Masterpiece UK turns 2!
Hey Masterpiece family! In light of Masterpiece UKs second anniversary, our founder, Esther, shares the story behind Masterpiece UK!
Talk us through the creation of Masterpiece UK
So Masterpiece UK began when I was in my final year of university. 2017 -2018 was a very difficult year for me in terms of grief, loss and not knowing who I was in Christ anymore. I was depressed and genuinely did not understand what direction or what I wanted to do anymore. However, I continued looking up to God and Pastor Mike Todd’s sermons at that time kept me going and was resonating with me in terms of uplifting my spirit (faith). During my time in the wilderness (which is what I like to call it) I knew other people may also be going through tough times and a season of difficulty, so I decided to start sprinkling some faith-filled and encouraging tweets and this started to get recognized worldwide to the point where Stormzy also retweeted it. I believe from this Masterpiece UK was born, as in my quiet time with God he kept telling me that He was going to use me to encourage others (even though I felt like I needed the help myself). This is the pure beauty of God, He will use you whenever and wherever if you allow Him to (as we all know, from stories in the Bible God uses any age, gender, status or race. So be ready for Him to use you too!!)
What are some of the challenges you encountered?
In life we will always have challenges and so being a founder of this platform also has its own challenges. For example, Masterpiece UK would not be where it is without God and my fabulous team ( Flo , Marlyse, Mirce and Jennifer). These ladies have constantly provided their time, efforts and dedications to God’s Kingdom and have consistently been a part of the growth of Masterpiece UK. I am so proud of their (spiritual growth in particularly) growth individually and as a team we have really reached some amazing achievements. However, there are times our own personal lives can have an effect on our work rate, creativity and fire for God. So I would say one challenge is encouraging my team to keep going ( and even myself) during the storms of life because as we know the Bible says :
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
So standing onto the promises of God is key and knowing He is with us during storms of life just like He was with the disciples in Matthew 8:23-27.
I’m not going to lie and say it is easy being a leader of a Christian platform, because I know I am to set an example for not just my team but for the world (believers and non believers), because as Christians we are a walking Bible for non-believers (as they may never even pick up a Bible) therefore our lifestyle and how we speak should emulate that of Christ. So I would say another challenge is reflecting more often on things to work on, so that I can be a better Christian daily. For example, one thing I have struggled with is forgiveness, but this month’s theme of forgiveness has been perfect for me and God really used the month of June for me to work on it.
What has been your most memorable highlight?
There has been soooo many to be honest, from the Launch Event, to our anxiety workshop, to the Reveal (Live worship night) and to our team days and connect group, but I would say my most memorable highlight would be the Launch Event and the reason for this is because the devil really tried it by throwing obstacles in the way and filling me up with so many doubts;
such as how nobody would want to come or I wouldn’t be able to speak ( I really dislike public speaking), but God and my team really supported and encouraged me and the event was sold out and was such a memorableevent that people even still talk about it.
What motivates you to keep going?
Whenever I feel discouraged, I just remember the encounter I had with God in my university accommodation and remembering the vision I have for Masterpiece UK. What also motivates me is testimonies we receive from individuals who have connected with us and how their bad habits have changed, how they are closer/deeper in their relationship with God. Lastly, I would say family, friends and the team.
What advice would you give to anyone who is struggling on their walk with Christ?
I would like to give 3 tips:
Find a church and serve – Finding a church community you love is important, because church really does help you in growing deeper and closer to God. Serving in church is also a great benefit as giving ourselves (especially to His Kingdom) is truly one of God’s love languages. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
Find a connect group – I know this may be something you have heard several times before or you may have never had the opportunity to join or find a connect group, but it is honestly essential to our development as Christians. God loves relationships and even Jesus had disciplies to assist Him, so I believe having accountability and other believers to encourage you whenever you feel like you are slipping is fundamental.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25
3. Do the 30 minute challenge – Listen to gospel music for 10 minutes (worship specifically), Read the Word of God for 10 minutes and pray for 10 minutes. I believe this helped me and I believe it will help you too. These 30 minutes will genuinely enable you to hear from God and for you to put your day in His hands. If 30 minutes is a lot to begin with then do a 15 minutes challenge and gradually build your way up.
A great book to assist in your quiet time is 7 Minutes with God: How to Plan a Daily Quiet Time by Robert Foster
Jesus is calling us to a deeper relationship with himself and all you have to do is draw closer to Him, so He can draw closer to you!
Thank you for reading this Blog post.
Thank you for being with us over the past 2 years.
Thank you for every prayer, donation, retweet/reshare and attendance to our events
We love and appreciate each and every one of you.
If you would like to join our connect group then please message us or DM us
If you would like for us to pray for you please click this link: https://www.masterpieceuk.com/copy-of-look-for-a-mentor
If you would like some guidance on your walk with Christ and would like our ebook, please click here: https://www.masterpieceuk.com/masterpiece-resource-pack
If you would like to join our team please email: hello@masterpieceuk.com