Thousands of excited fans flocked to the Cathedral of Faith in Soweto on Friday, 27th August, for the live recording of the Universal Gospel Choir’s third album entitled, Ngena Ikaya ‘lam. After weeks of preparation, the night everyone had been waiting for finally arrived.

Bishop Marcelo Pires, responsible for evangelistic work in South Africa, opened the show with a prayer and asked God to bless the evening, the choir, the audience and all those who could not attend. The show featured the Universal Gospel Choir performing 12 songs, as well as special performances by the Women in Action musical group and the children’s choir. All these enabled the crowd to experience the true diversity within the UCKG’s musical groups. The Night Vigil was officially due to begin at 10,30 pm, but people started filling up the cathedral from 4 pm in the afternoon.

Universal News spoke to some early arrivals and asked why they had come to the show.

“The first time I saw the choir perform was at the Women in Action’s “Save a Tamar Campaign”. I knew then that I could not miss out on tonight’s performance,” said Cornelia from Soweto. John Selehelo from Park Station said, “When I heard about the Night Vigil and the live recording of the choir’s album, I was very happy. I am here tonight for God to revive my spirit. I expect the Choir to inspire us with their songs.”

Many came dressed in traditional clothes, adding colour and authentic cultural diversity to the scene in the cathedral. A member of the choir, Lesiba Mokwatlo, emphasised the fact that the songs were intended to reflect how versatile and diverse the choir and its audience were. “We wanted to include as many different sounds as we could into this album. The lyrics are simple, but to the point. Many of these songs were written by choir members and we wanted to share our experiences with our listeners in the hopes that they too will find hope and encouragement.”

Asked if he felt that the choir had changed over the years, he said, “We have learnt and grown a lot over the past few years. Our last album was recorded almost two years ago and I believe that this album shows how much we’ve developed our vocal and instrumental skills.”

Outside the cathedral, hundreds watched the show projected on a large screen from tents or from their cars. The evening ended in the same way as it started — with a prayer. Bishop Marcelo prayed for God to revive people’s spirits and asked the Holy Spirit to renew their strength and help them overcome all challenges.

Pastor Bethuel, who coordinates the choir, urged people to buy the choir’s new DVD when it is released.

“The aim of this DVD is to help people understand that music is one of the ways to bring God close to you. The songs on this album are meant to offer encouragement and help bring a solution to your problems. The songs on this album serve this purpose — to inspire, encourage and revive,” he said.

Universal News will keep readers informed on the release of the choir’s new album.

By: Nomsa Masengemu and Prema October

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What does it mean to remain in Jesus? We cannot see Him or even touch him, because Jesus is spirit. So what did Christ mean when He told the disciples to remain in Him?

Jesus was telling the disciples then and is telling us now that we need to obey Him. We need to obey the Word of God.

For example: Jesus said: “… Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you …” (Matthew 5:44)

So when someone persecutes you or makes himself your enemy, instead of striking back or plotting revenge, those who follow Christ have to love their enemies and pray for them. When you obey what Jesus said, you are in Him, in other words: remaining in Him. It’s that simple.

It’s like following a recipe. You need to buy the correct ingredients and use them as instructed. If you substitute some ingredients and, for example, use water instead of milk, whatever you make will come out completley different from what the recipe prescribed. It may even taste very bad. But if you follow all the instructions to the letter, your dish will come out perfectly.

In the same way, the Word of God is like the recipe book. You open it and read the instructions. When you’re done identifying all the necessary ‘ingredients’, you look for how to implement them in your life, so that you can get the perfect results.

No matter what you’re looking for: a happy family, successful business, fulfilling relationships or even better health, the Word of God contains all the ‘recipes’ for these things. When you heed the word of God, you are spiritually embracing Jesus and wherever you go, He will go with you. There are some that have the Bible and yet do not know the power it holds. They don’t even obey what is written in it. These people will always be worried, anxious, afraid and tempted to use emotional faith. They will ask themselves: Why does God not hear my prayers? Why am I not getting that job I asked for? Who will ever marry me? Will my husband ever stop drinking and abusing me?

