This has been our work, giving legitimacy to wonderful ministers who in turn love the wonderful people of Earth.
Some of our ministers didn’t fit in the usual mould, some are beyond the understanding of traditional religious structures but their love for both God and people qualified them!
This is the ministry of TICCN, this is the work of God!
Archbishop Steven visited Oxford in May for a church dedication service with Reverend Christopher Hughes. While in Oxford Archbishop Steven met with a couple of enthusiastic, intelligent, students! He said, ‘It was a joy to engage with students who recognise the impact of theology into our worldview.’
He was given a tour around Keble College Chapel followed by Wycliffe College.
‘A couple of years ago I encouraged a young man to study theology so I was so delighted today as he showed us around Wycliffe College where he is now a full-time student!’.
Keble College Chapel owns the original of William Holman Hunt’s painting The Light of the World, which is hung in the side chapel (accessed through the chapel). The picture was completed in 1853 after eight years of work, and originally hung in the Royal Academy. It was then given as a gift to the college.
We also saw the cross in the road at Broad St which marks the site of the martyrdom. It’s a reminder that sometimes you’ve got to stand for what you believe in, fight the good fight of faith, and make a decision that something is right and you will make a stand. Latimer said, ‘Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace in England as shall never be put out’.
At Wycliffe College Chapel the light was shining in and created an interesting reflection on the photograph. What interesting reflection is the light of the Gospel making into your life? There are hidden keys waiting to be found by the children of light. They are hidden for you not from you. Can you see them?
Congratulations to TICCN Bishop Michael Fleming and Sarah for being invited to King Charles’ Garden Party at Buckingham Palace ahead of the King’s Coronation. A well deserved honour for faithful workers in the Kingdom!
The Coronation was a wonderful service filled with the best of our ancient Christian faith. To a large degree centred around the life of Jesus Christ. As we pray for King Charles let’s keep the eternal perspective close in our minds:
‘Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown’ (Revelation 3:11).
Every believer has a crown, there’s often little fuss about the invisible crown but it is eternal not temporal. Consequently, the eternal crown is of far greater importance than any earthly crown. Believers live in an eternal kingdom and own an eternal crown, and can set a much needed example by reigning in life (Romans 5:17).
Patriarch John Githiga of All Nations Anglican Church has graciously blessed us today in remembering a tremendous healing miracle:
“I still remember a healing miracle which the Lord did through you Bishop Steven. I had come to England from a very challenging mission to India and was coughing blood, you then prayed for me and I was instantly healed. We praise God for you and the family. ”
Patriarch John reminds us that God still heals, still moves mountains for those who believe! Jesus, what a wonder you are!❤️
He’s had a pop career, fronted a TV show, is a high ranking clergyman and served on Wigan Council.
Now Archbishop Steven Lyn Evans, of The International Christian Church Network has gained an honorary black belt in taekwondo.
It turns out that martial arts is another thing the Wigan bishop is a dab hand at: although this honour is to recognise individuals who may not necessarily be practitioners of the sport, but have made a substantial contribution to the advancement and development of taekwondo at a local, regional or national level. As it is, he has practised taekwondo and karate with his family and also seen these sports as a way of bringing people together.
In being given an honorary black belt, Archbishop Steven joins a list of famous recipients including US Presidents Ronald Reagan, Barak Obama and Donald Trump, plus the Bahrainian King Hamas Bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Pope Francis!
He said: “I’m honoured to have received this Black Belt and from Torann Maizeroi coach for the Great Britain Taekwondo Olympic Team. In truth, this award should be shared with the faithful members of Living Faith Church in Orrell and the wider church network who I have the privilege to work alongside.
Archbishop Steven has recognised and embraced the national sport of both North and South Korea, which has derived from the oldest martial arts in the world and is used for both seld-defence and sport.
He is credited for using it as a tool for humanitarian missions and bridging different communities across the world with the purpose of promoting both the sport and Christian faith.
Coming from a background of combat sports, Archbishop Steve’s family has a rich history in boxing in Wales, and he has been practising karate and taekwondo for the last few years with his wife and children.
He has made great contributions through TICCN to create new resources for sports ministry/chaplaincy as a gift to the Christian community and the world of sports.
