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Turning the Tables on Mission 

Five speakers shared their journey from the Caribbean, Africa and Latin America to Britain in an Assembly day conference

 
Turning the tables on mission
Entitled Turning the Tables on Mission, the day looked at how the Lord has led people to the UK, and heard about their original expectations and the challenges they face.

Israel Olofinjana started by setting and mapping out the history of reverse missions and what it is all about. He also shared his story of how he came to England as a Pentecostal missionary sent by his Church back in Nigeria to plant a Church in London.

After observing the scene and realised that there was not much engagement between the black and white churches and that planting this church will result into a Nigerian Church, he abandoned the project and joined a historic church (Crofton Park Baptist Church). At Crofton he and the Revd Carol Bostridge worked together to build a multicultural Church.

The Revd Rodrigo Assis Da Silva shared his story of how he left his good job to come as a missionary from Brazil to Wales. He later moved to Emmanuel Baptist Church in Thamesmead, London where he became a youth leader, worship leader and assistant pastor.

The Revd Joel Edwards considered the issue of identity and belonging during the post war Caribbean migration to Britain in the 1960s.

Part of the issue was that many Caribbean saw themselves as British citizens while the society saw them differently. He traced the journey of Black Christians in Britain from that of rejection to influence. He added that Black Christianity in Britain must not just preach the Gospel but affect social and structural change in Britain and other parts of the world.

Dotha Blackwood shared her journey of being a reluctant missionary to Britain. She left her banking job and ministry back in Jamaica in order to come as a missionary to Britain in 1993. Her calling to the UK was confirmed with many testimonies of God's provision.

Dotha studied theology up to master's level in order to be able to train men and women for God's kingdom. She has lectured at Moorlands College and currently lectures at Spurgeon's College.

Finally Dr Jonathan Oloyede shared his remarkable story of how he was converted from Islam to Christianity in Nigeria.

He shared how he came on a three month's holiday in 1991 and God specifically told him he has a mission to fulfil in Britain. He also shared his vision to see the different Churches in the UK united in the place of prayer.
 
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