Leicester churches reach thousands with praise and Gospel

Residents of and visitors to Leicester were told to "come just as you are" on Saturday as the Jesus Loves Leicestershire (JLL) team hosted its fourth annual "Fire And Glory" event in the Leicester city centre.

Local singer, Hannah Johnson, backed by The Oaks of Leicester gospel choir
And come they did, as thousands of shoppers and onlookers flocked to the huge stage at Humberstone Gate, one of the main shopping streets in Leicester, to witness one of the city's biggest annual Christian outreach events.

As various secular groups battled against the Pope's visit to the UK, there was no such controversy in Leicester.

Led by Resonance and The Lighthouse Choir, praise groups, singers, rappers and evangelists took to the stage for a successful day of worship, praise and thanksgiving.
The weather bucked the UK's current trend for rain and drizzle, and visitors basked in glorious sunshine as they were entertained, encouraged and motivated.

Backed by The Oaks of Leicester gospel choir, talented local singer Hannah Johnson's Christian rendition of "Hallelujah", made famous by Alexandra Burke, brought the city to a standstill. "I'm reclaiming the song for Jesus!" she shouted to a wealth of enthusiastic cheers.

Local resident Maria Moseley, 62, from Leicester Christian Fellowship, spoke of how she had been healed of osteoarthritis after spending 28 years in a wheelchair, in excruciating pain.

She joined Leicester Christian Fellowship in January 2007 and was baptised two months later, at which point she gave her life to Jesus. She was still on crutches at that time. By August 2007 she was totally healed.

"I was robbed of 28 years of my life," she said, "But after constant prayers for healing, I can now walk, jump and dance. I feel half my age. The Lord has given so much more back than what has been taken."

And another local resident spoke passionately of how she had been completely healed of cancer. Mindy Patel, 50, had level 5 breast cancer, and doctors said that she would not survive.

"If the operations don't kill you, the chemo might well do," doctors had said, yet four operations and six sessions of chemotherapy later, she took to the stage to tell the spellbound audience that thanks to God, she has been cancer free for over two years.

"No side effects, no sickness, I took no medication other than pain killers and steroids throughout, yet God has healed me, and He can heal you!" she proclaimed.

By mid afternoon, children flocked to the front of the stage to watch the Aching Arms puppet show, which always brings a smile to the faces of children and adults alike through its usage of popular secular songs, transformed by the puppets into meaningful and catchy Christian tunes. And children's dance groups ensured that the event continued to keep youngsters occupied throughout the day.

Teenage attendees danced with colorful flags as young Christians ministered on stage though rap and evangelism.

As in previous years, there was a strong family focus. Posters promoting the event depicted sunflowers, representative of the happiness and joy that can be found in Jesus' promises to the lost, the weary and those yearning for something more. Many attendees expressed how uplifting it was to witness such an inspirational event which was suitable for young and old alike.

Healing rooms, a ministry tent and a prayer gazebo were situated close to the stage for those who needed spiritual support, guidance or personal prayer. And for those who preferred to approach someone in more familiar territory, the Jesus Loves Leicestershire Ministry Team were on hand all day, identifiable in the crowds by their t-shirts emblazoned with the words "Come Just As You Are" on the back.

JLL Chairman Paul Hall, said, "We have been working tirelessly to bring together Christians from a wide variety of denominations through unity, outreach and entertainment, but most importantly of all, we are here to share the Gospel. All those involved feel blessed and honored to be able to share the love of God with the people of Leicester and the event was a huge success."

Organisers hope that the day's events will lead people not just to Christ, but to one of the many local church fellowships in the Leicestershire area.