Steven said: “We need to employ discipline for the good fight. I will look at this Black Belt as a reminder to fight for people, for the simple practical day-to-day support that people need.
For a positive attitude and helping people make their way through difficult times. Encouraging people into the discipline of daily study in the bible, worship of God, and prayer. People who employ discipline in this way become winners in the fight of life.”
Article from Wigan Today: https://www.wigantoday.net/news/people/former-wigan-bishop-and-councillor-receives-honorary-black-belt-in-taekwondo-4112937
A Wigan bishop and councillor visited the PM at 10 Downing Street to discuss his work.
Steven Lyn Evans, 56, a bishop at Living Faith Church in Orrell and until recently a local Tory councillor said he was delighted to meet Rishi Sunak.
He was invited to Conservative campaign headquarters for a private briefing on election strategies prior to being escorted to No 10 where he met the Premier.
Here, Archbishop Steven informed Mr Sunak that he would not be standing in the local elections this time around as church work would not allow him the time to do both jobs.
The retiring councillor said: “More ministers are coming on board and continue to undergo training for the ministry, which I oversee.
“It was a tremendous experience, I was honest with them and expressed that I’m not 100 per cent happy with what the government have been doing recently.
“The PM himself is a very gracious man, who thanked me for being there and the work that I’m doing. He very sincerely appreciates all the hard work that is being done, it was excellent.”
The pair were able to discuss the churches that Archbishop Steven oversees as part of his role in which he has been able to work with many across the UK – the most famous being in Burnley, where Pastor Mick Fleming is based.
The archbishop’s role involves visiting various churches across the country to speak to ministers and represent the network of churches, which continues to expand.
He said: “An important part of our emphasis is on reaching some of the poorest of people. We have sought strategies to reach communities who are struggling by feeding people and offering practical hope and support for them to build on for the future. We believe in positive thinking, which develops positive attitudes, which then change the circumstances of life.
“Our aim is to model our success around the country and we need politicians to back us in this vital work. We have developed initiatives into local communities, prisons, NHS, and we’ve seen many lives transformed.”
Article from Wigan Today: https://www.wigantoday.net/news/people/former-wigan-bishop-visits-downing-street-to-meet-rishi-sunak-4096588
Taekwondo is the national sport of both North and South Korea and the most recognised of the Korean martial arts. It derives from the oldest martial arts in the world and is used for both self-defence as well as sport.
The purpose of awarding Honorary Black Belts is to recognise certain individuals who are not necessarily Taekwondo practitioners but who, in the opinion of the committee have either: 1) Made a significant contribution to the advancement and development of Taekwondo at the local, regional, national or international level, or 2) Have exhibited a special commitment and determined effort to significantly enhance communities at a regional, national or international level. Some of the most famous previous Honorary Black Belt recipients include President Ronald Reagan, President Barak Obama, President Donald Trump, His Majesty King Hamas Bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Holiness Pope Francis.
Today, we confer the Honorary Black Belt to Archbishop Steven Lyn Evans of The International Christian Church Network (TICCN). He has recognised and embraced Taekwondo as a tool for humanitarian missions and a bridge to reach different communities from around the world with the purpose to promote the advancement of Taekwondo and the Christian faith. Archbishop Steven has a history of Boxing through his family background in Wales. The last few years he has been training diligently in different martial arts (Karate and Taekwondo) alongside his wife and children. He has made great contributions via TICCN to create new resources for sports ministry/chaplaincy as a gift to the Christian community and the world of sports. His contribution to the general wellbeing and positive humanitarian impact of sports into various cultures, and across numerous countries has been significant. I am honoured and privileged to serve alongside him by promoting our Christian values in, and through sports, via TICCN.
John O Groats to Land’s End: Feeding the Poor
Reverend Phillip ‘The Mod’ Ingram is on a mission to feed the hungry and help those who have fallen on hard times during the cost of living crisis. To meet this need Reverend Phillip’s church, The Lighthouse Christian Centre in Brierfield, operates a food bank, but like many food banks across the UK, they are struggling to meet the need and have seen a dramatic decrease in donations in recent months.
In an effort to highlight the need Reverend Phillip has decided to drive his 26 year old Vespa scooter whilst towing a large cross, the length and breadth of Britain! Yes, he intends to make that journey from John O Groat to Lands End over this Easter!