But the moment the person opens the Word of God and follows the ‘recipes’ that Christ left behind, they will overcome.

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:7-8)

Join us every Sunday at 7am or 9:30am in the Cathedral of Faith, Johannesburg.

There can be no peace in this world for those who live by faith. We can only have peace with God when our conscience is washed in the blood of the Son of God.

But to live in the world by faith is to depend on the Holy Spirit. Why does God give His followers faith?

Faith is not given to comfort people in times of pain, to help them keep religious traditions, or to serve as a mere accessory to their lives. Faith is the power of God to confront the devil; it’s the light of God to dissipate the darkness.

That’s why those who are in faith are by nature in a revolt against evil; they are at war because they cannot accept what the world imposes upon them. The spirit of faith refuses to accept bowing before adversity or making alliances with the servants of evil.

The faith of the early Christians has nothing to do with the spiritual and moral corruption of this world. That’s why the Lord Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” In other words, Christian faith separates those who belong to the Light from those who belong to the darkness; the goats from the sheep, those who are of God from those who are not.

Moses said, “The LORD is a man of war” (Exodus 15:3). In other words, God is like a man of war. And in order to please Him, we have to live in faith and by faith. It’s impossible to please Him without being in faith.

God bless you.

His identity is connected with his success. Without success, he feels less of a man, doesn’t do what’s expected of him, and basically feels like a loser.

This is why you hear about men who, in spite of having a wonderful family, commit suicide because their business goes bankrupt, or of men who become drunks, spending all day in a pub because they lost their jobs.

Fortunately, not all go to these extremes, but the number of men who do is not small.

This is a key thing about men and a woman who loves her man should understand that he needs to conquer. It’s part of who he is, which is why it may sometimes look like he’s too busy for you or that he’s a workaholic. And though he needs to get his priorities right, it’s up to the woman to be understanding and supportive of his needs.

It’s no use begging him to stop worrying about the matters that threaten his position as the leader and head of the family, so why try? Wife, pray for him. Ask God to guide him and be as much a part of his life as you can and never, ever, compare him with anyone else! It increases the pressure and makes him feel inferior.

It’s interesting to note that because of this need for success, many men hate to go to the doctor (or dentist). They simply think that by not going, they will avoid finding out that something is wrong with them! Men’s egos … they can be amusing. And let’s not forget their inability to ask for directions! This might be the reason behind their obsession with football—having a team, cheering for it, seeing it win, and feeling like the winner himself—but that’s just a theory of mine.

So next time you feel like pointing out his mistakes— don’t. Be wise and wait for the best time to speak to him about matters that can be done differently. When a man is rebuked, it’s as if you’re threatening his own success and his ego gets bruised and hard to deal with after that.

After all the above, it’s now quite clear why God teaches women to submit to their husbands! It’s not just something we have to do, or because we’re inferior to them, or even because that way is more organised. There’s a strong argument that backs it up and one that makes complete sense. We’re different and one major difference in men is: their identity is linked to where they are in this world. They need to feel valued, respected and admired. You do that, and your husband won’t feel the pressure so much (though it’ll always be there), will not need to look for it elsewhere, and will be the husband you’ve always dreamed of.

In faith,
Cristiane Cardoso

Is situated in a region severely affected by drought and hunger, the farm, which measures over 500 hectares, can be considered an oasis in a land devastated by the sun.

In 1999, Bishop Macedo watched the news and was moved, as was the rest of the country, when he saw images of the suffering of the people in Irecê, which had once been one of the biggest producers of beans but was suffering a merciless drought that had made the soil infertile. And so he came up with the idea of building a place that could bring hope to people who were facing certain death – a place marked by dry cracked soil and mugs without water, the source of life.

Food and education have been the project’s main objectives, which now helps more than 700 children a day. Besides attending primary school and having medical and dental treatments, the children and their families now have regular meals as well. Dairy cows, pigs, chicken and fish are raised on the farm in order to fortify the little ones’ diets.

