tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449079160744192982024-03-14T03:47:16.511-07:00Rowland Jide Macaulaywww.rjmm.co.uk
Rowland Jide Macaulay, LLB, MTh, FACT is a Christian Theologian, openly gay, a dynamic and an inspirational speaker, poet, pastor and preacher, Human Rights Consultant, the author of “Poetry Inspired” published in the UK 2001, founder/Project Director of House Of Rainbow Fellowship Worldwide, holds a degree in law and MA Practical Theology.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-64223278745095421382013-06-11T01:47:00.002-07:002013-06-11T01:47:22.763-07:00Jide Who Played Jesus to be Ordained<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">MEDIA<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">INFORMATION<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">NEWS FROM THE EAST HAM TEAM</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">For Immediate Use<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="aqj"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">11 June 2013</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Jide who played Jesus to be ordained</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The man who played Jesus in the
Newham Millennium Passion play “<i>A Light in the Darkness</i>” is to return to
the Borough as a newly ordained Anglican Minister this summer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Rowland Jide Macaulay was 34 years
old when he was cast to play Jesus and it was a life-changing experience for
him and for many locals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Macaulay, now 47, will be ordained
into the Church of England by The Bishop of Chelmsford, The Right Reverend
Stephen Cotterell in Chelmsford Cathedral <span class="aqj">on Sunday</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the 30th June 2013 at<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aqj">11.15am</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Macaulay will serve as Curate in the
East Ham Parish Team.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Coming back to Newham is a
continuation of the experience from 2000 and I am really looking forward to
serving in the local community,” Jide said today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In recent years Macaulay has focussed
on offering pastoral care to sexual minorities living on the margins of
society. He is the founder of House Of Rainbow Fellowship (</span><a href="http://www.houseofrainbow.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">www.houseofrainbow.org</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">) and he hopes to develop his concern for all who are
marginalised for many different reasons once in post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“My Anglican training in Cambridge
has helped me to bring together the necessary skills and to equip me for an
inclusive parish ministry and I cannot wait”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Macaulay is the second child of
Professor Augustus Kunle Macaulay, the Principal and Founder of United Bible
University Lagos Nigeria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Macaulay will be Officially welcomed
in the Parish of East Ham on the <span class="aqj">7th July 2013 at 10am</span> and
will be joined by family and friends at the special service at St Bartholomew
The Great, Barking Road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Further information:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">East Ham Team Office, 292b
Barking Road, London E6 3BA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Telephone: 020 8470 0011<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Email: </span><a href="mailto:easthamteamrectror@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">easthamteamrectror@gmail.com</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/easthamteam" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">www.twitter.com/easthamteam</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">St
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Bartholomew St Mary Magdalene<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-59310335511586497152013-05-29T11:20:00.000-07:002013-05-29T11:20:37.591-07:00Welcome & Post Ordination Service with Jide Macaulay<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">London: You Are Cordially Invited to a “WELCOME
& POST ORDINATION SERVICE with Jide Macaulay” on the 7<sup>th</sup> July
2013 for tickets go to </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://jmacaulay.eventbrite.co.uk/">http://jmacaulay.eventbrite.co.uk/</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-63927351303879916692013-03-07T08:27:00.001-08:002013-03-07T08:27:14.669-08:00Whose Report Will You Believe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Whose Report Will You Believe? <br />By Rowland Jide Macaulay, 16th December 2011.</strong>In light of recent events in Nigeria, surrounded by the Medias’ responses to the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill 2011, it was high gears for the newspapers, popular TV and Radio shows, not leaving out websites and bloggers. <br /><br />In 2008 I wrote a sermon with the above title, Whose report would you believe? I want to share it relevance with what is happening in 2011.<br /><br />I was implicated in many of the Nigerian newspapers, just like I was in 2008 and there were calls for my execution on many of the radio and TV programmes, public opinions were extremely judgmental and inhumane, my thoughts in all of this is, Whose Report will you believe, and what would Jesus do to a homo? <br /><br />In 1973 The American Psychiatric Association voted to remove homosexuality from the list of mental illness, 31 years later in 2004 the Nigerian Psychiatric Association made history by deleting homosexuality from its list of mental illness. It appears that the rest of society is delayed. And we have the evidence now if in 2011 members of the government can even consider to table an outrageous bill in the name of tradition, culture and religion.<br /><br />There have been many debates and reports that claimed homosexuality is not of God and this comes with violence in our homes, nation and homophobic teaching of many religious leaders in Nigeria and all over the world. <br /><br />For many Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex people and our families and heterosexual friends, these are times of torture and turmoil in a society that promotes homophobia through the thinking and utterances of very powerful and influential people. <br /><br />Let us pray. Dearly Beloved, Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Straight Children of God, we are the DIVA – because we are Divinely Inspired Victoriously anointed, we are placed under this burden of discrimination, because of the love of God and to the glory of Jesus who will deliver us from all those who persecute and spitefully abuse us. If you love Jesus Shout alleluia, If you love Jesus shout Amen<br /><br />The background to the presentation of a report according to Numbers chapter 13, was as a result of an instruction to spy on the land of Canaan, to which God had promised the Israelites. Moses and Aaron sent men to spy out the land. They were not ordinary people, they were according to the bible, leading men, everyone a leader, they must have been leaders with experiences, perhaps highly educated, people whose report after 40 days of investigation would command respect. <br /><br />The first 24 verses of Numbers chapter 13, gives us an insight in the workings and investigations these leaders carried out. It was hard work and tedious, they were spies and needed to investigate the land and ensure they come out alive, with all the information to occupy. <br /><br />Moses instructions to the 12 leaders were clear and unambiguous. <br /><br />• Spy the land, and see what the land is like<br />• Whether the people who live in it are strong or weak<br />• Whether they are few or many – census.<br />• Whether the land they live is good or bad<br />• Whether the towns that they live in are unwalled or fortified<br />• Whether the land is rich or poor<br />• Whether there are trees in it or not<br />• also instructed them to; Be bold and bring some of the fruit of the land <br /><br />Today I believe many of us are called like these leaders to spy the land, be the representative of Jesus by bringing the good news to many marginalized people, even while they serve in other denominations, in our neighbourhoods, many of whom know many other gay or lesbian people that need the inclusive love of Jesus.<br /><br />Verses 25-26 say “at the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land and they came to Moses and Aaron and to the entire congregation…” <br /><br />This was the time for the presentation of the report, by the notable and qualified leaders. <br /><br />First the bible illustrated that they brought back word, Showed the people the fruit of the land – evidence of how great the land is. Then they informed Moses, Aaron and the people that the land flows with milk and honey, economic boom, comfort and prosperous ease. Excellent news, I am sure if I was there at that point I will be more than excited, I perhaps would have had my bags packed ready to move. <br /><br />But there is a problem, there is another report, reports that meant, don’t get happy yet, don’t rejoice just yet, let us tell you the bad news. Has anyone come to you and say I have good news and bad news, which one do you want first? <br /><br />This is the bad news, the people who live in the land are strong, and the towns are fortified, very large and well protected, besides they are descendants of Anak, a long standing enemy of the Israelites. <br /><br />At this point you can imagine the chaos, the disappointment, but there is yet another report, verse 30 says, But Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said let us go up at once and occupy it (the land), for we are able to overcome it.<br /><br />You must understand that from the leaders, there are differing and conflicting reports about the land and whether or not it was suitable for acquisition. The same today on whether or not to include gays and lesbians in the church, there are many arguments on our suitability to be Christian or to be ordain for ministry or to be citizens of the world. <br /><br />There were antagonistic people around, the bible says that those that spent forty days with Caleb on this special expedition, said to the people, we are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we. In other words, we are not up to the task, we cannot do it. Caleb and Joshua were in the minority giving a report of hope. <br /><br />At this point the report was unfavorable, people were worried, and in addition to the bad report, the land also consumes its inhabitants, the people who live there are giants.