Events
Love So Amazing 1 (2005)
"Touching Heaven, Changing Earth". This is one of the phrases that has been used to describe a worship event that took place in Bradford this December - 'Love so Amazing'. Over 1,000 people from all over Bradford joined together in unity, to praise the name of Jesus.
The evening was led by Steve and Velveta Thompson (of Beracah Music International) and featured renowned songwriter and singer Graham Kendrick. In addition to this was a 150-strong 'Love so Amazing' mass choir, made up of members from 35 churches across the city. The evening also celebrated other forms of worship, including expressive dance, break-dancing, tap-dancing, mime and rap.
'Love so Amazing' also provided the opportunity to give insight into some of the many positive expressions of Christ's love in the city. Caleb, a drugs rehabilitation project, Mission amongst Asians in Bradford, and Kids Klub were just a few of the projects highlighted through short video presentations.
Graham Kendrick led the congregation of 1,400 in prayer for the city, and a one-minute silence was observed for Sharon Beshenevsky, the police officer who was killed by armed robbers earlier this year in Bradford. There was a deep sense of unity as people symbolically held hands and joined in prayer for the city.
'Love so Amazing' was organised by Beracah Music International, in partnership with Prayer for Bradford, an ecumenical movement which brings people from various church backgrounds together with the common aim of seeing the city of Bradford transformed by the power of God. Although events like this have happened before in the city, never before had so many churches gathered together. Over 45 churches were represented at the event, which has excited and encouraged many church leaders and church members alike, who have longed for unity amongst churches in Bradford.
Many believe 'Love so Amazing' heralds a new season of church unity within Bradford. It is certain that when Christians join together to glorify the name of Jesus it not only blesses God, but his people as well. We believe that as we touched God's heart in worship that evening, he will indeed change us, and the city in which we live.
Angela Caley
(Salvation Army - Holmewood)