By utilizing the same irrigation techniques as used in Israeli kibbutzim, the New Canaan Farm produces corn, beans, soya, onions, carrots, beetroots, and many other fruits and vegetables—besides, agriculture is part of the school’s curriculum. The project of the New Canaan Farm has created more than 180 jobs.

When visiting Irecê, Bishop Macedo saw for himself the work done on the farm.

By:Unipress International

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The importance of the baptism in the water is so great that when the Lord Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, He gave them explicit instructions: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16).

When Peter delivered his first major speech in Jerusalem about the Kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus, those had a guilty heart asked him and the other apostles what they should do. “Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God has been announcing salvation to thousands of people who’ve decided to surrender to God through baptism every day throughout the world.

On Sunday, Aug 9th, a ceremony was held throughout the country of Mozambique where more than 10,000 people were baptised. At Miramar Beach alone, located in the capital of Maputo, Bishop João Leite, who’s responsible for the evangelical work of the country, led the ceremony for more than 5,000 people. “God has been sending many souls to our churches here in Mozambique which is why we decided to have this baptism throughout the country. These are newly converted people who are being baptised for the first time. Many of our local churches don’t have baptisteries, and so we decided to perform a baptism on the beach due to the large amount of people who wanted to surrender their lives to Jesus,” said the bishop.

Video editor Meque Alessio, 24, was among those who committed themselves to God that day. He said that he’s been attending services at the church for some time, but hadn’t felt ready to get baptised until now that he understood what the act actually represents. “After hearing a sermon, I began understanding that baptism symbolises a covenant, a complete surrender, the decision to do God’s will,” he says.

After coming out of the water, Meque noticed changes in his behaviour and no longer had worldly desires that disappoint God. “Now, I feel lighter and different. I accepted the Lord Jesus as my One and Only Saviour and I am now baptised. Since then, my life has a new meaning and I’m very happy,” he concluded.

By: Unipress International

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The church’s doors were then closed and since then, meetings have been held outside.
On Friday, 20th August at about 5 PM, the manager of the Motherwell Shopping Centre evicted church members and pastors without any prior notice or warning. Pr Elijah, responsible for the evangelical work in the province reported: ”We were about to start the service when the manager, accompanied by a few security guards, told us to take what we needed because they had to close the church immediately. When asked about the reasons, the manager simply stated that there were discrepancies surrounding the Church’s lease agreement and left it at that. We’re baffled because we’ve paid our monthly rent and saw no reason to be evicted.”

On Sunday, two days after the incident, approximately 500 members arrived for the 10 am service and found the pastors and assistants ready to pray outside the shut doors to the church premises. They sang and danced.

During the service the pastor encouraged the members to remain strong and not to give up. He explained that the church was doing everything in its power to resolve the issue and was certain that the problem would be sorted out.

Assistant Nomonde said that when she arrived at the church on Friday she saw members standing outside, waiting for the service. “We were not discouraged by what happened. We stood outside and waited for the service to begin because we knew that God would help us solve this problem,” she said.

Another assistant, Jessie, told Universal News, “When persecution comes, people of God must persevere and trust in God. When one door closes, many doors are open. Never fear.”

This is also the sentiment held by the Universal Church: persecution brings: spiritual maturity. As the members of the UCKG in PE remain strong in this time of persecution and difficulty, all bishops, pastors and assistants ndeavour to keep faith insuch situations.

By: Maggie Nyaunda

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This event started in Kagiso on Tuesday, 10th August and moved to Eldorado Park on Friday and Dobsonville on Saturday. The aim of this event is to bring people together in faith and in the belief that God will deliver what they ask of Him. UCKG members and friends came in large numbers , including many who had tried all other means to solve their problems.

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. Mark 11:22

“Jesus Christ has given us the key to unlock all answers. When you ask for something from God, in your heart you must not doubt or question yourself,” said Bishop Marcelo Pires who conducts the All Answers Event around the country.