<br /><br />Whose report will you believe? Whose report will you believe? Oh Whose report will you believe? The report that says “We are able to overcome it” or that which concludes “we are not able because they are stronger than we?”<br /><br />I want to invite you to come to Jesus with all the chaos, the disappointment, the lies that we cannot be children of God because we are gays and lesbians. I want to invite you to the place where all people are accepted and free to be children of God. And that is in the presence of Jesus, if you love Jesus say amen.<br /><br />Let me remind you that we are able to overcome it, the rejection, the violence, the abuse, the assaults, the homophobic religious abuses, our bible is our guide, Roman 12:19 says “beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord”. <br /><br />Today, many people claim to speak the mind of God but yet do not believe in the inclusive love and gospel of Jesus that includes all people, regardless of whether we are black or white, large or small, tall or short, heterosexuals or homosexuals. <br /><br />The bible tells us clearly in John 3:16 “for God so loved the world that God gave God’s only son, so that everyone/whosoever who believes in Jesus may not perish but may have eternal life” I tell you again Jesus came to die for our sins and not our sexuality, the requirement here is whoever believes, not Anglicans, or Catholics, or Pentecostals, but whoever believes in Jesus. Jesus does not belong to any denomination, Jesus died for all people. <br /><br />Galatians 3:26 “ For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, verse 3:28, there is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female, for all are one in Christ Jesus.” May I also say that there is no longer heterosexual or homosexual for we are all one in Christ Jesus. <br /><br />Romans 9:19-21, 25-26 nailed it for me, we need to read and apply our bible which brings us into favour and the love of God. Hear what the bible says “For who can resist God’s will? But who indeed are you, a human being, to argue with God? Will what is molded say to the one who molds it, why have you made me like this? Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the lump one object for special use and another for ordinary use… those who were not my people I will call my people and those who were not beloved I will call beloved, and in the very place where it is said to them, you are not my people there they shall be called children of the living God” even if that place is Nigeria, I tell you those who persecute us have no option but we need to let them know we are children of the living God, called Dearly Beloved.<br /><br />A few more illustration that shows that the bible is inclusive of all people regardless of our sexual orientation,<br /><br />The woman married to seven brothers, Matthew 22:29-30 “Jesus answered them, you are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven” I want to tell you those that say we cannot be gay and Christians are wrong, those who said we are an abomination to God are wrong. Often they want us to deny God and our sexuality, they want to put our Jesus in a box. <br /><br />Equally Jesus challenged the religious leader of his time after they failed to acknowledge the miracle of healing the man that was born blind, he was ostracized, and he was forced out of the church. The bible says in John 9:35 “Jesus heard that they had driven him out (that is the man Jesus healed) and when Jesus found him, he said do you believe in the son of man?... Verse 38 He said Lord I believe…verse 39 Jesus said I came into this world for judgement so that those who do not see may see and those who do see may become blind. Some of the Pharisees (the religious leaders of the time of Jesus), near Jesus heard this and said to Jesus, surely we are not blind, are we? Jesus said to them if you were blind, you would not have sin, but now that you say, we see, your sins remains”. Don’t be surprise that we live in a time that many religious leaders and fellow Christians will claim that they see but yet are determined to reject lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people and put us out of their churches. <br /><br />Often we have relied on modern scientist to prove our cases, People say things about us and jump to human conclusions, but I want you to know that God is a good God who will not allow us to suffer and who continues to fight for us. <br /><br />Finally brothers and sisters I charge your, whose report will you believe?<br /><br />The report that condemns you and claim we are not children of God, or the scriptures that say we are dearly beloved children of the living God.<br /><br />Whose report will you believe? Religious leaders who have used derogatory remarks to address gay and lesbian people or perhaps the book of 1 Peter 2:9 “…you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of God who called you out of darkness into God’s marvelous light”. <br /><br />Dearly beloved, Whose report will you believe? <br /><br />The negative report of the Nigerian media that rejects, victimize and ostracize us or the report that includes us? 1 Peter 2:10 says “once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people, once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy” <br /><br />Whose report will you believe? The report that keeps you in the closet of fear or the report according to the word of God in Roman 8:37-39 “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through Jesus who loved us, for I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord”. <br /><br />In a BBC report, Dr Qazi Rahman, a lecturer in cognitive biology at Queen Mary, University of London, said that he believed that the brain differences between heterosexuals and homosexuals were laid down early in foetal development. "As far as he was concerned there is no argument any more - if you are gay, you are born gay," he said.<br /><br />"As far as I'm concerned too there is no argument any more - if you are gay, you are born gay," Let us all believe in the report of the love of Jesus that includes everyone. God bless you all, Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-17109017799864954282012-12-06T08:30:00.003-08:002012-12-06T08:30:29.719-08:00Do Not Be Ashamed or Undignified<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tXgIRsBkeHSFaC75XEqyYJZfuF_1yLiBKQoYE0IXvt6h96gM6coBaS4dIG3Pzitde_U9D78ZIEmffdjwgk1h3GehfkKHJipYszufnDbvJNuHvdmeY4kQ-DfwaEWp42I4i1bI44NVPDY/s1600/ashamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tXgIRsBkeHSFaC75XEqyYJZfuF_1yLiBKQoYE0IXvt6h96gM6coBaS4dIG3Pzitde_U9D78ZIEmffdjwgk1h3GehfkKHJipYszufnDbvJNuHvdmeY4kQ-DfwaEWp42I4i1bI44NVPDY/s640/ashamed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #010000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do
Not Be Ashamed or Undignified<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Psalm 74:20-21 “Look upon your creation,
for the earth is full of darkness, full of the haunts of violence. Let not the
oppressed turn away ashamed, but let the poor and needy praise your name”. God
is ever present and available to the poor and needy people of the world. When
we experience hardships or other forms of encounters, when we are ravished with
doubts and trepidations, we must turn to God and say “I will lift my eyes to
the hills”. When we are surrounded by darkness, trials, temptations and
tribulations – in faith we must be assured that the saving grace and love of
God will lead us, guide us, and guard us from evil. Consider the violence and
fear of discriminatory laws for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender
people around the world, our families, friend and allies, the homophobia in our
religious communities, families and societies, the fear of death and rejection.
I say that God is looking on his creation and ask that we too look to him just
as we are.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For our faith in God we would experience
the haunts of violence and in so doing we will receive grace, power and
authority over the oppressors’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore
let not the oppressed people turn away ashamed or undignified. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-64281586888206441352012-09-21T02:49:00.001-07:002013-03-07T08:06:34.029-08:00NO MORE FREE BOOKS<br />
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>NO MORE FREE BOOKS.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>@House Of Rainbow Fellowship<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Free Distribution Postponed</span></span></span><span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: medium; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: medium; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><strong></strong></span></span><o:p></o:p> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-44070201566030019182012-05-24T08:14:00.001-07:002012-09-21T02:48:42.932-07:00Dear friends and fellow bloggers, I have missed you all so much and I want you to know that you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers, as we welcome Pentecost 2012, I proclaim victory and joy in our lives, prophet Isaiah reminds us of the word of God to us, ‘Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand’. Isaiah 41:10.
Very soon I resume blogging again.
Many interesting stories and encounters that I need to share with you.
Regards
JideAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-85188748687958405802012-03-13T07:52:00.003-07:002012-03-13T08:00:26.844-07:00In Just Three Days - A Poem for Easter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3w_m66wrO1SX4gBgROBvTmduL5XSbTOIm5SvlyI-TRb2XPtBUh9b7Qwdee40EFwxdwRohLj9L1cvQYkdCX1l3HYXadknMuPjbCJddb5-mIvHpokzbYjSl8CXdbIqXpenSquFU8XAth4/s1600/easter2.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3w_m66wrO1SX4gBgROBvTmduL5XSbTOIm5SvlyI-TRb2XPtBUh9b7Qwdee40EFwxdwRohLj9L1cvQYkdCX1l3HYXadknMuPjbCJddb5-mIvHpokzbYjSl8CXdbIqXpenSquFU8XAth4/s320/easter2.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719396686840223346" /></a><br /><br />In Just Three Days<br />By Rowland Jide Macaulay, an excerpt from his book “Poetry Inspired” published 2001<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz7cZ3R3q6PtT86F6JNpHy-BMSYf5Sykpuhe-pIicW6JmiHA02nQ7-AVNcEnnInjLHGG5Of09Wubwkx2UaeT3uZHjeT58SMTFgBDa1emiLEPbYgX4sUv5SH-64Xz5ViybC1qnhY8lgYY/s1600/jesus20.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 249px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz7cZ3R3q6PtT86F6JNpHy-BMSYf5Sykpuhe-pIicW6JmiHA02nQ7-AVNcEnnInjLHGG5Of09Wubwkx2UaeT3uZHjeT58SMTFgBDa1emiLEPbYgX4sUv5SH-64Xz5ViybC1qnhY8lgYY/s320/jesus20.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719396556960905426" /></a><br />In Just Three Days<br />For a life time<br />He came that we may have life<br />He died that we may have life in abundance.<br /><br />In Just Three Days<br />Better known than ever before<br />Crown King of kings<br />Tired but never gave up<br />Alone, forsaken and frightened<br />The world is coming to a close<br />Doors closing, wall to wall thickening.<br /><br />In Just Three Days<br />Prophecies has been fulfilled<br />Unto us a child is born...<br />Destroy the world and build the kingdom<br />Followers deny His existence<br />His betrayer will accompany the enemy.<br /><br />In Just Three Days<br />The world had Him and lost Him<br />Chaos in the enemies’ camp<br />Death could not hold Him prisoner<br />In the grave, Jesus is Lord.<br /><br />Bethany, the house of Simon the leper<br />Alabaster box of precious oil<br />Ointment for my body<br />Gethsemane, place of my refuge<br />Watch and pray.<br /><br />In Just Three Days<br />Destruction, Rebuilding<br />Chastisement, Loving, Caring<br />Killing, Survival<br />Mockery, Praises<br />Passover, Betrayal<br />The people, The high priest<br />Crucify him, crown of thorns<br />Hail him, Strip him, bury him.<br /><br />In Just Three Days<br />He is risen <br />Come and see the place where the Lord lay<br />His arrival in the clouds of heaven.<br /><br />In Just Three Days<br />He was dead and buried<br />My resurrection, my hope, my dream<br />Hopelessness, helplessness turned around<br />In just Three Days<br />In Just Three Days.<br /> <br /><br />This poem was first written in April 1999 and inspired following the reading of the Gospel according to St Matthew chapters 26, 27 and 28. Moved by the story of Jesus’ death and his resurrection. Imagine so many things happened in that three days, over 2000 years ago and that imagination still remains with us today.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-1727093069967690862012-03-13T07:47:00.001-07:002012-03-13T07:51:41.027-07:00Unforgettable Lord.Unforgettable Lord.<br />By Rowland Jide Macaulay, 9th March 2012.<br /><br />In ages past, my ancestors dwell in the sins of Cain<br />Once on a needless life but to abstain<br />Without God there is no gain <br />Worshipping and living in Christ is my main<br /><br />Lord help that I may withhold all my pain<br />Peaceful time I seek on the mountain<br />My life of grace, mercies are never in vain<br />For there is no measure of my God’s terrain <br /><br />Even in the loudest thunder and rain <br />Your blessings flow in endless undisturbed fountain<br />Your kindness, love and compassions I cannot explain<br />In the Lord’s house, no shortages of grain<br /><br />QUOTE: The fundamental purpose of the Christian life is enabling people to develop lifestyles of spiritually empowered wholeness throughout their life journeys and helping create a world society where life in all its fullness is possible for all members of the human family. Follow us at www.houseofrainbow.orgAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-3445093814945790942011-12-09T12:04:00.000-08:002011-12-09T12:05:22.773-08:00House Of Rainbow Fellowship Declares P.U.S.H<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZKK8pmKhuK90geRCl0OWj265QoqGfm4_3hqqqVyAAJDxz53aTeacjPEpAZcw8RrJjRwKtREhNt7VqKTOOgVskSeJAzynLajaRiYt-fKFM2gCHh6T3fzhWZQFx1bqnQKF_IAQFmlJ2hQx/s1600/prayer_01.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZKK8pmKhuK90geRCl0OWj265QoqGfm4_3hqqqVyAAJDxz53aTeacjPEpAZcw8RrJjRwKtREhNt7VqKTOOgVskSeJAzynLajaRiYt-fKFM2gCHh6T3fzhWZQFx1bqnQKF_IAQFmlJ2hQx/s320/prayer_01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684219999577852338" /></a><br /><strong>House Of Rainbow Fellowship Declares P.U.S.H</strong>, to stamp out anti-gay bill. If everything else fails we believe in the power of prayer. We must stay on our knees and travail daily in our prayers. PUSH - PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS. <strong><em>“Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of God the Father in my name, God the Father will give it to you...Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete”.</em></strong> www.houseofrainbow.org<br /><br /><strong>Contact Us:<br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship </strong>Email: church@houseofrainbow.org <br />Web Page: www.houseofrainbow.org<br />Phone: +44 (0) 7507 510 357<br />Find House Of Rainbow on Facebook/Twitter/Youtube/Blackberry pin 2680405D<br />Skype & Yahoo ID; revjide<br /> <br />We have groups in Lagos, Ibadan & Minna in Nigeria, London & Manchester UK, Accra Ghana, Gitega Burundi and Maseru Lesotho.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-51528956632184202472011-08-03T02:50:00.000-07:002011-08-03T02:52:30.061-07:00I AM GAY NOT HOW I BECAME GAY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUISBGf3I3RB_BS3YY6UUfgPP5zASH5exsjWrCGl4OiLqoLnOae8xLxDmKSbeBFfQk3X7kUGhKaIPaTBU18LmcJygykHA3Q3jhbprKo9Zhh9j9NYYBjSkLgyiPb5RNEK85iI4BLzN1AVY/s1600/Rev+J31.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUISBGf3I3RB_BS3YY6UUfgPP5zASH5exsjWrCGl4OiLqoLnOae8xLxDmKSbeBFfQk3X7kUGhKaIPaTBU18LmcJygykHA3Q3jhbprKo9Zhh9j9NYYBjSkLgyiPb5RNEK85iI4BLzN1AVY/s320/Rev+J31.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636565325054475618" /></a><br />Dear Energetic and Beloved people, I have followed the stories of How I became gay on a a dedicated yahoogroup and I am most impressed with many of the stories, I want to make a correction, it is not HOW I BECAME GAY but I AM GAY.<br /><br /> <br /><br />For me I have always been gay and I never became gay, i became aware of my same sex attraction whilst living in Nigeria at the age of seven, boys flirt with each other unknowing all the time and it was at this stage that I was more aware of my emotional, physical, mental and sexual attraction to boys, I was 14 when I had my first sex with a guy, it was filled with curiousity, passion, embarassment and guilt as will with any heterosexual having sex for the first time. <br /><br /> <br /><br />By this age I have become a youth leader at church and have spent time reading the bible including discovering chapters that "condemned" homosexuality. Imagine the furore of my life? Now I have to be discrete, secretive and live a lie. Looking back in my life it never stopped my same sex attractions.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Fast forward thirty years, I am now fully confident that being gay is my natural being and i regretted ever trying to be straight, I regretted that I did not get the education and appropriate spiritual development to be a gay man, I can understand that and that is why I am determined that the short life I may live in this world I trust God for the development of inclusive Christian education to enable the freedom of the mind, body, soul and spirit.<br /><br /> <br /><br />For many people that know me, such as John Adewoye, a great friend and brother, and many who have read the account of my life journey, there are no surprises that we still face challenges because of who we are.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Recently, my father asked me to proved that homosexuality is genetics, I just looked at him and pointed to myself, "ME" you made me, you gave birth to a homosexual, boy he was anxious to know more, so I asked him to prove to me that God is real, not that I dont know but if we were to play "doubting Thomas", lets lay all the cards out.<br /><br /> <br /><br />My homosexuality is real, I am gay and I did not become gay, just like I am black and i did not become black. This is a great way to move forward in life and let the world know that they may hate us but God Adores Us.<br /><br /> <br /><br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship is an inclusive Christian community, that welcomes all people and does not discrmininate against LGBTI people (of faith or no faith). I am proud that the Holy Spirit has led me to start this group, (nearly five years) we are growing with passion and relevance and it is my hope that we would be able to advance the learning and inclusion of all people.<br /><br /> <br /><br />I love myself and it is my daily prayer and hope that millions of LGBTI people around the world, their friends and families will come to understand and love them.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Afteral we never ask them when did they become heterosexual?<br /><br /> <br /><br />More love more power<br /><br /> <br /><br />Jide Macaulay<br /><br />.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-47709224703008762662011-04-25T03:12:00.000-07:002011-04-25T03:13:25.719-07:00Nigeria's gay church is reborn amid a climate of fear<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tbMeg49ZRFWE2uPbn9S4r3CG1ATsWgjUaXGUJXghwTvKobqJYdjgGLORKneddyEbwNol3Clj3DKzqX3MCo6gtUiD7kYrH_9-gAy8R16rF9SQafCT7KVxXixZTedAVFzsbDzBtWnGJjFK/s1600/God+is+love.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tbMeg49ZRFWE2uPbn9S4r3CG1ATsWgjUaXGUJXghwTvKobqJYdjgGLORKneddyEbwNol3Clj3DKzqX3MCo6gtUiD7kYrH_9-gAy8R16rF9SQafCT7KVxXixZTedAVFzsbDzBtWnGJjFK/s320/God+is+love.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599421775558666098" /></a><br /><strong>Nigeria's gay church is reborn amid a climate of fear</strong><br /><br />House of Rainbow church offers underground prayer and preaching to Christians ostracised by rampant homophobia<br />Shyamantha Asokan in Lagos <br />guardian.co.uk, Sunday 24 April 2011 19.57 BST <br />http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/24/gay-nigerians-church-services-secret<br /><br />When Ade's aunt learned he was gay, the then 16-year-old Nigerian was made to go through an exorcism to expel "the demon of homosexuality".<br /><br />"The priest came to the house with candles, holy water and anointing oils. I had to kneel down, holding candles in my hands," recalls Ade, now 25, as he sits in a cafe in Lagos. He does not wish to reveal his full name. "He kept shouting 'Come out! Come out! Come out!' in a fevered voice … I was allowed to go back to church after that but I had to pretend to be straight."<br /><br />In a country where homosexuality is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, it is no surprise that many of Ade's friends – those who, like him, are both gay and religious – stay away from church altogether for fear of being outed.<br /><br />However, an alternative could soon be at hand. Ade is helping to resurrect a religious refuge for himself and his friends. He is part of the team restarting House of Rainbow, the country's only gay church, which was forced to close in 2008 after a witch-hunt stirred by exposés in local newspapers.