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Women's Empowerment Day of Praise, Prayer & Restoration

Women's Empowerment Day of Praise, Prayer & Restoration

The Prayer Room which was set up for anyone needing prayers for themselves and/or family, friends and loved ones was just one of those initiatives on offer throughout the day.

Darrel Philips

A 'Women's Empowerment' Day of Praise, Prayer and Restoration took place at the Hackney Seventh-day Adventist church on Sabbath 2 November 2019. Hackney's Prayer Ministries leader, Eileen Philip led the day with prayer, requesting of God "an outpouring of His Holy Spirit as the church congregate together seeking to be restored and empowered for His glory." Hackney's Women's Ministries leader, Beverly Daley, gave a warm welcome to everyone, thanking each one for coming while also encouraging all to receive the manifold blessings in store for them throughout the day.

The Prayer Room which was set up for anyone needing prayers for themselves and/or family, friends and loved ones was just one of those initiatives on offer throughout the day. The lesson study ‒ Violating the spirit of the law ‒ was presented by Janice Lendor in a highly engaging way. She reminded listeners that like Nehemiah, we should speak out against modern day practices of slavery and that while the keeping of the letter of the law may be good, it is of none effect if the spirit of the law is not behind it. "Nehemiah's motive was out of love and it is this same spirit that we are to emulate," encouraged Lendor.

Lillian Kabambe, from Willesden Adventist church, gave a presentation on the importance and benefits of prayer and fasting. She spoke about the various prayer lines within the Conference which can encourage people in their spiritual lives. She also exhorted members to let go of past hurts, disappointments and take hold of the Master's hand, trusting Him to lead us into a better future. Those in attendance heard messages from three speakers. Elder Shirley Grant from the Lewisham Adventist church, who spoke on the topic God turning sorrow into joy. Focusing on the transformation of Mary Magdalene after her encounter with Jesus, Grant said "Mary had a lot of love for God because of the depth of her deliverance. She was delivered from prostitution and insanity and given back her life. Like David and others in the Bible, the sorrows Mary endured were turned into joy."

Newly elected South England Conference (SEC) Prayer Ministries director ‒ Linda Mukwada, spoke on the theme of Restoration. She said, "Sarah, Esther, Hannah ‒ these workers of God were hurt in their service, but God recompensed them all for their injuries. There are unclaimed packages God has in reserve for those who have suffered loss. Reclaim what God has for you and be restored."

The service was then completed by SEC Women's Ministries director ‒ Jacqueline Otokpa. Hackney's former Elder and Women's Ministries leader told the congregation "it's not over until God says it's over." She said "God can take you from economy to first class, from nobody to VIP. God makes a way when there seems to be no way. With Christ as your Pilot you will always touchdown on time.  So, keep trusting, keep praying, keep believing and keep moving for there is nothing too hard for God."

Paulette Pendergrass then led the church into an atmosphere of worship with her Spirit-filled renditions of The Saviour's Blood Covered It All and Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin.