BLACKPOOL, UK (ANS) -- The Lancashire town of Blackpool, England, has been a favorite seaside tourist destination since the 19th century. Its famous beach attracts over 6 million tourists a year. A viewing tower and tramway make it one of the most unique spots to take “the (sea) air” for “one’s health”.

Blackpool Tower from the sands

The history of its famous seasonal colorful illuminations can be traced back to 1879 when Blackpool became the first municipality in the world to have electric street lighting.

The Blackpool Pontin’s holiday camp “The Dunes” attracts visitors during the height of the summer. In the latter week of August the Deeper Life Churches of the U. K. held their Annual Conference here for illumination of a different sort. More than 2,000 people attended the 2008 conference, having moved it from Bognor Regis due to a lack of capacity for the group there.

The Deeper Life in the U. K. has grown considerably from its start over 20 years ago. With over 27 churches in 5 regions Deeper Life Churches have a strong emphasis on faith, holiness and the practicality of God’s Word in everyday life. The General Superintendent and Founder of Deeper Life, Dr. William Kumuyi, started the first church in Nigeria 35 years ago in his university apartment. At the time he was a University professor of mathematics and desired to help others to learn how to live a deeper life in Christ. That single church in Lagos is now the largest church in Africa and the 3rd largest in the world.

Dr. William Kumuyi, General Superintendent - Deeper Life Churches

The humble beginnings of the movement mirror the humble life and lifestyle of its founder. Dr. Kumuyi is held in very high esteem throughout Africa and is a symbol of integrity worldwide. He is a monthly contributor to the prestigious “New African” magazine for which he writes a monthly article on leadership called “Nuggets in a Nutshell.” Worldwide the Deeper Life churches have over 1 million members.

Speakers at the Conference, which had the theme “Pressing On to Higher Ground,” included Dr. William Kumuyi, Hugh Osgood, founder and president of Churches in Communities International and Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Christian Centre in south-east London, Peter Kerridge, CEO of Premier Media which includes London’s Premier radio, David Sullivan, Director of Harvest Fields Commissioning International, an international church leadership training and film and TV production ministry, Alan McBride of Northern Ireland, head of a tract publishing ministry, as well as Deeper Life Pastors from throughout Britain.

Dr. Hugh Osgood, Pastor of Cornerstone Christian Centre, Bromley, Kent and Chair of Council of Churches in Communities International and co-chairman of the UK’s Charismatic and Pentecostal Leaders’ Conference, stated that Deeper Life Churches had been at the forefront of the great revivals which changed the face of Nigerian Christianity.
He shared on the topic of “The Great Commission and Church Growth” from his extensive experience working with churches throughout East and West Africa and with Afro-Caribbean churches in the UK.

David Sullivan speaking on 'Cross-Cultural Evangelism'

David Sullivan, Director of Harvest Fields Commissioning International, spoke on “Cross-Cultural Evangelism” to both the main gathering and to the children and youth. He shared that there are not only national cultures but age, economic, interest and ideological cultures which must be bridged by the Christian Church in the U.K. and abroad.

Peter Kerridge, CEO of Premier Radio in London and Premier TV on the internet shared from his experience as both a Pastor and as a media expert. He traced the roots of the latest technology from Leonardo daVinci to the latest crazes in media involvement.

Alan McBride and his wife, Mary, were able to relate various testimonies from the printed tract ministry that they lead. These included the story of a man from Kenya who, upon buying a shipment of used clothes, went through the pockets of them and found a Gospel tract. This led him to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Their work includes door-to-door distribution of Gospel tracts throughout Northern Ireland.

The input of Dr. Kumuyi, as General Superintendent of the million member churches, was inspiring to everyone present. His humble presentation of the need of The Church to be both powerful and holy touched and changed many of the lives of both adults and young people present. Using experiences from his extensive ministry around the world in encouraging the churches which he oversees; this one-time mathematics professor led the group to, as the theme of the conference says “Pressing on to Higher Ground” through genuine salvation, spiritual uplift, healing & deliverance and supernatural breakthrough.

An extensive youth and children’s program rounded off the weeklong activities. A search is currently underway to find a venue for the constantly expanding churches and conference.

Dan Wooding, 67, is an award winning British journalist now living in Southern California with his wife Norma of 45 years. He is the founder and international director of ASSIST (Aid to Special Saints in Strategic Times) and the ASSIST News Service (ANS); and US Bureau Chief for the Missionaries News Service (www.missionariesnews.tv) and Safe Worlds IPTV’s Christian News Services. He was, for ten years, a commentator, on the UPI Radio Network in Washington, DC. Wooding He is also the author of some 42 books, the latest of which is his autobiography, "From Tabloid to Truth", which is published by Theatron Books. To order a copy, go to www.fromtabloidtotruth.com. E-mail: danjuma1@aol.com.