<br /><br />The Rev Rowland Jide Macaulay, the gay minister who founded the church, is leading the comeback even though he remains in self-imposed exile in London.<br /><br />"Religion is a backbone to life in Nigeria, so we all want to go to church," he says. "But we don't want to lie to God about who we are."<br /><br />Macaulay first set up House of Rainbow in 2006, when he openly held Sunday services in a Lagos hotel hall decked out with rainbow flags. A public backlash culminated in members being beaten as they left church. Macaulay fled to the UK after death threats.<br /><br />This year, he has recruited a small team that includes Ade as his local leader in Lagos. In his voluntary role, Ade started holding prayer sessions and Bible study groups at his house at the end of last month. A full church might be set up again if it is considered safe.<br /><br />The project could even spread beyond the borders of Africa's most populous country. Macaulay has recently recruited a local leader in Accra, the capital of nearby Ghana. He is considering applications from Rwanda and Zimbabwe.<br /><br />Religious groups are central to Nigeria's culture of homophobia. Pentecostalism, an evangelical school of Christianity thought to have started in America just over a century ago, has blossomed in southern Nigeria and across Africa in recent decades. The "megachurches" in and around Lagos can attract tens of thousands of worshippers to a single service.<br /><br />Pentecostal pastors often see gay desire as the work of demons. "You might start casually but, once you get into it, you will be possessed by the spirit," says Emmanuel Owoyemi, a pastor in Lagos.<br /><br />Meanwhile, in Nigeria's mostly Muslim north, 12 states have adopted sharia law over the last decade. Gay sex carries the death penalty under sharia, although no executions have yet taken place. A national anti-gay marriage bill, which pushes for jail sentences for anyone who even assists gay marriage, has been before Nigeria's parliament since 2009.<br /><br />Being gay is regarded as an offence across much of Africa. Uganda's parliament continues to debate a proposed law that would introduce the death penalty in some cases. Malawi's president only pardoned a gay couple last year sentenced to 14 years in jail after an international outcry.<br /><br />Apart from being on the wrong side of the law, many homosexual Nigerians say exclusion from church is one of the hardest parts of being gay.<br /><br />"We are brought up to believe that you should belong to a religion. We feel that, if we don't go to church, God will not answer our prayers," says a young gay man in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. "When I recently told a friend I was having financial difficulties, he said, 'When did you last go to church?'"<br /><br />In oil-rich Nigeria, where corruption robs many of even basic services, religious groups provide more than spiritual assistance. Muslim movements such as Izala have built schools in the north, while southern pentecostal groups such as the Redeemed Christian Church of God run universities. "[We] lose out on all these services," says the young man.<br /><br />Some argue that African homophobia is slowly waning. Marc Epprecht, an expert on sexuality in Africa at Queen's University in Canada, says the continent's growing number of gay rights groups are challenging negative stereotypes.<br /><br />He adds that despite the bad press it attracts, African homophobia is not markedly stronger than that of poor or patriarchal parts of the Middle East and South America.<br /><br />Macaulay, however, is not taking any chances this time. Prayer sessions are being held in secret locations. No unknown newcomers are being admitted. He continues to preach via YouTube from London – he thinks it would be unwise to return home. "We have learnt our lesson," he says. "It is a hostile situation."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-59329499056548154172011-02-02T12:31:00.001-08:002011-02-02T12:31:20.686-08:00ZAch Wahls Speaks About Family<iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FSQQK2Vuf9Q" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-86249626970339045842011-01-29T02:07:00.001-08:002011-01-29T02:08:07.757-08:00House Of Rainbow Fellowship mourns David Kato.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIFIG9ceKNIMkcGy3OvfpyFBFPxKDLCEbd4_nG2A1OkFba7LcoXwc_WNoqkh-N8CgLbCaTQFuj6UWRCKv2NAn7UYbDPJKeMNDWDdZZkFY2MFbp0oYr0UbdOVcQzhVSNFn77BSBoLNY8k/s1600/David+Kato+RIP.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIFIG9ceKNIMkcGy3OvfpyFBFPxKDLCEbd4_nG2A1OkFba7LcoXwc_WNoqkh-N8CgLbCaTQFuj6UWRCKv2NAn7UYbDPJKeMNDWDdZZkFY2MFbp0oYr0UbdOVcQzhVSNFn77BSBoLNY8k/s320/David+Kato+RIP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567547550042679890" /></a><br /> <br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship mourns David Kato.<br /><br />The death of David Kato has sent a wave of shock throughout the human rights communities, many African LGBT people and allies are in deep mourning. The blood of an innocent man cries from the grave, his death is a result of unimaginable hatred, how those expected to protect us now defend and justify hatred of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender people to the point of death. <br /><br />Micah 6:8 “...O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”<br /><br />David Kato was a human rights defender and he spoke fiercely against the injustices towards LGBT people in Africa and especially in Uganda, he was fearless in challenging the government and the Ugandan media for their imbalance report, discriminations and views of gay people. He spoke out and stood up for justice until his last breath.<br /><br />David Kato will be remembered and not forgotten for his perseverance, tenacity, determination in the face of evil. He was truly an African man, proud not just to be gay but as a citizen of Africa. <br /><br />David Kato refused to live in fear of his death, but he committed himself to the works of fairness and justice for all. We believe that David Kato’s killers will be judged by God, those who peddle hatred do so out of unjust fear. <br /><br />Whilst African governments and religious leaders deny the existence of LGBT people, it is obvious that such hatred and homophobia cannot be denied. <br /><br />It our hopes that as a people of Africa, we would in our togetherness condemn injustices, discriminations and deep rooted hatred towards all minorities and marginalised people. <br /><br />Finally, we pray, may the soul of David Kato rest in peace, you remain in our hearts and memories.<br /><br />God, remember not only the men and women of goodwill but all those of ill will. Do not only remember all the suffering they have subjected us to. Remember the fruits of our solidarities and campaigns, our comradeship, loyalty, humility, courage, generosity and the greatness of heart that all will be inspired. Amen <br /><br /><br />Reverend Rowland Jide Macaulay<br />On Behalf of House Of Rainbow Fellowship<br />www.houseofrainbow.org <br />Tel: +442085583485, +447507510357Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-36364106154080574442011-01-24T04:23:00.000-08:002011-01-24T04:24:14.979-08:00The Ineffable Love of God for LGBT People<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Vzr-e7kEBQRtTaKwkPuo962pdRpq4CVLfOGPTUrde1bbzf36eYa6rYGftSVxE93T343n1PA0bi6h1K3oA5gVucHzVU0K7iolCAa6CPfPkOvvg-5fJ3t52JY_RHGm7nUlcX8cJKkEjWZQ/s1600/Horf+New+fl.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Vzr-e7kEBQRtTaKwkPuo962pdRpq4CVLfOGPTUrde1bbzf36eYa6rYGftSVxE93T343n1PA0bi6h1K3oA5gVucHzVU0K7iolCAa6CPfPkOvvg-5fJ3t52JY_RHGm7nUlcX8cJKkEjWZQ/s320/Horf+New+fl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565726635743995858" /></a><br /><br />HOUSE OF RAINBOW FELLOWSHIP<br />Presents Prayer and Praise evenings with an inclusive gospel of Jesus, celebrating the ineffable love of God for ALL people. Come Just as you are, to an inclusive space to pray and safe space to praise.<br /><br />Theme: The Ineffable Love of God<br /><br />LOCATIONS<br />LONDON UK: Friday 4th February 2011, 6.30-8pm (and then on the first Friday each month) <br />Foster Hall, Wellesley Road, Off Boundary Road London E17 8QX<br /><br />MANCHESTER UK: Wednesday 9th FEBRUARY 2011, @6.30pm (then 23rd March)<br />The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF<br /><br />LAGOS NIGERIA: Call +2348052567170 for details<br /><br />Contact details for House Of Rainbow Fellowship;<br />Nigeria: +2348052567170<br />UK: +442085583485 or +447507510357<br />Email: church@houseofrainbow.org <br />Webpage: www.houseofrainbow.org <br />HouseOfRainbow: Facebook/Twitter/YoutubeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-2242225962765509072011-01-17T11:37:00.000-08:002011-01-17T11:40:24.708-08:00My Daddy said - "Happy New Year to My Lovely Gay Son".My Daddy said - "Happy New Year to My Lovely Gay Son". <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmzpNNAQJpAStYFSfsM6EQwy7kI7dHAvkPE8gYplZzxZImIuS3ef4dJRlaXv6jgb0xcQ_IkzNjg83nCAETB6Jzcu-hp52PrtU4oMvi1pqzVBg8jX5wmJiCbkiRc0ib9_MxAHVEGy5oZI/s1600/with+Dad.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmzpNNAQJpAStYFSfsM6EQwy7kI7dHAvkPE8gYplZzxZImIuS3ef4dJRlaXv6jgb0xcQ_IkzNjg83nCAETB6Jzcu-hp52PrtU4oMvi1pqzVBg8jX5wmJiCbkiRc0ib9_MxAHVEGy5oZI/s320/with+Dad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563241906399475058" /></a><br />A postponed visit to Nigeria after several years of estrangement took place a few weeks ago, I want to share this experience with my new found friends. I came out as gay in 1994 after a troubled heterosexual life, my "Coming Out" was a devastation merged with so many religious bashing, I was hated, called an abomination etc. When my family found out I was gay, many of my siblings Stopped speaking with me, my mother was the only one who comforted me and acted natural, when my father got to know it was three years of hell and then I realised that I could lose him, I concluded that if my earthly father can react with such hatred what would my Heavenly father do?, afteral I believed that I am wonderfully made and created in the image of God. My only answer was prayer and more prayers. Many people at House Of Rainbow in Nigeria (and a few more outside Nigeria) have met my dad and he is a wonderful typical Yoruba man, in 2008 he was caught unaware in the Nigerian media frenzy that nearly crippled his reputation but not his love and relation with his son, while the headlines read Hatred, his heart was filled with Love. 2011 started with a difference when on the 2nd Jan we went out to Victoria Island for lunch, the peaceful drive provided a great scenery of Lagos. As we sat at lunch and enjoyed each other company. He suddenly said I am pleased that I am having lunch with my gay son, I almost fell out of my chair. I believe many people need to hear this as we struggle with our relationships, especially with parents and families, if we are not loved at home, we can never find that love abroad, I want as many to hold on and be strong, being gay or lesbian is least understood in Nigeria and by Nigerians, one day those who reject us will celebrate and respect us. JideAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-66627728021640432352011-01-17T11:31:00.000-08:002011-01-17T11:32:02.173-08:002011 - House Of Rainbow’s Year of Rewards and Compensations.2011 - House Of Rainbow’s Year of Rewards and Compensations.