God’s children need to exercise their faith and believe that God has the answer to all their prayers

A special prayer to deliver people from the evil that hinders them from receiving answers and blessings in their lives was offered. Bishop Marcelo then prayed, assuring the congregation that the Lord would answer their needs and He was the solution to their problems.

He prayed for all to gain the strength to overcome doubts and fears and see the power of God in their lives.

“I had a fulfilling experience in this event, I came here expecting blessings. Truly that is what I received and I believe that the answer will become evident in my life as Bishop prayed for us and for the answers. I would advise those who are suffering, who need answers, to attend the All Answers Event and trust in God because He works in amazing ways,” said Mrs Audrey Machele from Dobsonville Region

By: Nomsa Masengemu

All Answers - Benoni

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All Answers - Daveyton

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All Answers - Dobsonville

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All Answers - Eldorado Park

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All Answers - Finetown

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All Answers - Kagiso

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All Answers - KwaThema

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By the way that he came he will return; he will not enter this city, declares the LORD. “(2 Kings 19:32- 33) The verse above was God’s response to the threats of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, to the Israelites. God makes the reason behind His protection clear in the next verse:

“I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant.”(vs 34)

When God blesses a person, it is not only because this person demonstrated an attitude of faith, but He also blesses the person to defend His Glory.

The problem that Israel was facing at that moment was Sennacherib and his threats, and the moment King Hezekiah presented this problem to God, it became God’s problem.

Dear reader, God can only work when we use our faith. Our faith moves God to action. He waits for someone, like King Hezekiah, to display their trust and faith in Him and this enables God to answer them. Their problems become His problems!

When we participate in campaigns, chains of prayers or other movements of faith we are telling God: Lord, I trust you with this problem. I will use my faith and I believe that my problem is now YOUR problem. When we do this, how can our problems remain standing?

“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32)

When we have God on our side, we fear nothing and no one. No situation is too difficult for our Lord, no problem so big that we cannot defeat it. Sennacherib (your problem) might have a big army, he might even have defeated hundreds of other kings, but he can never defeat those under God’s protection.

“Who is it you have insulted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!” (2 Kings 19:22)

If God does not help us or ‘defend this city’, His honour is at stake.

Have you put your problem into God’s hands yet?

Join us every Sunday at 7am or 9:30am in the Cathedral of Faith, Johannesburg.

school fees and food. Theresa is a single mother of two. She went through many difficulties in life but did not allow hardship to put her down. She trusted in God that her situation would change. She told the Universal News that for more than two years she used to depend on her friend for a place to stay, clothes and food. “I was married but my marriage did not last. I used to have many problems and we ended up divorcing. The house we used to stay in was my exhusband’s and I had to move out,” said Theresa.

Theresa was unable to go and look for a job because she could not walk properly. She had to use a walking stick. “I would sit at home and do nothing. I would always feel pain in my leg,” said Theresa.

One day she attended a service at the UCKG. After the service she went to a pastor for counselling and the pastor told her to join the chains of prayer. “From that day on I kept on going to the church, I took part in the chains of prayer on Mondays for my finances and on Tuesdays for my healing. The pastors and assistants prayed for me and slowly I started seeing changes in my life,” said Theresa. God healed her from all the pain in her leg and she is now able walk without a walking stick.

Since 2005 Theresa has been going to the church and she never stopped participating in the movements of faith. When the Campaign of Israel was introduced she took part. She wrote her prayer request asking God to give her a house and improve her finances. “I did not know how would I get the house because the house belonged to my ex-husband. God made me realise that I had to make peace with my family and my ex- husband.”

When Theresa decided to make peace with her exhusband and her family she became free inside and God opened more doors in her life. “One day I just saw my son coming to me with the keys of the house and I was surprised. He told me that his father decided to give the house to me. Now I have my own place to stay. I was also able to start my own therapy business which is doing very well,” said Theresa

By: Maggie Nyaunda