Archbishop Steven Lyn Evans has received an award in recognition for his loyal and devoted work towards the development of Pakistan from the Bright Future Society & Implementation Minority Rights Forum.
TICCN continues to support the work carried out by Bishop Yousaf Nadeem in Pakistan. Over the years this work has provided food aid, medical supplies, and other essentials to poor communities in Pakistan. This support has been especially important in recent years during the COVID-19 pandemic and now with the extensive floods Pakistan has experienced.
Church of England minister Reverend Chris Low and her husband John visited Living Faith Church to share from her new book ‘Shattering Glass Ceilings.’
She has a tremendous testimony of healing from Multiple Sclerosis and until recently was the National director of the OSL (Order of St Luke). The OSL is a healing order focused on bringing the essential healing ministry of Jesus into churches.
The Reverend Christine “Chris” Low has spoken on many occasions about the testimony of her healing from multiple sclerosis and has frequently been asked to put it in writing. Now she sets out to tell her story with the hope of encouraging others to step out in faith and trust to God’s enabling to fulfill their God-given potential.
Shattering Glass Ceilings presents a story of the frustrations and restrictions of gender-shaped glass ceilings and how Chris saw those ceilings come crashing down one by one. By God’s grace, she was healed of multiple sclerosis and enabled to follow his call to ordination. The road was far from easy, but through God’s Holy Spirit and the support of many good people, it became possible. Along the way she learned many lessons—most of all, coming to trust to God’s empowering and to refuse to allow the prejudices of others to determine who she was and what she could become. Inspirational and biblically based, this personal narrative tells one woman’s story of healing and empowerment as God’s grace and hand in her life made possible many great things.
Blown Away, the autobiography from Bishop-Elect Michael Fleming, is released tomorrow, 15th September 2022. Bishop Steven Lyn Evans and Michael sat down together to bring you a sneak peak of the book. In it Michael explains how important the role of TICCN has been in the formation of his own ministry, Church on the Street, and how Archbishop Steven’s mentorship has been invaluable over the years.
We can’t wait to read it all, you can order the book from here: https://spckpublishing.co.uk/blown-away. Also available on Amazon and many other book stores.
To coincide with the book launch, Bishop-Elect Michael and Church on the Street Ministries have produced an online resource which includes a series of videos designed to help individuals and churches learn to make a difference in the communities they serve. https://www.cots-ministries.co.uk/blown-away
I write to you today with the strange mixture of sadness and great hope. Sadness, because Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II our wonderful Queen has died at the age of 96. Hope, because of her sincere and deep Christian faith.
Earlier this year, Prince William The Duke of Cambridge, along with Duchess Kate, visited one of our TICCN Ministries. They met with Bishop-elect Michael (Pastor Mick) in Burnley and showed tremendous care and concern for the people. This deep care is something they shared with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who lived a life devoted to serving other people. This devotion stands as a clear reflection of both her Christian faith and deep commitment to public life.
As we mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, our hearts are filled with memories of her throughout the years. Most of us will have memories of Royal occasions, news reports, television programs and media images. Some of us might have even had opportunity to have met Her Majesty or seen her in person. What a unique mixture of character, strength, integrity, and many other good ingredients she possessed. We remember all these things at this time but especially we remember her faith. Defined by service and commitment to her God and country, she was the longest-reigning monarch. Her Majesty was well-respected around the world, her hard work and faith was an inspiration to all people.
The first outward sign of Her Majesty’s faith was when she was only 13 years old and she presented her Father with a Christian poem which read: “Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.” The King was so moved by these words that he went on to quote the poem in his 1939 Christmas speech, encouraging Britons who were facing the awful circumstances of World War II.
Her Majesty dedicated her life to public service and on her 21st birthday, and at her coronation in 1953, she prayed, “God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it.” Around 20 million people were watching the ceremony and she also promised to “maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel.”
Throughout the almost 70 years of her Reign, Her Majesty exemplified duty and service to her people. According to the Royal family’s website, she saw “public and voluntary service as one of the most important elements of her work.” The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee earlier this year was an opportunity for people to come together and create shared local spirit. “I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days,” she said, “and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.” TICCN have produced an attractive simple Christian tract to help both celebrate the Platinum Jubilee and share the Gospel.
The Queen frequently expressed her Christian faith in public. She shared her hope that her family would follow Jesus saying: “I would like nothing more than that my grandchildren should hold dear His ideals.” In 2002, she said: “I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God… I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.”
Perhaps the most famous messages given by Her Majesty were the The Queen’s annual Christmas broadcasts. These were part of British culture and a feature of Christmas Day for most millions of viewers. She openly shared her faith using this platform, in 2012 for example, she talked about the God “Who sent His son to serve not to be served and in doing so restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ.” Again, in 2014, she said, “For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, He stretched out his hands in love, acceptance, and healing.” Her Majesty would point to Christ in her Christmas speeches making it clear that He was not just a teacher or philosopher but “the Saviour” with the “power to forgive.”
Her Majesty’s life reflected Christian values such as service, forgiveness, reconciliation, and prayer. Prayer was a vitally important part of the Queen’s life. She thanked people for their prayers, prayed daily, and spoke about the power of prayer. Her legacy is one of devotion and service to her people and a consistent and sustaining faith in God, one of the most well-known Christian public figures in the world, we thank God for her life and service to this nation.
Prayers
Please join with me over this next period of time in praying daily for the Royal family as they mourn the death of Her Majesty. Especially for our new King Charles III, that he would experience and enjoy the same clarity of faith as his Mother. We pray that the Royal family would find comfort in God as they grieve. We ask that they would be protected in all that they do and that faith in Jesus Christ would enrich all of their lives. That Godly wisdom would guide and steer them throughout their days. Therefore, we join together in saying “God save the King!” In the Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Facebook Post from 8th September 2022
The flags were lowered, formal notice was posted on the railings of Buckingham Palace, and suddenly, a rainbow appeared over Windsor Castle.
Some might think that Her Majesty is dead, not I! She is more alive than ever before, with her Lord, at the eternal residence. The Castle she now occupies is grander than any earthly imagination could ever conceive. Proof you ask? Her life and testimony, and God’s rainbow which appeared over Windsor Castle, the Biblical sign of a completed covenant.
Our faithful Queen, completed her race, gracious, strong, and true, she has won the prize and is now in conference with the King of Kings. All our lives we’ve prayed in song: ‘God Save Our Gracious Queen,’ and God certainly did.
– Archbishop Metropolitan Steven Lyn Evans –
Send a message of condolence to the Royal Family using the link below:
Archbishop Metropolitan Steven has thanked former Prime Minister Gordon Brown for his kind words to Bishop-elect Michael (Pastor Mick), regarding the work that our churches are doing in response to the Cost of Living Crisis. TICCN ministers are at the forefront of meeting both spiritual and physical needs.
Archbishop Steven continued: “Whilst it’s not easy for people with differing political opinions to work together, we must make every effort to find a way forward at this time of great and urgent need. My concerns are growing, as the response from political leaders to date, seems to lack the urgency that is needed to meet this crisis.” He concluded with the simple but nonetheless profound wisdom of Reverend John Wesley:
“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.”
Listen to Bishop-Elect Michael and Gordon Brown on Radio 4.
Blown Away shares the incredible journey Pastor Mick has been on over his life, from hardened criminal to the call of God and the start of Church on the Street. Interest in Pastor Mick’s journey has grown year on year and has been covered by the BBC, Songs of Praise, The Guardian, and many more.
“I was the worst of the worst and in every area of darkness, but I had hope I could change.”
Pastor Mick Fleming
Pastor Mick’s journey is a testimony to the change God can make in a persons life, you can’t change yourself, but through God, it’s possible.
‘It’s impossible to visit Church on the Street and not be deeply moved by the work the organisation does for those in need. It is an extraordinary place . . .’ HRH THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE, from the Foreword
The book is set to launch in September, and is available to pre-order now.
In the meantime you can discover some of Pastor Mick’s testimony in this interview with Bishop Steven Lyn Evans.
We are so pleased to announce that Archbishop Metropolitan Doyle Volentine of The International Christian Church Network (TICCN) has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree. The New Life Bible College Board of Regents have made this award in recognition of the remarkable work that Archbishop Doyle has done among some of the poorest communities in the world.
We recently spoke to Archbishop Metropolitan Doyle Volentine about the award and his remarkable international work for TICCN. Archbishop Doyle has personally funded and raised money to sponsor many missions around the world, especially in some of the poorest communities of Africa, India, Mexico and the Philippines. He has given sacrificially, both his time and other resources working among some of the worlds poorest people. His memories have been rich and inspirational to us.
His most impacting memories were of the Pastors living in poverty with nothing to eat themselves and still trying to care for others.
His most impacting memories were of the Pastors living in poverty with nothing to eat themselves and still trying to care for others. The impact of their love for people, their humility, and their devotion to God continues to inspire. He recalled how one Pastor brought two eggs forward as an offering, it might not seem like much but it was all that he had. At another time, a Pastor came forward with great sincerity and a cup of rice for the offering. He remembered the warmth and generosity of many of these Pastors as they would do their best to make his stay with them comfortable, offering whatever small comforts they had for his disposal. The most interesting observation was that they always wanted to give and didn’t use their lack as as excuse not to give. Clearly, the modern day equivalent to the widows mite (Mark 12:41-44). Indeed, we believe that the widows mite was proof of the depth of her faith in God. Faith always gives, always sows because it must be expressed.
He has almost died on two occasions on the missionary field once in South Sudan and another time in a remote area of Mexico.
At times, these missionary trips were dangerous and very uncomfortable, Archbishop Doyle has always stayed among the people in their villages and modest accommodation. He has almost died on two occasions on the missionary field once in South Sudan and another time in a remote area of Mexico. As a Grandfather figure to the church he explained that he has only tried to be an obedient servant of God. He continued “Mine was the joy, to see the faces of the people, smiling small children in the orphanages of Africa and India as our modest gifts were distributed. As medical supplies were provided to relieve peoples’ pain. As some hope of relief was distributed. To offer by our presence the proof that to God, these darling people were of great value and importance. We travelled around the world to meet them. I think of the children living on the trash heap in the Philippines, the tears and the pain. We’ve been involved, we’ve worked as best we could, we could do no less.”
Army feeling program in the Philippines overseen by Bishop Stephen Villiester
Young children living on the dumps and collecting items to earn a living in the Philippines
Archbishop Doyle being escorted through the poverty ridden slums of Nairobi on the way to ordain TICCN ministers.
Archbishop Doyle and Bishop Steven with two Network Pastors outside St Thomas’ Mount Church, Chennai, India.
Archbishop Metropolitan Doyle Volentine and Presiding Bishop Steven Evans addressing a Pastors’ & Missionary Conference in Chennai, India.
Visiting the poor villages to share the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.
St. Asaph’s Cathedral Wales, Archbishop Doyle with Bishop Steven and TICCN ministers
Archbishop Metropolitan Steven has worked closely with Pastor Mick from Church on the Street in Burnley. He first took Pastor Mick through the TICCN pre-ordination course and following that, presided over his ordination in November 2019. Over the last three years he has mentored Pastor Mick through an unprecedented ministerial journey. He recalled the telephone conversation that initiated the first GoFundMe page. “I thought it was an excellent idea and we were aiming for £10,000 but following the BBC broadcast it was soon over £250,000. All of the funds help provide resources for those in need, the great needs in Burnley are being met through a ministry of love. Ministry isn’t about theology, it’s love first and theological truth manifests through love.”
Archbishop Metropolitan Steven announced his first ministerial appointment today. “Following my recent acceptance of the office of Archbishop Metropolitan within The International Christian Church Network, my first appointment is for Pastor Mick from Church on the Street in Burnley. I’m pleased to announce that Pastor Mick has accepted the office of Bishop and is now therefore officially Bishop-elect.
The consecration service is set for October 16th 2022. Please remember us in your prayers and Bishop-elect Michael especially as he prepares for the next step of his ministerial journey. ‘See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!’ (1 John 3:1a)
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