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJJog_tSL-dcMqsgZJkpeQnaYU-Y4iopl82RoPDGrQR-mr0SecrMRPgQ4cZ4ac46MffHSCNJeCzD-nRXMJgjl9x6kmhTChCQ96u_JdtzrxUWFKCLR24mTInX0Y4C_IOqqCHBiEOSkCi_G/s1600/Horf+New+fl.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJJog_tSL-dcMqsgZJkpeQnaYU-Y4iopl82RoPDGrQR-mr0SecrMRPgQ4cZ4ac46MffHSCNJeCzD-nRXMJgjl9x6kmhTChCQ96u_JdtzrxUWFKCLR24mTInX0Y4C_IOqqCHBiEOSkCi_G/s320/Horf+New+fl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563238570707887346" /></a><br /><br />In 2008 as many people may recount, House Of Rainbow and myself ran into serious trouble with the Nigerian media, it was indeed our annus horribilis. Many of our members were displaced, some fired from their jobs and evicted from their homes, many where disowned by their families, my home in Isolo was badly vandalised and looted of every valuable items. These were not reported by the callous minded editors of the Nigerian press. As far as they are concerned they have achieved the unachievable. What we did after that was to pick ourselves up, shake off the dust of intolerance and begin the rather tedious journey of rebuilding our ministry, we set up online support and started to network within the country, across religious groups and people. We also worked with many safe house projects to protect vulnerable people. Now we are stronger in 2011, we are building alliances with civil society and other groups, we are present on facebook with nearly 2000 friends, Private interactive forum for devotion and prayers with over 600 members, Youtube, twitter and our own webpage, we are reaching thousands of people in Nigeria and the rest of Africa, UK, USA and elsewhere, than we ever did in the time we were in Nigeria alone. We are proud of the many resilient men and women, supporters of House Of Rainbow abroad and especially those in Nigeria. <br /><br />2011 we are determined to do more, create more Voluntary Local Leaders, expand on our theologies, increase the attendance and spiritual upliftment of our members, friends and alliances in Nigeria, Ghana, UK, USA, and elsewhere, reconstitute new groups and Fellowships across UK, Nigeria and around Africa, groups of people willing to Praise and Worship God, just as they are. We are asking you good people to consider supporting House Of Rainbow Fellowship. <br /><br />TEN WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT HOUSE OF RAINBOW FELLOWSHIP<br />1) Become a friend/member, 2) Say regular prayers for us, 3) Worship with us in London and Manchester 4) Join our online networks, facebook/twitter/youtube, 5) Tell others about and or invite them to House of Rainbow, 6) Become a Local Leader for House Of Rainbow, 7) visit us at www.houseofrainbow.org 8) Call/SMS on +447507510357, 9) Skype us @ Revjide, 10) Donate generously.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvlu88Gxkwu28wBQth53G-ckjBvQllYnCkgTqC1cTZJrBfiFaMddRivy0l_cwe0LkIJVWiRtWibWm3lXeSRLLkiEswv2YCYMDnBttJzUAgwHYBSlSaaFUzW9JEEClXQbwMyQMgrRQ1wXK/s1600/LL+flyer.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvlu88Gxkwu28wBQth53G-ckjBvQllYnCkgTqC1cTZJrBfiFaMddRivy0l_cwe0LkIJVWiRtWibWm3lXeSRLLkiEswv2YCYMDnBttJzUAgwHYBSlSaaFUzW9JEEClXQbwMyQMgrRQ1wXK/s320/LL+flyer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563238810091890498" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-85156613456600335092010-12-23T09:13:00.000-08:002010-12-23T09:23:02.706-08:002011 @ House Of Rainbow Fellowship<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdsL_V6p62RBY6lv_tb4wD859jrs7P-iRD_bJtp8Ou1IfuA3pRXrTDkc22_I9NgVQ8d9E4ABqezuRj2xjCQMzqWegiEl3B7F7P8PJFo0l4jPFVmAkeM51q_qPGaTJL5JPQRqgObPlkqM/s1600/HORF+2011.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdsL_V6p62RBY6lv_tb4wD859jrs7P-iRD_bJtp8Ou1IfuA3pRXrTDkc22_I9NgVQ8d9E4ABqezuRj2xjCQMzqWegiEl3B7F7P8PJFo0l4jPFVmAkeM51q_qPGaTJL5JPQRqgObPlkqM/s320/HORF+2011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553929067834738770" /></a><br /><strong>2011 @ House Of Rainbow Fellowship</strong><br /><br />Friday 4th February 2011, 6.30pm London <br />(and then on the first Friday of the month)<br /> <br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship presents a monthly Prayer and Praise evening in London on the first Fridays of the month, with an inclusive gospel of Jesus, celebrating the ineffable love of God for all people. Come Just as you are, to an inclusive space to pray and safe space to praise. <br /><br /><strong>• House Of Rainbow Fellowship also meets on Wednesday 9th February 2011 in Manchester (further dates and activities to be confirmed)<br /><br />About House Of Rainbow Fellowship</strong> <br /><br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship is an inclusive and affirming religious community open and welcome to all people including Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex people, a monthly gathering of “People of Faith” for “Prayer and Praise”, which focuses on the person’s journey towards reconciliation of sexuality and spirituality. <br /> <br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship aim to provide an inclusive Christian theological focus and interpretation of Scriptures. <br /> <br />The vision of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship was birthed by Reverend Rowland Jide Macaulay, an openly gay African theologian. The style of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship is Pentecostal with “High Praise”, Prayers and Christian fellowship. <br /> <br />All are welcomed including;<br />• Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex people (LGBTI)<br />• Parents and Friends of LGBTI people<br /> <br />Other important tools and resources: <br /> <br />Websites:<br />www.houseofrainbow.org<br />www.rjmm.co.uk <br />www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org<br />www.youtube.com/houseofrainbow<br /> <br />Recommended Books:<br />Holy Bible<br />Pocket Devotional for LGBT Christians by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay<br />The Children Are Free by Revd Jeff Miner & John Connolly<br />The Queer Bible Commentary Edited by Guest, Goss, West & Bohache<br />The Queer God by Marcella Althaus-Reid<br />Indecent Theology by Marcella Althaus-Reid<br />Take Back The Word Edited by Goss & West <br />Biblical Ethics & Homosexuality Edited by Robert L. Brawley<br />In the Eye of the Storm by Gene Robinson <br /> <br />Contact Us:<br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship &<br />Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay Ministries <br /><br />Email: church@houseofrainbow.org <br />Phone: +442085583485; +44 (0) 7507 510 357<br />Find House Of Rainbow on Facebook/Twitter/Youtube<br />Skype & Yahoo ID; revjideAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-91038833668436281642010-12-23T08:13:00.000-08:002010-12-23T08:14:15.228-08:00Information About Local LeadersInformation About Local Leaders <br /><br />Volunteer Local Leaders Needed. <br /><br />Are you Called to be a Local Leader? House Of Rainbow needs you.<br /><br />Are you a devout Christian?<br />Do you believe in the inclusive Gospel of Jesus for All people?<br />Are you able to manage a small group of people?<br />Are you passionate about helping people?<br />Can you provide pastoral care?<br />Are you aged 18 and over?<br /><br />If you say YES to all the above questions, then contact us for more information at Church@houseofrainbow.org<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1CluG0MQPAh2Wod6PgGmEw6nnHTXj6Tk7j1YX8K7BdPsSN6intknvf275lCYkSXEMEGGgtW3VdD-uUc_l3mstk1PG_Gdo-tIB7QQW1GcsExOFEQOPryvo8E-5adSAmKWg9NCfjWKb1Xc/s1600/HORF+LL.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1CluG0MQPAh2Wod6PgGmEw6nnHTXj6Tk7j1YX8K7BdPsSN6intknvf275lCYkSXEMEGGgtW3VdD-uUc_l3mstk1PG_Gdo-tIB7QQW1GcsExOFEQOPryvo8E-5adSAmKWg9NCfjWKb1Xc/s320/HORF+LL.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553910126641710226" /></a><br /><br />INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS<br /><br />Please read these notes carefully before you complete the application form.<br /><br />• Thank you for expressing interest in a post within House Of Rainbow Fellowship. <br />• These notes are intended to help you understand the role of Local Leaders. Please read them carefully before you complete and sign the form.<br />• See below details of the role and responsibilities of Local Leaders. These describe your role and what your position will involve and what we need from the person who is appointed.<br />• We are inviting you to give us information that will allow us to assess how closely you meet the requirements of Local Leadership. You may draw on all aspects of your life: education, employment, voluntary work, church, interests, and home life, for example.<br />• There is no education and training, experience, special knowledge and skills, or special qualities and attributes requirements except that we ask for the applicant to be passionate and willing to submit to the authority of the leadership of House Of Rainbow Fellowship Council. <br />• Please answer all the questions in each section. <br />• Our policy on references is that we cannot accept references from relatives or members of the family. At least one referee must be from a reputable organisation or member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex (LGBTI) community. <br />• Only electronic applications are acceptable. Please scan your signatures for the form. <br />• We look forward to receiving your application. There are no deadlines for application.<br /><br /><br />For more Information BY EMAIL ONLY to:<br /><br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship<br />e-mail: church@houseofrainbow.org <br />Telephone: +442085583485<br />Mobile: +447507510357 <br /><br /><br />HOUSE OF RAINBOW FELLOWSHIP POLICY ON THE RECRUITMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF VOLUNTARY LOCAL LEADERS. <br /><br />Background<br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship Local Leader is a voluntary role without any stipend.