Godson Eleda�

Let your speech at all times be gracious, (pleasant and winsome)�seasoned (as it were) with salt, (so that you may never be at a loss)�to know how you ought to answer anyone (who puts a question to�you) (Colossians 4:6.AMP).�

You are the custodian of your Legacy. Many are yet to learn the�importance of the words "please", "excuse me", "thank you" in their�communications with others. Christian faith is who you are obeying�under pressure. There are erroneous beliefs that being polite is a�sign of weakness in ones' character, but that is not true. Rather, being�polite is something that reveals the strength of your character. You�are actually displaying the wisdom of God that is in you, because�your life has being scripted for success.�

Sometimes life will kick you around but sooner or later you realize�you are not just a survivor, you are a warrior and stronger than�anything life throws your way. So its imperative that you carefully�consider the words that you speak. Let your words uplift, encourage,�inspire, soothe & build. Don't allow communication that could inflict�

pain or stir strife/discord out of your lips. See others with the eyes of�God, be humble in your communication (James 4:6).�

Be courteous, respectful and civil in your relationship with others.�Never let the setbacks of today make you give up. Hope on�tomorrow, for one without HOPE is like fish without water. A soft�answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir-up anger�(Provb.15:1). Remember happiness does not depend upon who you�are or what you have, it depends solely on what you think, so think�and meditate on the word of God for there lies your happiness.�

BRO.MITCHEL CHUKS-OKONTA.�

UCF page 3�

Ah… it’s Christmas time again. I can just picture the sights: The last�minute shuffling to put up the Christmas tree; the flashing of�Christmas lights and reflecting tree ornaments; the pressure to get�just the right gifts for your friends; the cutting, the wrapping, the�folding and the taping of presents. Oh, and let’s not forget the�anticipating and waiting for Christmas morning. I bet you can’t wait�to shoot down the stairs to open some presents. Ah… what a great�feeling that is. But while we are still imagining Christmas, let’s flip the�script.�

What if this year is different? What if the financial hardships have hit�your family and mine? What if we have to cut back on Christmas�expenses so that we can have a decent meal on Christmas? What if�the presents, if any, are but a few? What if you don’t have enough�shopping money to buy yourself a gift, talk less of me? What if this�is the case this Christmas? How would you respond? What should�you do? Well, the right response is to give a gift but it’s not the kind�you might think.�

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the�will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” The gift of thanksgiving should�be our response regardless of our situation this Christmas. If we have�a regular Christmas with lots of gifts, we should be thankful because�many don’t have the same. And if we don’t get a lot this Christmas,�we should still be thankful, knowing that the ultimate gift of�Christmas has already been given to us in Christ Jesus. Jesus came�

to the world so that we all can have something to be thankful for. His�gift of eternal life is worth more than all the gifts you receive each�Christmas which you might even lose six weeks from now. And it is�a free gift that is as easy to receive as believing in Him.�

So as you read this right now, take some moments to reflect and�thank God for His son and every other thing you have been given�because “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).�And just as an extra advice: if you want your Christmas to be really�special, thank people more often. Doing so increases the blessings�you will receive from people and from God. The special thing about�the gift of “thank you” during Christmas is that the birthday celebrant�Himself, Jesus Christ, loves the gift a lot. So much so that the�scripture says, “it is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1�Thessalonians 5:18). Therefore, give out gifts if you can and give out�as many “thank yous” as possible.�

In conclusion: Although this Christmas might be different, and the�usual gifts may not be present, pause and think of what has been�given to you, and tell the Lord, and everyone “thank you”.�

Amen Omoragbon�

As soon as Solomon finished praying, fire�came down from heaven and burned up the�offerings. The LORD’s dazzling glory then�filled the temple (2 Chronicles 7:1 CEV).�

Did you know you can have your home�saturated with God’s presence such that at�all times, you’ll experience the manifestations�of His glory and power? Just in case you’re�wondering how to go about this, I’ll show you�what to do. "Faith is taking the first step even�when you don't see the staircase".�

First and foremost, you have to create that�atmosphere in your heart; if you can have it�in your heart, you can have it in your�environment. To create an atmosphere of the�miraculous in your heart, you have to be�filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18-19�shows us how to do this: “And be not drunk�with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with�the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms�and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and�making melody in your heart to the Lord.�Giving thanks always for all things unto God�and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus�Christ.”�

You have to speak the Word to yourself to be�filled with the Spirit. If for instance you want�to create an atmosphere of healing and�prosperity in your home, you first have to�speak words of healing and prosperity from�God’s Word to yourself. Also, remember part�of what we read above: Speaking to�yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual�songs, singing and making melody in your�heart to the Lord….” That means singing�songs of faith, health, healing and prosperity�to yourself. Making melodies in your heart to�the Lord joyfully and in thanksgiving as you�contemplate the perfect health and�prosperity He’s brought you into.�

Do these until your spirit is stirred and your�faith is established in God’s Word. Now, this�shouldn’t be a one off activity; be consistent�at it, and you’ll experience your spirit being�constantly filled with God’s presence — that�divine glorious presence that brings healing�and prosperity.�

Extending this to your home, it’s the same�principle. The Spirit of God can fill your�house the same way He fills your heart.�

Constantly declare God’s Word concerning�your family, job, business, and personal�belongings. As you do, your immediate�environment will go in the same direction as�your declarations! Your home will be filled�with the full presence of God and the�miraculous will be your constant experience.�

BRO.MITCHEL CHUKS-OKONTA.�

UCF page 4�

You hear a lot about living a healthy lifestyle,�but what does that mean? In general, a�healthy person doesn't smoke, is at a healthy�weight, eats healthy and exercises. Sounds�simple, doesn't it?�

The trick to healthy living is making small�changes...taking more steps, adding fruit to�your cereal, having an extra glass of�water...these are just a few ways you can�start living healthy without drastic changes.�

One of the biggest problems in America�today is lack of activity. We know it's good for�us but avoid it like the plague either because�we're used to being sedentary or afraid that�exercise has to be vigorous to be worth our�time. The truth is, movement is movement�and the more you do, the healthier you'll be.�Even moderate activities like chores,�gardening and walking can make a�difference.�

Just adding a little movement to your life can:�

•� Reduce the risk of heart disease,�stroke and diabetes�

•� Improve joint stability�

•� Increase and improve range of�movement�

•� Help maintain flexibility as you age�

•� Maintain bone mass�

•� Prevent osteoporosis and fractures�

•� Improve mood and reduce�symptoms of anxiety and�depression�

•� Enhance self esteem�

•� Improve memory in elderly people�

•� Reduce stress�

So, even if you opt for small changes and a�more modest weight loss, you can see the�

benefits are still pretty good. One study has�found that just a 10% weight reduction�helped obese patients reduce blood�pressure, cholesterol and increase longevity.�

You can start the process of weight loss now�by adding a little more activity to your life. If�you're not ready for a structured program,�start small. Every little bit counts and it all�adds up to burning more calories.�

•� . Once a week, turn�off the TV and do something a little�more physical with your family. Play�games, take a walk...almost�anything will be more active than�sitting on the couch.�

•� . Look for small ways to�walk more. When you get the mail,�take a walk around the block, take�the dog for an extra outing each�day or walk on your treadmill for 5�minutes before getting ready for�work.�

•� . Shoveling snow,�working in the garden, raking�leaves, sweeping the floor...these�kinds of activities may not be�'vigorous' exercise, but they can�keep you moving while getting your�house in order.�

•� . When you're on�the phone, pace around or even do�some cleaning while gabbing. This�is a great way to stay moving while�doing something you enjoy.�

•� . Make a list of all the�physical activities you do on a�typical day. If you find that the bulk�of your time is spent sitting, make�another list of all the ways you�could move more--getting up each�hour to stretch or walk, walk the�stairs at work, etc.�

Eating a healthy diet is another part of the�healthy lifestyle. Not only can a clean diet�help with weight management, it can also�improve your health and quality of life as you�get older. You can use the new Food Guide�Pyramid to determine how many calories you�need and what food groups you should focus�on or, if you're looking for smaller changes,�you can use these tips for simple ways to�change how you eat:�

•� . Add it to your cereal,�your salads or even your dinners�

•� . Add them�wherever you can--a tomato on�your sandwich, peppers on your�pizza, or extra veggies in your pasta�sauce. Keep pre-cut or canned/�frozen veggies ready for quick�snacks.�

•� . If you�eat full-fat dressing, switch to�something lighter and you'll�automatically eat less calories.�

•� .�Switching to skim milk or fat free�yogurt is another simple way to eat�less calories without having to�change too much in your diet.�

•� . Look�through your cabinets or fridge and�pick 3 foods you eat every day.�Write down the nutritional content�and, the next time you're at the�store, find lower-calorie substitutes�for just those 3 items.�

Babatunde�Sanni�

UCF page 5�

It is amazing how susceptible Christians are to get-rich-quick�schemes and how logical the schemes seem at first. Every year�thousands of Christian families risk and lose money they cannot�afford to lose while seeking that “big deal”. There never has been a�get-rich-quick scheme that didn’t sound terrific on the surface.�However, the promoters are a great deal better at disguising the bad�deal than most people are at detecting them.�

How then can Christians avoid all such schemes? “Trust in the Lord�with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding”�(Proverbs 3:5). Below is a list of a few of the basic principles dealing�with how to avoid get-rich-quick schemes.�

•�

•� “By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is�established” (Proverbs 24:3). Seldom will anyone be�duped into a get-rich-quick scheme in his or her area�of expertise. The vast majority of people who make�money do it in the field in which they have the most�training and experience. Those who lose it usually do�so in an area they know little about.�

•�

•� “A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, the naïve�proceed and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 27:12). Its one�thing to speculate with money that you can afford to�lose and quite another to lose money that literarily�belongs to another. The former is called speculation,�the latter is surety. “Do not boast about tomorrow, for�you do not know what a day may bring forth”�(Proverbs 27:1)�

•�

•� “She considers a field and buys it, from her earnings�she plants a vineyard. She makes linen garments and�sells them, and she supplies belts to the tradesmen”�(Proverbs 31:16, 24). Utility simply means buying�something of use to someone else. Most get-rich-quick�schemes deal with intangibles or at least remote�tangibles.�

•�

•� “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but�everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty”�(Proverbs 21:5). The very essence of a get-rich-quick�scheme is emotionalism. The promoter urges the�potential buyer to act quickly before the opportunity is�missed. The final ploy is to develop an attitude of�covetousness by hinting that another prospect is�waiting to snap up the deal. What is the best way to�avoid this trap? “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for�Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his�way, because of the man who carries out wicked�schemes” (Psalm 37:7)�

•�

•� “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise�man is he who listens to counsel” (Proverbs 12:15). It�is amazing how quickly someone who is not�emotionally involved with a get-rich-quick scheme can�spot its flaws. Good, objective Christian counsel should�be a prerequisite to any financial decision. That�counsel is most objective when it comes from someone�who has no profit motive involved.�

To avoid these get-rich-quick�financial traps, you must establish�your standard by God’s word: Seek�God’s plan for your life, stick with�what you know, seek good counsel,�and wait on God’s peace before�acting. “It is the Lord that makes�rich, and He adds no sorrow to it”�(Proverbs 10:22).�

Join Us For Men’s Audition On Thursdays At 7:00PM�

Psa 150:1-6� Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens!�Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with�

trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him�with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!�

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!�

UCF page 6�

In the book of Judges chapter 2 the Bible tells us that “Another�generation arose and knew not the Lord”. Joshua had died and the�bible says another generation took over. The problem was that they�did not know the Lord. The question is how did they see all the�miracles performed in the lives of their parents (Israel) and�grandparents (Israel), but still not know the Lord? Maybe it’s because�they were so busy experiencing God that they never made time to�show their children who God really was. The generation that arose�knew about God, but they didn’t know God. They knew religion and�rules, but they didn’t know relationship. As parents we should not just�tell our children who God is, but we should teach our children how�

to know Him personally. Let’s not only tell�our youth about our God experiences, but�let’s teach our youth how to experience�God for themselves.�

In His Service,�

Reverend Oza Jones Jr. Youth Pastor�

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou�hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy�Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly (Matthew 6:6).�

Some people engage in prayers only when they’re in some form of�trouble or predicament, but that’s not the way it ought to be. You�ought to get your spirit charged at all times by spending quality time�in fellowship with the Lord through prayer. God wants us to be bold�and stirred ever before we come against adverse circumstances. He�wants you fired up by the anointing even before you hit the streets,�so that when you come out, you’re already dressed with the power�of the Holy Ghost; drenched in the unction.�

If you make this a consistent practice, nothing and no one will ever�be able to successfully withstand or defeat you, for the anointing�makes you invincible. When the anointing in you is stirred, having�spent quality time in your closet charging up your spirit, people might�not immediately recognize it on you when you come out; because�you’re calm, well dressed and got a smile on. But the opportunity to�manifest the anointing presents itself when you find yourself in a tight�situation. No matter what kind of situation it is, you’ll know it’s a�done deal because you already settled it in your closet.�

The Bible tells us how a deadly viper fastened itself on Paul’s hand�one time when he was making a fire. All Paul did was to shake the�venomous beast off into the fire and continued doing his thing (Acts�28:4-5). How come he didn’t fall down and die from the viper’s�venom as the onlookers expected? He was already full of the�anointing before the incident! Paul shares the secret of how he was�able to do this and many other supernatural feats when he said in 1�Corinthians 14:18 “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than�ye all.”�

Speaking in tongues is one sure way to get your spirit charged at all�times and stir up the anointing in you. Consciously practice this every�day; before you go out, get your�spirit charged; stir up the anointing�in you by speaking passionately�and fervently in other tongues.�Having stirred up the anointing in�your closet, when you step out, the�challenges you face will be bread�for you.�

BRO.MITCHEL CHUKS-OKONTA.�

Our Mission�

To worship God, reach persons with Christ’s love, assimilate them�into membership, grow together in the Lord, minister to the whole�person, develop and equip members for mission in the world, in�order to exalt the Lord our God.�

Our Vision�

Our church seeks to communicate the inspired word of God cross-�culturally, with the compelling love of Christ, to win souls, train�members to discover their spiritual gifts, and use them to serve�Christ in his church and in the market place.�

Our Core Values�

With respect to WORSHIP, it is our desire to worship God in spirit�and in truth, both corporately and individually. Corporately, we�strive for a worship experience that is consistently reverent of God,�refreshing to the soul and inclusive of all who genuinely seek God,�regardless of race, national origin, culture, economic status, age�and ability. Individually, we strive for consistency and truth.�

With respect to FELLOWSHIP, it is our desire to be an example of�unity within the body of Christ by intentionally and proactively�promoting fellowship among God’s children, regardless of race,�national origin, culture, economic status, age and ability, and to�

spend time together regularly and intimately, to know one another,�love one another, protect one another, encourage one another and�support one another both in times of joy and in times of grief.�

With respect to DISCIPLESHIP, it is our desire to minister to the total�person, bringing each person into submission to the lordship of�Jesus Christ, first in salvation and then in surrender. It is also our�desire to equip each person, through a process of intentional and�progressive study of the Word of God, to become a discipler of�men. To this end, it is our desire to consistently teach the whole�counsel of God and promote biblical stewardship in relation to�faith, family, fitness and finances.�

With respect to MISSIONS, it is our desire to serve our community�in practical ways, by identifying opportunities to help those that are�in need, spiritually or materially, and rendering assistance to them�in a meaningful way. It is our desire to use our mission activity as a�stepping stone to deliver the gospel message to those who are�unsaved.�

With respect to EVANGELISM, it is our desire to be bold and active�witnesses for our Lord, both intentionally and spontaneously, and to�bear visible and measurable fruit to the glory of God.�

UCF page 7�

Many times we say we trust God, but do you really? If you really trust�Him, then no matter what your physical eyes can see, you know that�Romans 8:28-29 is not just words, but the truth. Knowing this means�that you must trust God even though the outcome looks bleak from�where you stand. Sometimes life gets that way. For example, say�your spouse wants to make a decision that you know is not in the best�interest of the family. You talk and pray about it, but the spouse is�not bending on his/her decision. Well, don’t fight or get depressed,�but trust God and know that ALL things work together for good for�those who LOVE the Lord and are called according to His purpose.�Yes, that’s right! Even the decisions that look bad can work out in�your favor if you trust God.�

Let’s take Sarah for example, Abraham made not one, but two bad�decisions, when he asked Sarah, his wife, to lie that she was his�sister. No doubt, Sarah could have refused to do what Abraham�asked of her, because it was sinful and even though Abraham was�her husband and the head of the family, her ultimate allegiance was�not to him but to God. But Sarah did not refuse or disrespect her�husband and God made certain that no shame ever came to her.�That’s the favor of God!�

There is a scripture in 1 Corinthians 1:27 that says, “�

. The implication of this scripture is that even�though the ways of God may look foolish and weak when evaluated�on the basis of human knowledge, God always uses these “foolish”�and “weak” things to produce the best possible outcomes.�

If God was able to bless Sarah with a son, Isaac, even though she�went along with Abraham’s sinful decisions, how much more is He�able to bless us when we obey Him by honoring our husbands!!�Many times, our husbands are not asking us to commit outright sin�as Abraham asked Sarah to do, and the disagreements between us�are simply matters of opinion. Whenever we honor our husbands in�obedience to God, we are putting the outcome of the matter in the�hands of God and He will see to it that we will never lose.�

As Christians we need to know that God�can be our refuge and our fortress as it�says in Psalms 91:1-2, if we dwell in Him�and allow Him to cover us. Let’s stop�saying we TRUST GOD and really trust�Him, knowing that ALL things work�together for our good if we love Him and�accept His rule over our lives.�

Sis. Kim Effiom�

The book of 2 Chronicles Chapter 7 Verse 14 says�

This was�God’s gracious response to Solomon’s prayers. In the preceding�chapters and verses it was recorded that Solomon had built a Temple�for the Lord and had gathered his people together in a grand�ceremony to officially dedicate the magnificent edifice to the Lord. It�was the desire of Solomon that God would consecrate the area and�accept it as a holy place of worship and fellowship with God. He had�prayed that God would honor the prayers of His people towards the�Temple. In the midst of the days of festivities the Lord appeared to�him by night, and said to him:�

(verse 12).�

(verses 15, 16).�

Although this promise was made solely to the Israelites and was�particularly relating to a Temple that had been built as a place of�worship and of honor for God, the principle of the promise God�gave to the people of Israel then has similar application even now to�other nations of the world, particularly to all the countries�represented in our congregation at UCF. Even though the Old�Testament record of this event was referencing a physical building,�situated in a particular physical location in the world, the Temple in�the New Testament, and in essence in our modern day society, points�to Christ, our Lord and Savior. The whole basis of God’s promise to�

the Old Testament folks has now essentially been amplified in Christ�our Savior. Christ is our “Temple”. Christ is our “house of sacrifice”,�and Christ is the one that has been chosen among the God-Heads�as the only medium through which we, imperfect creatures, could�ever come on to the perfect Father. Prayers that were once made in�the earthly Temple are now made through Christ our Messiah.�Worships that were once performed between Temple walls, in�Jerusalem, are now done in spirit and in truth in all nooks and�corners of our universe. And the holy name Solomon invoked then�we know now to be the name above all names, the One in whose�name we pray, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If we look deep into�the verse of 2 Chronicles 7:14 it should be apparent to us how the�Lord’s people were being dealt with for their sins. God brings a�temporal judgment to bear heavily upon them. And to be delivered�from the judgment God Himself prescribed first and foremost that�they must humble themselves ("If My people which are called by My�name shall humble themselves"). This humbling of self is expected to�be taken care of first, as it will be vain to proceed any further until it�be properly attended to. Pride, as recorded in the scripture, is more�hateful to God than anything else. The next prescription given by�God Himself is for His people to “pray". It should however be noted�that until we have truly humbled ourselves before God there can be�no real or meaningful prayer, hence the need to take care of the first�thing first. The next is to “seek God’s face”. This essentially is�re-emphasizing the prescription that we should pray diligently and�with all our heart. And this is meant to draw us nearer and nearer to�God, and to a point where we are face to face with Him.�

contd page 8�

UCF page 8�

Next, God prescribed that His people "turn from their wicked ways.”�Put differently, we are to forsake our sins with total abandonment�and with purpose of heart and to resolve to go back to them no�more. God followed the prescriptions with promises of what He�would do if His people were to do all these things he had�commanded them. "Then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive�their sin, and will heal their land." God’s gracious promises are to�hear, to forgive and to heal. But we must be quick to note that these�promises were preceded by the word “Then”. This essentially means�that God’s promises are predicated upon the conditions He had laid�out prior being fully adhered to by His people.�

How do all these relate to us and to our native countries of Africa?�Well, first, we generally agree that all the ungodly things happening�today in our nations are marks of God’s displeasure with these�nations and their ways. The nations and their leaders obviously have�been full of pride and have followed some wicked ways. If we all take�a cursory look at all the nations of Africa, we will see countries with�abundant gifts from God. The continent has been truly blessed by�God with abundant resources: human, natural, economic, etc.,�some of which are in significant rate than those of other continents.�But to harness all these God-given resources for the betterment of�the land for all its people has been the major Achilles’ hill for the�continent. Leaders entrusted by the people to oversee the free�bounties of God have systematically and unrepentantly swindled�their nations, carting away their ill-gotten fortunes to foreign lands,�and perpetually pauperizing their people in the process. Lord have�mercy! They seemed to have pitched their tents with the evil one that�hovers around the earth looking for people or nations to pillage, kill�and destroy. One must admit therefore that this probably is the�single most valid reason for the exodus of so many people of African�descent, willingly leaving their home countries to seek greener�pastures in unfamiliar foreign lands. In so many cases, these�pastures have been somehow elusive due to unique challenges that�had not been anticipated by the persons moving to the new land.�

Now that we are in foreign lands chasing “green pastures” the�question now is what should we do about our nations of origins?�Well, so many of our folks have given up and have considered the�nations forever condemned to a state of eternal damnation. It will�not be surprising if amongst such folks we have men and women�belonging to the household of God, that is, those of our Christian�faith. But what shall we then do? I believe we need to start by�humbling ourselves before God, and praying for our nations (just as�we are commanded to pray for Israel). After that we should resolve�in our mind and with every fiber of our being to desist from doing�those things that do not portray us and our people in good light,�things that we ourselves know are not good and generally do not�glorify God. We need to be good ambassadors of our nations and�be proud to confidently tell people, when the opportunity arises,�where we are from. We need to recognize that everything we do has�a bearing on the perception of people of us and of our people�

collectively, good or bad. And when we do have the opportunity to�go home to serve in any capacity, we should set ourselves apart from�the existing norm by allowing the spirit of God to guide our thoughts�and our actions by serving our people honorably as unto the Lord. It�is amazing how many Christians have returned home to serve after�many years of being arm-chair critics, criticizing the past and current�leaders, accusing them of being ungodly, corrupt and inept, only for�these same set of people to make a 180 degree change after getting�there and they have started enjoying the trappings of power. They�forget all about their holier-than-though principles, joining the�discredited leaders in the same shady acts for which they had been�criticized. It is instructive for us to not relent in our criticisms but we�should also endeavor to match them with prayers for our nations,�praying to God to take absolute charge, and cause the hearts, the�minds, and the souls of our people (in and out of leadership) to be�redeemed for great works in the societies. For while it is tempting to�place all the blames on incompetent and ungodly leaders, if the�followers are equally incompetent and ungodly in their thinking, in�their actions and in their aspirations, then we have a catch 22�situation. It is generally said that people deserve the kind of�leadership they get.�

God has instructed us to acknowledge His supremacy at all times by�humbling ourselves, realizing that we are not our own and that on�our own we are completely powerless in a world controlled by the�prince of darkness. Once we have truly passed the first hurdle and�hung on to God, the natural by-product of the new spirit that controls�us is that we will pray unceasingly and we will be a people that rely�on God as the sole source and the sole supplier of all the resources�we could ever need. And once we are firmly rooted in this principle�of God, we will be uncomfortable continuing in our wicked ways and�thereby become God-like.�This is hard to do as it is a constant�struggle, but it is what we have been asked to do. This is why we�should not take the call to pray for our nations lightly during the�Pastoral prayer moment of our Sunday service at UCF. God has�assured us that if we did all these things He would hear us from�Heavens and He would forgive us and heal our land. Let us therefore�resolve to play our own little role, no matter how minuscule, in the�overall effort to bring God’s healing, God’s favor, God’s peace and�God’s enduring prosperity to the nations of Africa.�

God bless you.�

Bro Adeolu Esho�

contd....�

Deacon Fidelis Oweh�: Deacon Fidelis is a Program Analyst, married to�Carol Oweh, a member of UCF. They have 3 children, Olemena,�Ofegor and Zino. Deacon Fidelis also serves as a Sunday school�teacher and as UCF church council Secretary and as UCF Church�Secretary.�

UCF page 9�

My journey as president of the UCF women’s ministry began with�some ambivalence, resistance and uncertainty. In the weeks�immediately following my election, the responsibilities of my new�position seemed daunting and overwhelming. Of course the devil�was busy planting negative thoughts of doubt in my head during this�period.�I doubted my ability to joggle and balance the responsibilities as�women’s president with my other obligations as wife, working�mother and business owner.�

After much deliberation, I reached a moment of epiphany; a�revelation came - I did not solicit the position as president, God�called me! With that revelation, I turned to Him in steadfast prayer.�Though I did not know why He called me, I knew fully well that He�who has called me will qualify me. Hence, I prayed regularly for�direction, guidance and wisdom to lead me in a way that will be�pleasing to Him. Then came the turning point, the Lord began to use�me because I stopped resisting. When I yielded to God, I started�enjoying serving rather than seeing it as a chore or burden. The�more time I gave in His service, the more blessings I received.�

While serving was challenging at times, I must thank the women�of UCF! Sisters, thank you for allowing me to lead our ministry the last�4 years. I have enjoyed learning and growing with you all. It has�been a privilege and wonderful experience that taught me virtues�such as� We must thank the�Lord for how far He has brought us, all He has done through us�and what He is yet to do in our ministry. With this said, let us give�our full support to our incoming president, Sis Kim and the�

new administration.�

I am thankful to: our senior pastor, Pastor George Effiom, for your�prayers, spiritual guidance and for always being there with wise�counsel when I called on you, our vice president, Sister Ira, for your�dedication and the executive members for serving along with me, my�husband Kola and our children, Bradley, DJ and Britney for your�sacrifice, understanding and support.�

Brothers and sisters, it’s amazing what the Lord God can do through�us if we will only yield and make ourselves available to Him. The�position I doubted I could hold or manage for one term, turned into�two terms and lasted for four years. What a testimony! While my term�and service as president is ending in 2011, serving continues for me�in different areas at God’s calling.�

I encourage each of you to serve and trust God by giving Him your�time. I am convinced that nothing done�for God, in true spirit goes unnoticed.�He will reward you.�

Finally, it is my prayer that we will all�make heaven. God bless.�

SIS. RONKE THORPE�

Praise and glory be our Lord Jesus Christ who always causes us to triumph. For the�victories God has brought in my life I give Him praise. Although the release of my album�was not everything I thought it would be, it certainly was not as bad as it could have�been. I thank God for every individual who did the very best they could to ensure the�success thereof , the Lord is our rewarder.�

By faith we were able to accomplish our mission of fellowshipping with the homeless in�the city of Dallas, we were also able to host an elaborate thanksgiving fellowship where�we were all ministered to, we were all touched.�

We still have a lot of cds and encourage everyone�who has not gotten one to support by buying one�or two. May the Lord bless you as you be a�blessing.�

Sis. Tsaone Muhwati�

UCF page 10�

Outside of my home, my job for 7 to 8 hours daily is looking into�people’s eyes. You will be amazed at the things you can discover by�looking into someone’s eye.�In this article I will be addressing one of the second leading cause of�blindness in the United State - GLAUCOMA.�

What is glaucoma?�Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye's�optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness.�Glaucoma occurs when the normal fluid pressure inside the�eyes slowly rises. In other words, glaucoma destroys the�back of the eye slowly leading eventually to blindness�

What is the optic nerve?�The optic nerve is a bundle of more than 1 million nerve�fibers. It connects the retina to the brain. (See diagram�below.) The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back�of the eye. A healthy optic nerve is necessary for good�vision. In other words your optic nerve is like the wire that�you use to connect your television to the power outlet. Txu�

is your brain, as long as�your wire is connected to�the power source the�television will show you�pictures, other things�been equal, like cable or�direct TV you get my point�

Anyone can develop�glaucoma. Some people�

are at higher risk than others. They include:�•�1. African Americans over age 40.�•�2. Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican�

Americans.�•�3. People with a family history of glaucoma.�Among African Americans, studies show that glaucoma is:�Five times more likely to occur in African Americans than�in Caucasians. About four times more likely to cause�blindness in African Americans than in Caucasians. Fifteen�times more likely to cause blindness in African Americans�between the ages of 45-64 than in Caucasians of the same�age group.�

I know that most of us that will be reading this article�are “Original Africans” please don’t subtract the�American from the African American saying thank God I�be Niger not African American, it means those of us with�dark skin, the title is African first before American.�A comprehensive dilated eye exam can reveal more risk�factors, such as high eye pressure, thinness of the cornea,�and abnormal optic nerve anatomy. In some people with�certain combinations of these high-risk factors, medicines�in the form of eye drops reduce the risk of developing�glaucoma by about half.�

What can I do to protect my vision?�Studies have shown that the early detection and treatment of�glaucoma, before it causes major vision loss, is the best way to�control the disease. So, if you fall into one of the high-risk groups for�

the disease, make sure to have your eyes examined through dilated�pupils by an eyecare professional every two years.�

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?�At first, there are no symptoms. Vision stays normal, and�there is no pain.�However, as the disease progresses, a person with�glaucoma may notice his or her side vision gradually�failing. That is, objects in front may still be seen clearly, but�objects to the side may be missed.�As glaucoma remains untreated, people may miss objects�to the side and out of the corner of their eye. Without�treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their�peripheral (side) vision. They seem to be looking through�a tunnel. Over time, straight-ahead vision may decrease�until no vision remains. Glaucoma can develop in one or�both eyes.�

How is glaucoma detected?�Glaucoma is detected through a comprehensive eye exam.�

?�Yes. Immediate treatment for early stage, open-angle�glaucoma can delay progression of the disease. That's why�early diagnosis is very important.�While these treatments may save remaining vision, they do�not improve sight already lost from glaucoma.�

Medicines.� Medicines, in the form of eye drops or pills,�are the most common early treatment for glaucoma.�Some medicines cause the eye to make less fluid.�Others lower pressure by helping fluid drain from the�eye.�

In conclusion I want to encourage every one of us to have a thorough�eye exam, especially if you are above 40 years of age, you know how�back home everything is attributed to a witch, that relative of yours�that woke up one day and could not see, just might have had�glaucoma, even though the villagers thought that poor old women�who everybody calls a witch caused the blindness. We cannot afford�to live by the river bank and wash�our hands with our saliva, too many�of us have walked into my clinic�with advance glaucoma, with�severe lost vision that could have�been prevented. We have the�technology, let us use it, go for your�eye exam. Don’t wait till the wire is�completely destroyed before you�start praying for healing.�

Thanks for your time and God Bless�you all.�

Dr. Evelyn Ayidu-Omo�

UCF page 11�

It was another winter rival at UCF and the word of God came to us powerfully�through our guest evangelist, Rev Dr Carl McElroy. Rev McElroy is the senior pastor�of Mt Zion Baptist Church of Ft Worth Texas. Pastor McElroy is no stranger to our�congregation. He was also our interim pastor between 2006 and 2007 at a time�when the church was in search of a senior pastor.�

Over the revival period, Pastor McElroy encouraged us with the theme�The focal passage was�

2 Corinthians 10:4�For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have�divine power to destroy strongholds.�

Day One: The focus on the first day was on the� as a spiritual weapon.�He emphasized the need to study and understand it to enable us to recognize the�word as it applies to our daily life. He mentioned that, as believers, we are in a�spiritual warfare that needs to be fought and won spiritually. He emphasized that�the battle field was the mind and we should not give the devil a foot-hold because�it will lead to him building a strong-hold.�

Day Two: On the second day Rev. McElroy again challenged us with a message�titled “Are You Dressed For Battle?” He used Ephesians 6:10-20 to teach on�dressing ourselves for spiritual battle with special emphasis on� .�

Day Three: The third day was focused on� as a spiritual weapon. The focal�passage was 2 Chronicles 20:21-29. After taking us through the focal passage, Rev�McElroy then used the experience of Paul and Silas, as outlined in Act 16:25-26, to�emphasize the liberating power of praise in the life of a believer. The choir from Mt�Zion was also there on the third day to bless us in a wonderful praise and worship�session.�

It was indeed a great time of blessing for everyone that was available and if you�were not able to join us for this session, plan on being there for the next revival that�is scheduled for spring of the year 2011.�

Congratulations!�

Some church members Joining the Eleda�family in celebrating the graduation of�their son Gabriel Eleda from Midwestern�State University In Wichita Falls Texas.�

UCF page 12�

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the�butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through the little hole. Then it seemed to stop�making any progress. It appeared as If it had gotten as far as it could go and simply could not go any�further. The man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and stripped off the remaining�

bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily, but it had a swollen body and small shriveled�wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that at any moment the wings�would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body which could contract in time. Neither�happened! In fact the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and�shriveled wings. It never was able to fly! What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand�

was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle of the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God’s way of forcing fluid from the�body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.�

The lesson here is that, sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any�obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as we could have or should have been. We could never fly!�

·� I asked for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.�

·� I asked for wisdom and God gave me problems to solve.�

·� I asked for prosperity and God gave me brain and brawn to work�

·� I asked for courage and God gave me danger to overcome�

·� I asked for love and God gave me troubled people to help�

·� I asked for favor and God gave me opportunities.�

·� I received nothing I wanted but I received everything I needed.�

Author - Unknown�

To God be the glory because He has truly done great things for us�at “UCFARLINGTON. BULLETIN”. God has a way of making things�happen in our lives even when we are unaware of steps we need to�take.�

The planning of the church newsletter started a year ago with God�placing the idea into one person’s mind; however, it took a while�before the person acted on God’s direction. We all know that when�God wants something to be done, it will be done whether we choose�to be part of it or not. So if God is directing you in a particular path�to serve him with your talents, do not worry about technicalities�because if it is truly God’s direction, every single detail will fall into�place.�

Serving God brings many blessings your way and He rewards our�obedience. 2010 was a year of great blessings for me and my�family. Personally, it was truly a year of double-double and the Hand�of God was evident in every step. My passing the New York Bar exam�was a miracle on its own, even the least detail was orchestrated by�Him because everything just fell into place. The hotel I ended up�staying became the venue of the exam. Prior to booking the hotel�room, the venue was not made available and I was so worried about�how I would get to and from the hotel for the two-day exam since I�was almost nine months pregnant. However, God made everything�so simple, I just had to literarily enter the exam hall straight from my�room.�

The testimonies I have about God’s goodness and mercy towards my�family and I are countless, this is just one. Share your testimonies�with us at UCF, it does not matter whether you like to write or not, or�

you think your writing is not perfect, nobody is perfect. We will help�edit it and iron out the rough edges before it is published.�

If God has done great things in your life, do not keep it to yourself;�share it with your family at UCF so others may also be blessed.�

Finally, the editorial team (Bro. Mitchel, Sis. Yetunde and Bro. Debo)�say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success�of this newsletter by having their articles published; we love you and�hope you will continue to share your God-inspired wisdom with us.�

May 2011 be a year of triple-triple blessings for us all in Jesus name.�

Thank you.�

Sis. Tope Macaulay