“Oldham…. nevertheless”
“David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus). The Jebusites who lived there said to David, ‘You will not get in here.’ Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion, the City of David”
1 Chronicles 11:4-5 (NIV)
Oldham. Population: 217,273. Only 100,000 less than the City of Cardiff. Increasingly multi-cultural and multi-faith. Oldham was included by the Bishop of Rochester, Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, to be one of the ‘no-go areas’ for non-Muslims due to Islamic extremism and multi-culturalism. In some way, Oldham represents a growing trend in the nation. Nevertheless, we will take Oldham!
The main aims of Oldham Council are to build safe and strong communities. Communities that experience economic prosperity with increased business growth and employment opportunities. Communities that are healthy, where there is better health for all, whatever race or background. These are all characteristics of the kingdom of God. We will take Oldham!
The knowledge of the glory of God will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea. The kingdoms of this earth will, and have, become the kingdoms of our God and of his Christ; in every tribe and language and people and nation. God’s desire is that his will be done on earth as it is in heaven. This includes Oldham!
God has spoken that there will be healings on the streets of Oldham. There will be salvation on the streets and in homes; in the market place and in offices. God has spoken there is an outpouring of the Spirit coming to Oldham. God has spoken his glory will fall over Oldham. God has indeed spoken. He has many people in the town waiting to turn to him. ‘The least will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation’… come let us take Oldham!
