Dance event draws the crowds to
a Stratford church
Released: 01.05.07

 

Around 400 young people from all over east London took part in the East London Dance Exhibition at the UCKG HelpCentre in The Grove Stratford on Sunday April 29. The event was hosted by members of the Victory Youth Group (VYG), which is the church’s youth ministry, and culminated in a dance competition that was won by 2Draw Entertainment.

“We were delighted to come away with a Silver Trophy and the title ‘The Best Dance Crew in East London’” said Isaac Fletcher of 2Draw Entertainment, a 14-strong troupe of performing arts students from various parts of east London. “It was a great privilege to win such a tough competition and we are grateful to God for our talent.” The four 2Draw Entertainment dancers who competed at Stratford were praised by the judges for their energy and enthusiasm.

The event was supported by a number of Youth Centres and other youth organisations from Stratford and the surrounding areas.  It also included songs and a dance demonstration by members of Stratford VYG. “Undoubtedly the most successful element of the mix after the dance competition was two powerful testimonies by young women who turned their lives around as a result of contact with VYG,” said UCKG’s Pastor Michael Lewis.

One of them, Kecia Perrin, had suffered from depression, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts as a girl before joining the VYG. She is now a qualified dance teacher and was one of the judges in the competition at Stratford. 

Ann Mbeleg experienced issues at school including bullying with a sexual element to it. She became stressed, got bad grades, and resorted to aggressive behaviour. The positive influence of the VYG has enabled her to turn her life around. She is now approaching her performing arts exams with confidence and is hopeful of a university place this autumn.

“Our aim was to have fun while showing young people that a Christian lifestyle that involves treating one’s self and others with respect, acting with integrity and not overindulging leads to happiness and often success,” said Pastor Michael Lewis, who heads the UCKG HelpCentre in Stratford. 

“We hope to have further events of this nature as there was such an excellent turn-out. But I would also remind everyone that our pastors and assistants are available everyday to talk with anyone who is in trouble of any sort and to help them seek a better life.”

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For more information please contact Jenny Walton or Lucy Andrews on 023 8071 3020 or Francessca Lewis at UCKG on 0207 686 6033.

Notes to editors:

There are 19 UCKG HelpCentres in and around London. The HelpCentres are Pentecostal Christian churches run by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God a registered charity. They provide both practical help and spiritual support through prayer to all comers, irrespective of their beliefs, ethnicity, age, gender, or any other factor. UCKG also offers a range of outreach activities including hospital visiting, support for prisoners and practical help for older and infirm people.