Reverend Phillip said, “I want to raise awareness not just for our food bank but for food banks everywhere. We are struggling to get enough food donations and there is an increased amount of people in need. We’ve had to turn people away, I see mums and children coming through the door and leaving with very little, it breaks my heart to see. Within an hour or so of opening all the food is gone. We also cook hot meals for all who are hungry at our food bank on Wednesdays, the need is great. There are all sorts of people, of all religions, non-religious and other backgrounds who come in desperation for food. Some are working families, single parents with children, and individuals. You can see the hopelessness in their eyes, the shame of having to ask for help.”
This is the first time a journey of this kind has been made. Reverend Phillip ‘The Mod’ Ingram has been seen around the nation previously when he was featured on the BBC’s Songs of Praise. This time, while riding his Vespa, he’s covering the nation in prayer. He said, “I love my country. I love the people. I feel for this nation. Many people are broken and I want to bring a message of hope and love to everyone.”
He teaches people that there isn’t any shame in asking for food. “If we can help, we will, ” He said, “I want to put my faith into action. I don’t just say I’m a Christian. I do my best to act as a Christian because of my faith and my hope in Jesus.” Jesus turned my life around. “I’m still a crazy mod, and I’m still passionate about the fashion, the parkas, the music, the dance and the scooter scenes.”
The message of Easter is love and love must be practical, we absolutely must feed the poor!
Follow Reverend Phillips progress here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090646756031
Donate to the cause:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tony-davies-4?utm_id=108
This week I was invited to Conservative Campaign Head Quarters for a private briefing on election strategies. Following the briefing, I was then escorted to number 10 Downing Street and was privileged to meet with our Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Rishi Sunak. In our brief conversation, I was able to speak about the work of TICCN and highlight a couple of our particular areas of interest.
It’s clear to me that through the years TICCN members have enjoyed remarkable favour. As I reflected on this, these words of scripture from Proverbs 3 verses1-4 come to my mind: ‘My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.’
Visiting the Prime Minister was a great honour for me. However, some people are understandably negative regarding politics and politicians. I think President Ronald Reagan’s comical quote hits the mark very well when he said: “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help.” President Reagan had a tremendous humour and insight.
However, the great number of politicians are attempting to do a difficult job with the best of intentions. It’s little wonder that the Bible teaches us repeatedly how believers ought to respond to them. In Romans 13 we read from verses 1-4a: ‘Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good.’
Whoever happens to be in office, whether or not we voted for them, the Bible commands us to give them respect and honor (1 Peter 2:13-17). Further, we have been taught that we should also be praying for them. As I bring this letter to a close let me encourage you to pray from the book of 1 Timothy chapter 2 verses 1-4: ‘I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.’
As believers in Jesus Christ, we are all really members of the same political party. We are all monarchists who are waiting for their King to return (Revelation 19:11-16). That is the most important thing to remember, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, is the solution. Until His return, we have been elected (Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 5:21; Titus 1:1; 2 John 1, Romans 8:33) as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20, Ephesians 6:20) to minister the Gospel of His Kingdom.
The work of TICCN supports ministers in both a strategic and practical manner. Into the wider world we offer a Biblical perspective founded on love and faith.
Please consider joining us as a member of TICCN. Remember us in your prayers and as we offer all our work without charge, we ask that you prayerfully consider giving us a monthly support or donation.
I have had a very interesting and busy month this Lent Season. Last Saturday, I attended the consecration of Stuart Bell at Aberystwyth University. Bishop Stuart will assist Bishop Andy Lines in the Anglican Convocation in Europe, particularly in Wales. Please pray for Stuart as he leads faithful Anglican ministry in Wales. The presiding minister was Archbishop Foley Beach of the ACNA (Anglican Church in North America) who is also the chairman of GAFCON (GAFCON stands for Global Anglican Future Conference).
Archbishop Foley Beach and I met briefly and exchanged ideas about further dialogue. On behalf of TICCN, I have written to him this week and I ask that you join me in prayer that the Lord’s will be done as we consider our future. I believe that Bible believing peoples should, if possible, join together in some practical way to strategically support each other and further our Kingdom commission.
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