<br /><br />The development of Local Leaders is one of the objectives of House Of Rainbow Fellowship, this way we are able to meet the needs of marginalise Christians and or people of faith seeking an alternative safe space to join in corporate prayers, praise, devotion, discussions and bible study. <br /><br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship Local Leaders initiative is about building a people of power and raising a people of praise<br /><br />About House Of Rainbow Fellowship<br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship is an inclusive and affirming religious community open and welcome to all people including Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex people, a monthly gathering of “People of Faith” for “Prayer and Praise”, which focuses on the person’s journey towards reconciliation of sexuality and spirituality.<br /> <br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship aim to provide an inclusive Christian theological focus and interpretation of Scriptures.<br /> <br />The vision of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship was birthed by Reverend Rowland Jide Macaulay, an openly gay African theologian. The style of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship is Pentecostal with “High Praise”, Prayers and Christian fellowship.<br /><br />House of Rainbow Fellowship is not exclusively for LGBTI people, all are welcome, we are not afraid to say that we are reaching out with a primary mission to the marginalised communities within the faith communities. <br /><br />All are welcomed including;<br />• Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex people (LGBTI)<br />• Parents and Friends of LGBTI people<br /><br />Vision of House Of Rainbow Fellowship<br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship vision is to transform the Christian theology towards inclusion, Biblical teaching, interpretation and understanding that alienates and or discriminates, create a safe space and place for LGBTI people to meet and be celebrated by employing and engaging the ministries of theologians and academics.<br /><br />Who are Voluntary Local leaders?<br />Local Leaders must be a practising Christian, they are people who are nominated, self nominated, appointed, selected for leadership etc. <br /><br />Local Leaders must be aged 18 and over at the time of application.<br /><br />Local Leaders can be a person of any age, race, background, gender and or sexual orientation. All we ask is that they are grounded in the understanding of inclusive gospel and Christian faith. <br /><br />They will be responsible for leading prayers, devotion and reaching out to Christians including LGBTI people in the local area.<br /><br />The group will consist of as little as 4 people and no maximum limits. We encourage a continuous development of smaller groups to avoid hostility in the case of a group getting too large.<br /><br />They will be encouraged and supported by House Of Rainbow Fellowship Council. <br /><br />Roles and Responsibilities of Local Leaders.<br />Local Leaders will organise the monthly meetings of House Of Rainbow Fellowship they will have the responsibility to advertise the time and location and also contact details for those that will attend.<br /><br />They will take initiative and responsibility for security and safety of the meeting space.<br /><br />Would at all times maintain integrity, discipline, loyalty and honesty in leadership. <br /><br />Provide pastoral care to all members. <br /><br />Teaching and discussion materials for the monthly group will be provided by House Of Rainbow Fellowship. This materials will include video aids, online links, devotional booklets and appropriate books will be supplied free of charge to the members. <br /><br />Local Leaders will also have the responsibility of building a resource library for their members. <br /><br />Local leaders will represent and share the information about the work of House Of Rainbow Fellowship locally. <br /><br />Role of House Of Rainbow Fellowship<br />Provide support for Local Leaders and keep them informed and up to date of the overall fellowship mandate.<br /><br />This condition of Voluntary service is not exhaustive and subject to periodic review in consultation with the Local Leader.<br /><br />Offer technical support to Local Leaders in the implementation of Local Group and provide 6 - 12 monthly review of the Local group, leadership and pastoral care.<br /><br />A letter of Appointment will be issue to appointed Local Leader only. <br /><br />Procedure<br />• A decision to reject an applicant because of, or partly because of inadequate information and insufficient reference, in such situation will may defer the applicant application pending further information.<br />• Generally, an applicant who is rejected will be advised of the reasons.<br />• An applicant who is rejected will not have a right of appeal. <br />• Where an individual is accepted by the House Of Rainbow Fellowship Council, and subsequently it becomes evident that the individual failed to disclose relevant information, the matter will be treated as a disciplinary issue and may result in dismissal. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGN79KhaLBYQx9Vv4k-0L0owBD26Rt8cURoOY12qom42Z1oHIA4TnfrWnK2GU2hR_aCrBEk8SGJkv6RtwGbb3075eGX55NuZrA7tTb05G8zWLVKABp90MP73qLKyiaN02j7eFwPLXhmfl_/s1600/Leaders.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGN79KhaLBYQx9Vv4k-0L0owBD26Rt8cURoOY12qom42Z1oHIA4TnfrWnK2GU2hR_aCrBEk8SGJkv6RtwGbb3075eGX55NuZrA7tTb05G8zWLVKABp90MP73qLKyiaN02j7eFwPLXhmfl_/s320/Leaders.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553910386372105138" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-26616777098373681482010-12-01T01:24:00.001-08:002010-12-01T01:24:38.721-08:00World AIDS Day 2010 Message from House Of Rainbow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdtLiz28M68wAAi9p6g1LlJEE8-UuP99hXTvMwzmJSYS5fTA-9IwGe9S2Ngg3Eqzd8yT5Jm9EUlceFkXDCk1ArLQFpnoVuldLaDAKTAsuHLRE7nSRVCwziAtYAGSQiPRk1sL_PROhFSvB/s1600/WAD+logo.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdtLiz28M68wAAi9p6g1LlJEE8-UuP99hXTvMwzmJSYS5fTA-9IwGe9S2Ngg3Eqzd8yT5Jm9EUlceFkXDCk1ArLQFpnoVuldLaDAKTAsuHLRE7nSRVCwziAtYAGSQiPRk1sL_PROhFSvB/s320/WAD+logo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545641607922790274" /></a><br />House OF Rainbow Fellowship World AIDS Day 2010 Message.<br /><br />In John 9:2-4, Jesus was asked why the man was born blind. “Jesus answered, neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.”<br /><br />We might ask that why are so many millions of people infected or affected with HIV and AIDS, I want you to know that this disease is nothing more than a global tragedy. It is not the will of God that any should suffer.<br /><br />At House Of Rainbow we take care and time to pray and remember those afflicted by this disease, we pray with them, we touch them with our love and we know that they will always be our brothers and sisters.<br /><br />HIV has affected all persons from infants to grannies, people of all race, creed, culture and gender, rich and poor nations are engulfed. The world is affected at large. <br /><br />We suffer with those who suffer and our continuous deepest compassion goes to people and families who have lost their dearest to this disease. <br /><br />World AIDS Day is a time to remember, acknowledge and celebrate the lives of the departed, may their soul rest in peace. Respect, dignity and prayers for long lives for those who are living with HIV and AIDS. This is a time that we can all acknowledge that the love of God for all people is far more important that the prejudice, stigma and discrimination attached to HIV and AIDS. <br /><br />As we gather here in our community and all over the world in remembrance and contemplation of World AIDS Day, we pray that God will lead the finding and discovery of a cure. God will guide policy makers, the pharmaceutical and health care officials as they strive to find the best approach, medicinal cure and standard of care. Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-35957971533557501862010-11-07T05:16:00.001-08:002010-11-07T05:16:26.554-08:00Volunteer Local Leaders Needed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmjEzE3rPhJRzbWfPeDPlZHdsJvBkXbpoVkGsPfvvggqpahRYISRsAIFRDqvowF6pjfdAUyfn4C4A4noLPqjmGYlWzWki5ysYlVP7xL5mtANBH4bHHi0U1_pqe8LunPBjBVF98-ISxgOD/s1600/Leaders.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmjEzE3rPhJRzbWfPeDPlZHdsJvBkXbpoVkGsPfvvggqpahRYISRsAIFRDqvowF6pjfdAUyfn4C4A4noLPqjmGYlWzWki5ysYlVP7xL5mtANBH4bHHi0U1_pqe8LunPBjBVF98-ISxgOD/s320/Leaders.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536795509686403090" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Volunteer Local Leaders Needed. </strong><br />Are you Called to be a Local Leader? House Of Rainbow needs you.<br /><br />Are you a devout Christian?<br />Do you believe in the inclusive Gospel of Jesus for All people?<br />Are you able to manage a small group of people?<br />Are you passionate about helping people?<br />Can you provide pastoral care?<br />Are you aged 18 and over?<br /><br />If you say <strong>YES</strong> to all the above questions, then contact us for more information at Church@houseofrainbow.org<br /><br /><strong>Contact: <br /><br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship London &<br />Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay Ministries</strong><br /><strong>Phone</strong> +44 (0) 2085583485, +44 (0) 7507 510 357<br /><strong>Email:</strong> Church@houseofrainbow.org<br /><strong>Skype & Yahoo ID;</strong> revjide<br /><strong>Facebook & Twitter:</strong> HouseOfRainbow <br /> <br /><strong>ONLINE Ministries</strong><br /><strong>Video Messages;</strong> www.youtube.com/houseofrainbow<br /><strong>Web;</strong> www.rjmm.co.uk<br /><strong>Web;</strong> www.houseofrainbow.org<br /><strong>Web;</strong> www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org/Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-29112602012907358192010-11-02T01:13:00.000-07:002010-11-02T01:19:05.310-07:00Because Jesus lives I can face tomorrowI am so emotional this morning, when I think about all the pain that we are put through, those who feel that killing themselves because they are gays and lesbians is the answer, it is just too much. And also for those who feel empowered to endnager our lives for who we are, killing us is not the answer. <br /><br />I believe that rather than bow to the pressure and prejudice against a minority group we should take time to pray for the people. I am so sad today, I am in so much pain I am in tears. I am praying to God to help us to deal with all the bigotry and prejudice against Black Gay people and to end the hatred from within the community. <br /><br />Many African LGBT people at home and abroad are in fear of being killed, I am one of them. My life has been threatened, but I know that "Because Jesus lives I can face tomorrow".Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-36532757141833531822010-10-25T09:09:00.000-07:002010-10-25T09:13:15.728-07:00House Of Rainbow 2010 Dates for your Diary<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjhFXQ0UXEayqNCLQXVQd58Jxx6U4MqCig7wnl0_m6Siet03HAfJnOkI2I1tC8h8QNitbDAhgtWKRlRCo-oO3uBq1Ct_kqjva9dAiDLYgDjpYLjtrJx_XSGHYHQ-zLrSS_z4hLY9D9Hc/s1600/ChristianProud.bmp"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjhFXQ0UXEayqNCLQXVQd58Jxx6U4MqCig7wnl0_m6Siet03HAfJnOkI2I1tC8h8QNitbDAhgtWKRlRCo-oO3uBq1Ct_kqjva9dAiDLYgDjpYLjtrJx_XSGHYHQ-zLrSS_z4hLY9D9Hc/s320/ChristianProud.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532017246921202434" /></a><br /><strong>About House Of Rainbow Fellowship</strong><br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship is an inclusive and affirming religious community open and welcome to all people including Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex people, a monthly gathering of “People of Faith” for “Prayer and Praise”, which focuses on the person’s journey towards reconciliation of sexuality and spirituality. <br /><br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship aim to provide an inclusive Christian theological focus and interpretation of Scriptures. <br /><br />The vision of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship was birthed by Reverend Rowland Jide Macaulay, an openly gay African theologian. The style of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship is Pentecostal with “High Praise”, Prayers and Christian fellowship. <br /><br />All are welcomed including;<br />• Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex people (LGBTI)<br />• Parents and Friends of LGBTI people<br /><br />Other important tools and resources:<br /><br /><strong>Websites:</strong>www.houseofrainbow.org<br />www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org<br />www.youtube.com/houseofrainbow<br /><br /><strong>Recommended Books:</strong>Holy Bible<br />The Children Are Free by Revd Jeff Miner & John Connolly<br />Pocket Devotional for LGBT Christians by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay<br />The Queer Bible Commentary Edited by Guest, Goss, West & Bohache<br />The Queer God by Marcella Althaus-Reid<br />Indecent Theology by Marcella Althaus-Reid<br />Take Back The Word Edited by Goss & West <br />Biblical Ethics & Homosexuality Edited by Robert L. Brawley<br />In the Eye of the Storm by Gene Robinson <br /><br /><strong>Contact:</strong>Reverend Rowland Jide Macaulay <br />Email: church@houseofrainbow.org <br />Phone: +442085583485, +44 (0) 7507 510 357<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbceMn0apFCESQ-XhdqdIbxhvAKAHebnTdCf1sIRjtwSHM7U2uLbeUCDNeDGkSrUunqJF_85zrtQtwz9yFpo1fCHjf-EYaM5kbsbmDKaFKDWG6RCpAZl3ONwV35GLvw0pCXVWHTrEJEnM/s1600/Jide+Cute.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbceMn0apFCESQ-XhdqdIbxhvAKAHebnTdCf1sIRjtwSHM7U2uLbeUCDNeDGkSrUunqJF_85zrtQtwz9yFpo1fCHjf-EYaM5kbsbmDKaFKDWG6RCpAZl3ONwV35GLvw0pCXVWHTrEJEnM/s320/Jide+Cute.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532017251972247746" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Thursday 4th November 2010, 6.30pm London</strong>House Of Rainbow Fellowship presents a monthly Prayer and Praise evening in London on the first Thursday of the month, with an inclusive gospel of Jesus, celebrating the ineffable love of God for all people. Come Just as you are, to an inclusive space to pray and safe space to praise. www.houseofrainbow.org. For info Call/text +442085583485, +447507510357 email: church@houseofrainbow.org <br /><br />2010 Dates for your diary: <br />• Metropolitan Community Church East London 7th Nov @5.30pm<br />• Manchester Fellowship 17th Nov, 6.30pm<br />• Sao Paulo Brazil 1-11 Dec, Daily.<br />• London Fellowship 2nd Dec, 6.30pm.<br />• Christmas Party by INVITATION ONLY 18th December.<br /><br /><strong>House of Rainbow Fellowship is the place for you. You are welcomed to send your prayer request to us at church@houseofrainbow.org or join our online forum at www.houseofrainbow.org. Wherever we assemble, you can attend our FREE monthly “Prayer and Praise” sessions, refreshments will be served. For more information and details, please contact us or visit our blog www.houseofrainbow.org</strong><br /><strong>Preacher at MCC East London on Sunday 7th Nov 2010, 5.30pm</strong>Revd Jide Macaulay will be preaching at MCC East London, join us at the inclusive church, celebrating the ineffable love of God for all people. Come Just as you are. www.houseofrainbow.org. For info Call/text +442085583485, +447507510357 email: church@houseofrainbow.org<br /><br /><strong>House Of Rainbow Fellowship, goes to Manchester</strong>Wednesday 17th November 2010, 6.30pm<br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship presents a monthly Prayer and Praise evening in Manchester, with an inclusive gospel of Jesus, celebrating the ineffable love of God for all people. Come Just as you are, to an inclusive space to pray and safe space to praise. www.houseofrainbow.org. For info Call/text +442085583485, +447507510357 email: church@houseofrainbow.org<br /><br /><strong>House Of Rainbow Fellowship, goes to BRAZIL</strong>1st to 11th December 2010, Sao Paulo Brazil.<br />Times and Locations to be announced. <br />House Of Rainbow Fellowship presents a “Daily Prayer and Praise” Sao Paulo Brazil, with an inclusive gospel of Jesus, celebrating the ineffable love of God for all people. Come Just as you are, to an inclusive space to pray and safe space to praise. www.houseofrainbow.org. For info Call/text +442085583485, +447507510357 email: church@houseofrainbow.orgAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-7920050942851693802010-10-11T06:43:00.000-07:002010-10-11T06:44:17.651-07:00Gay Muslims & Gay Christians Celebrate London Gay Pride 2010Gay Muslim Pav and Christian leader Revd Jide share a celebratory message to encourage Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Trans and Intersex people at London's Black Gay Pride 2010, a show of solidarity between faith communities. There were over 1,000 people at the event. Introduced by fame Actor Cyril Nri.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Tuk6S2mapL8?fs=1&hl=en_GB"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Tuk6S2mapL8?fs=1&hl=en_GB" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-5530460666579878662010-10-03T14:32:00.000-07:002010-10-03T14:33:42.429-07:00Increase Our Faith And Respect For Each Other.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRpXcft7aQ1ev9P4ZJUvRMUnzvabCPH86Qh3r5i1AoWd8qYF1p0KryRgxATHz3iYTfsVJxAA-6c3h0ZGsEtcDqHHqNJf-BO5A2etzENkdhqNCpFRZyI36YWvXGdCmHFhCa3umEpGc2wU/s1600/Jide+Queer.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRpXcft7aQ1ev9P4ZJUvRMUnzvabCPH86Qh3r5i1AoWd8qYF1p0KryRgxATHz3iYTfsVJxAA-6c3h0ZGsEtcDqHHqNJf-BO5A2etzENkdhqNCpFRZyI36YWvXGdCmHFhCa3umEpGc2wU/s320/Jide+Queer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523935856001436562" /></a><br /><br />Increase Our Faith And Respect For Each Other. <br />By Rowland Jide Macaulay @ Metropolitan Community Church East London<br />3rd October 2010 <br /><br />Introduction<br />The Gospel reading Luke 17:5-6 set the tone for the message today, increase our Faith.<br /><br />5 The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ 6The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a* mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you”. <br /><br />How do we increase our faith and respect for each other? Let me leave that question there in your heart and come back to this later. <br /><br />In the UK the month of October is dedicated to Black History Month celebrated every year. The aims are to promote knowledge of Black History and experience, disseminate information about culture and history of the Black people. There is no doubt that Black people have made many contributions worth celebrating, but we must be mindful of the few Black people who are also causing havoc. What I know is that we all, regardless of race and gender can make a difference in this world. We can increase our faith and respect by standing up against ALL that is evil and unjust.<br /><br />We may ask what has this got to do with the sermon today, we may ask what has this got to do with my salvation, faith and respect. It has so much to do with it, because our history needed to change from the history of victims to victors, from fear to favour, enslavement to empowerment. There is so much our community need to learn from the Black History. We have often found parallels with the “struggle and fight against racism” with “the struggle and fight against homophobia and transphobia”. <br /><br />Black History month cannot be complete without Queer or LGBT History, Black History cannot be complete with ALL people’s history, the history of the oppressed cannot be complete without the oppressor, no one speaks about slaves or slavery without the slave masters. <br /><br />When Habakkuk said, O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save? It sends a message that is recognisable from the Black community who were enslaved because of their blackness to the gay community who are ostracised because of who they are, from London to Lagos, New York to Kampala.<br /><br />When I examined the Habakkuk Oracle, this is what I found, a strange and endearing similarity between the Black people’s struggle and the LGBTI people’s struggles. <br /><br />We asked the same questions and face the same issues over all these years, from Biblical times to 21st century days. I don’t have all the answers but I am hoping that my sermon today can lead all of us to some answers. <br /><br />Let me share five points with you today.<br /><br /><br />1) O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you Violence!’ and you will not save? <br /><br />What Black History month did for us is to teach us the way to face our struggles as a people, first it was about racial discrimination, but now it is discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, I cannot believe that any religious body will be a part of the hate campaign, I would have thought that the Religious communities will be at the centre of healing, reconciliation and welcoming for all people, but I was wrong, <br /><br />Brothers and sisters, Cry no more, because your salvation has come. The answer for me and for you is in Colossians 3:9-11, which says Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices 10and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. 