Immamuel Opara, 31, is a Fitness Instructor and a pro-life activist. Last year was his first time at the Wilberforce Academy, this year he came as part of the members programme. He says:
"The Wilberforce Academy 2016 may have now finished, but the real work has only just begun."
Having attended the Wilberforce Academy for the first time in 2015, I knew that if there was an opportunity for me to attend again this year, then I needed to take it. I can honestly say that last year's Academy had a massive impact upon me, and led to major life changes, including moving to a different city and starting a new job. After the Academy I felt encouraged to go forward in the direction that I could see God taking me in, creating opportunities for me to learn more about how he could use me in representing his Kingdom in this nation. One year later, I headed back with an air of expectancy. Could this year have as big an impact on my life as last year's did? How would God reveal Himself to me in the process of this years' programme?
When I think of the Wilberforce Academy, one of the first things that comes to mind is the teaching. This year we were blessed to have some great speakers from around the world, who taught on subjects such as Biblical Law, and how we can relate it to a progressively pagan worldview. There were some great talks, that really broke down the concept of 'culture', and showed us how to effectively interact with culture in our nation. We learned how we can effectively interact with important areas of culture in the public square, such as sexuality, Islam, secular humanist philosophy, and environmentalism, from a Christian worldview. At last year's Wilberforce Academy, I was introduced to a lot of new information, and my worldview as a Christian was challenged. This year I found that the teaching built upon the foundations that had been laid down previously. This helped me to further in interacting with these issues, and be an advocate for Jesus Christ. We also heard inspiring stories of faith, and how those who have gone before us have taken a stand to represent the Lord in the public eye.
During each day, we would break out into application groups. These were smaller groups, where we could recap what had been taught in that day's sessions, while discussing what the implications were for us on a personal level. My group was led by Professor Andrew Sandlin, one of this year's speakers. I really enjoyed these times of sharing in our groups, and was blessed by some of the comments shared in this setting. It was evident that the Academy was giving us all plenty of food for thought, and that having been challenged by receiving such teaching, we were considering how we would take our next steps forward. It was a privilege to pray with others about the exciting visions that were stirred up in this space, and I look forward to seeing what comes of this time in future years.
One of the things I love about being part of the Wilberforce Academy, is the focus that is placed on Spiritual teaching and worship, as an essential part of growing as a Christian leader. The first day began with us coming together and worshipping through song. This was repeated at the head of each day, and at various points throughout the week. It was a blessing to be led by the worship band. After hearing of complicated issues and serious situations, it was great to have times of worship which refocused us, and enabled us to regain some perspective of exactly who God is. It was almost possible to feel the joy, peace, and boldness being released into the room during these moments.
Another prominent feature of this year's Academy was the number of nationalities that were represented. Many had come from outside of the UK, and met delegates from such nations as Canada, South Korea, South Africa, Italy, Ireland, Ukraine and Slovakia. With so many different nationalities represented amongst our number, we were reminded of just how far across the globe the body of Christ reaches. But also of just how wide-spread our fight is, as Christians in the modern age.
One of my favourite things about the Wilberforce Academy is the chance for fellowship, and forming relationships with other like-minded individuals. This being my second year, I was able to catch up with some familiar faces from the past year, while meeting many new ones. One of my personal highlights occurred during one of the evenings where we had free time. We had been encouraged during morning devotions to find time for prayer in the week's busy schedule. So we did just that. A number of us met for powerful prayer and worship sessions during the evenings. There was a refreshing sense of unity between us, though many different churches and expressions of the faith were represented. These times gave us a fresh injection of energy through the week. And I definitely feel that more of this unity in prayer and worship will certainly go a long way in powering our efforts in turning this nation around for God.
I couldn't talk about the Wilberforce Academy without an honourable mention for the food! Once again we were fed and watered in the finest style. There were two banquets during the week. One on the opening, and the second on the final night. On the first night, the atmosphere was a little muted, as many were getting to know each other for the first time. However, by the last night, many long-lasting connections had been made, and there was almost a celebratory atmosphere, as we prepared to go back into the world carrying what we had received over the week. Some of us went into the town that evening, and in one of the local pubs we had the opportunities to share God's love with some of the locals through some great conversations and prayer.
Something that really stood out to me on that evening out in the town, was just how evident it was that many people out there are searching for the truth. And that we as the Church really do have the answer, in Jesus Christ. I left with a fresh reminder of how needy this world is, and of our responsibility as Christians to share what the world is needing; the light. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP spoke at the banquet on the final night, and I was both encouraged and challenged by his exhortation that in terms of the public square: "One man, plus God is a majority". His second challenge to us, was the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14.
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
This is a verse which featured repeatedly during the week's events. Here we were reminded, that the return of this nation to God starts with we, his people, crying out on its behalf. The Wilberforce Academy 2016 may have now finished, but the real work has only just begun.