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Shine Your Light
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Shine Your Light
UK News

King Charles sends 'warmest wishes' to Christmas campaign shining God's light on communities

by Donna Birrell

The King has sent his 'warmest good wishes' to the Shine Your Light campaign which is bringing the light of Christmas to communities across the UK.

The campaign, which is uniting different denominations, prayer networks and streams is encouraging Christians to take carol services, nativity and other Christmas events outside church buildings into shopping centres, village greens, community centres – anywhere where the public is gathering this month.

A letter sent on behalf of the King to Dr Jonathan Oloyede, one of the campaign organisers, said His Majesty 'greatly admires your efforts to bring many Christian denominations together, and share in faith this festive period.'

The letter also referenced last year's campaign which saw more than 78,000 Christians from over 700 churches taking their events outside in what was said to be one of the largest Christmas outreaches on behalf of the UK Church. It reads:

'The King was most touched to learn of the success of your event last year, bringing thousands together across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland to share in community and Christmas spirit.'

The letter, written by James Dawson from the King's Private Secretary's office, added:

'His Majesty would have me wish you every success this year, and hope that all those who attend have a Happy Christmas and enjoy a peaceful year ahead.'

Dr Oloyede told Premier he and everyone connected with Shine Your Light is delighted with King Charles' message:

"When I read the letter, I was really gobsmacked with the human dimension of the King connecting with the church and grassroot believers in this way.

"It's encouraging, and inspiring to note that the light shining from the church and the tens of thousands of people that have been involved with Shine Your Light are being recognized by Buckingham Palace, by politicians, by people in high places. It's an encouragement to the church that when we do engage and shine our light, people will recognize it, will respond to it, and even the King of the UK and the Commonwealth has responded in this way. It's a wonderful blessing."

Dr Oloyede, who is also Convener of the National Day of Prayer and Worship, added that as a result of engaging with Shine Your Light many people are discovering Jesus and embarking on a journey towards becoming a Christian:

"We have hundreds and hundreds of people just yesterday and this last week that have made decisions for Jesus and to the gospel as a result of this campaign. We are not just focusing on the King of the UK, we're focused on the King of Kings.

"And we want to encourage believers to go and register at www.shineyourlight.org.uk, wherever they are."

 
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