11In that renewal* there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all!<br /> <br />2) Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble?<br /><br />We are faced daily with wrongdoings and we steer trouble in the face daily. LGBTI people all over the world live in fear every day. Many times when we step out to help others and speak against injustices, we become the problem, in many societies people who are seen as “Human Right Defenders” are often those who look at trouble in the face. What are we doing today to save guard the future of our community? <br /><br />I received a message from the LGBT centre in New York, which reads “Our Hearts are heavy” the back drop to the message is that six teenage gay and lesbian children have in the last few weeks and months committed suicide because they were bullied for who they are, we need to face wrongdoing, not just for our sake but for the future LGBT generation. I am angry at the fact that there is continued renewal of hate not just towards us but also within us. We are not sharing the message wide enough, we are not raising the bar of LGBT role modelling, the message of love and inclusion is lapsing, we need to create a climate where young LGBT people can be free and be themselves, children should be playing not harming themselves or driven to such harm by bullies. <br /><br />3) Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. <br /><br />There is no doubt that there will be some destruction and violence, there will be strife and contention, people will disagree with us, our theology will not be the favourite one to listen to or to handle, it was the same with the Black theologians, there were opposition. Queer theology is scary for many, because not everyone fits into the same shoe, we seldom sing from the same song sheet. Christianity is a price to pay, it is radical and we have to take the message out there for many millions who not just hate us but for those who might just be saved. Rev Troy D Perry’s Coming Out as a Gay Christian leader in the 1960s saved millions of LGBT people, we also need to do our part. Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr and many other Black theologians in history have played their part in the emancipation of Black people and Black theology. Reverend Solomon S. Seay, former head of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, in the United States of America and also a civil rights campaigner alongside Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr, said following a fight for equal rights for African American during the Montgomery bus boycotts “If a person doesn’t want to sit beside me because I am dirty, that is my fault. If a person doesn’t want to sit beside me because I am loud, that is my fault too, but if the person doesn’t want to sit beside me because I am black, that is not my fault because God made me black” I dare to add to this note that “If a person doesn’t want to sit beside us because we are Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transsexuals and Intersex people, then we need to know that it is not our fault, God made us Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual and Intersex people” <br />It is time for us to increase our faith, action and respect and do something we have never done before. Save a life, save our own lives. <br /><br />4) So the law becomes slack and justice never prevails. <br /><br />The laws are too slow to recognise the discrimination, the interventions are bureaucratic, policy makers makes endless promises, but we can make a difference, that is why we have voices, we can speak out, write articles, consider joining a campaign for what is right, I am sure that when people started the discussion about ending slavery, it certainly did not start amongst Black people, because largely they were not responsible for the big ship and the voyage, but I believe that people in our history both Black and White made this happen. <br /><br />Many days of my life, I was victimised on the grounds of sexual orientation, with faith I have risen to a place where I not only celebrate who I am, Child of the living God, but also work with others, on the journey to reconcile, I have stood in many places challenging governments to change discriminatory laws against LGBT people, from Cameroon to Comoros, Iran to Iraq, Kuwait to Qatar, Guinea to Lesotho. <br /><br />When we teach, let us speak out against injustice, because if we don’t we only prolong the pain of future generation. I say today that I do the things I do today, not because I see the benefits for me, but I do them because I dream of the benefits for future generations, I want history to record that at least I tried. Brothers and sisters, what will be in your legacy?<br /> <br />5) The wicked surround the righteous— therefore judgement comes forth perverted. <br /><br />The wicked people are very very powerful, they will suppress the truth. We spend too much time in accusation, when people in politics and religion stand up, to uphold discrimination, my heart bleeds, when the proposals were drawn to end slavery there was violence, there was an attempt to pervert justice. The same is happening today in our world, we must not seat back and allow people Religious or not to judge us for who we are, the Bible says in Jeremiah, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; Isaiah confirmed “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by myself spread out the earth.”<br /><br />Many millions of people are threatened by the actions of the ignorant few, families are scattered, there is a surge in suicidal tendencies and the health of the people declined. <br /><br />I take refuge in the word of God, I am not stubborn, but I refuse to allow the negativity of these ignorant actions to get through my heart, mind and skin. It is not an easy place to be, however, when people ask me where in the scriptures does it say that God loves or indeed creates homosexual, I want to let you know that the Bible points to more verses of inclusion than exclusion. God is responsible for LGBTI people and it is only God that can love us as we too are the original imprint of God’s love and never a secondary group of people. <br /><br />Hebrew 11:1-3, Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2Indeed, by faith* our ancestors received approval. 3By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.*<br /><br />What are we hoping for? a world that will accept us and not kill or dehumanise LGBT people. Even though we have not seen justice we must begin to celebrate the freedom and liberation, just like our ancestors. If we believe by faith that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, then we must begin to live and love who we are, even though we may be invisible to the other inhabitants. <br /><br />Conclusion<br />Let me conclude with Paul’s letter to Timothy, which says I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 5I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. 6For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; 7for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. 8 Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 9who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. <br /><br />I recognise that calling in you today, I recognise that calling in Michael Jackson who has gone before us. Black History month is about our ancestors, the joy, the liberation, the pain, the injustices, we must today bring a change to the world we live in. Michael Jackson in one of his many revolutionary songs sang about healing the world, make it a better place. <br /><br />There's A Place In Your Heart<br />And I Know That It Is Love<br />And This Place Could<br />Be Much Brighter Than Tomorrow<br />And If You Really Try<br />You'll Find There's No Need To Cry<br />In This Place You'll Feel<br />There's No Hurt Or Sorrow<br /><br />Heal The World<br />Make It A Better Place<br />For You And For Me<br />And The Entire Human Race<br />There Are People Dying<br />If You Care Enough For The Living<br />Make A Better Place<br />For You And For Me<br /><br />In order to increase our faith we need to step out of the shadow of fear and work against all the injustices, we need to be comfortable with who we are, not what people want us to be or say we are. The gospel reading is a response that we can do anything if we have faith. The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a* mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you.<br /><br />As we seek reconciliation we would be empowered knowing that God’s love was given to us when we were formed in our mother’s womb, and this is how we increase our faith and respect for each other. <br /><br />God bless you. God bless our universe, Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744907916074419298.post-72391620152937704862010-09-30T08:17:00.000-07:002010-09-30T08:18:17.908-07:00House Of Rainbow Fellowship Prayer and Praise 7th October 2010.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6RH1d_aFE34HNeLk1fhqZQljAd50bn-wVWtlH-JOyu45Dz7NyvfZkjhvCYPoPZZN1b-X2zUF_4fsQwf2jlXZXHabrkrEWSmuf8IX_ngwoRZJbLUhgK8-PMZvQllZR3n01tOGAKAWIHSC/s1600/grt+pastor.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6RH1d_aFE34HNeLk1fhqZQljAd50bn-wVWtlH-JOyu45Dz7NyvfZkjhvCYPoPZZN1b-X2zUF_4fsQwf2jlXZXHabrkrEWSmuf8IX_ngwoRZJbLUhgK8-PMZvQllZR3n01tOGAKAWIHSC/s320/grt+pastor.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522725487890753410" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Thursday 7th October 2010, 6.30pm </strong>House Of Rainbow Fellowship presents a monthly Prayer and Praise evening in London on the first Thursday of the month, with an inclusive gospel of Jesus, celebrating the ineffable love of God for all people. Come Just as you are, to an inclusive space to pray and safe space to praise. www.houseofrainbow.org For info Call/text +447507510357 email: church@houseofrainbow.org<br /> <br />2010 Dates for your diary: 4th November, 2nd December<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10ddoFUJrLUCrz4jC_hBxCbuzBa6r10vwdpPciai_Vle3RESdb0OGtkLPtZb6IjDAvuNJPLOM8llhkzPrHseqwC5RYlEzyuLlb3eL57nWbA2jZhj8SWA3PJE6l6ekO_w51QLGDJDS4duA/s1600/House_of_Rainbow_postcard_front.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10ddoFUJrLUCrz4jC_hBxCbuzBa6r10vwdpPciai_Vle3RESdb0OGtkLPtZb6IjDAvuNJPLOM8llhkzPrHseqwC5RYlEzyuLlb3eL57nWbA2jZhj8SWA3PJE6l6ekO_w51QLGDJDS4duA/s320/House_of_Rainbow_postcard_front.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522725202963203314" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09253214010143460344noreply@blogger.com0