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GREETINGS

Hi!

Our summer edition of SP TLIGHT has finally arrived!

Seeing the picturesque sunsets of these summer nights have been

such an illustrative picture of God’s goodness in our lives.

We’ve seen God’s goodness evidenced too within the Church family

here at All Nations with testimonies of lives changed, exciting building

project developments, as well as events that are on the horizon.

A huge well done to all the team who have worked diligently behind

the scenes making SP TLIGHT happen.

I hope you will be blessed as you check out our latest edition

of SP TLIGHT.

Happy reading!

4 THE GREATEST ADVENTURE

The greatest adventure of knowing God.

6 MEENA: MY STORY

Meena Gardra shares her story of her journey of faith and healing.

7 PASSION FOR A GENERATION

Pastor Rick shares all things Youth and Frontline.

8 FRONTLINE GENERATION

We chat to our Cubers about God, life and Random things!

10 CLOSER LOOK AT IHOPKC The vision and heartbeat of IHOPKC.

11 G.E.M

We find out more about why GEM are always excited.

12 NEW BUILDING NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Update on the building progress.

14 PARENTS AND TODDLERS

We caught up with Heather Diaram about all things toddlers.

CONTENT

SIMON WILL ITS EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

SENIOR LEADERS STEVE UPPAL ESTHER UPPAL

EDITORS SIMON WILLITS NAVI AULKH

THANK YOU

STEVE UPPAL

HEATHER DIARAM

MEENA GARDRA

RICK KAUL

GEM

CUBERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

NDUMISO MOYO

DESIGNER NAVI AULKH

WRITERS

STEVE UPPAL

SIMON WILLITS

SONIA LOI

TAKUDZWA SHUMBA

YASMIN MORGAN

NIFEMI OLUSEGUN

CHRISTINE ENDEAN

TEMPLE STREET WOLVERHAMPTON WV2 4AQ TEL: 01902 714469 WWW.ALLNATIONS.ORG.UK

E: [email protected] /ALLNATIONSCC @ALLNATIONSCC


Christ

for all people to

glorify god

through knowing

Becoming like Christ and making

KnownCentred on Jesus in all we are and do: Jesus was extraordinary when He was on earth. He is the example. In every situation always remember what would Jesus do? He always did the right thing. He gave thanks, He didn’t moan, He prayed, fasted, gave, loved so much that He sacrificed himself so we can have eternal life. How do we make Him the centre in all we do?

We study who He was and strive everyday to be like him. He was after all the Son of Man. When He left he promised to leave behind the comforter, the Holy Spirit who is in us and will help us to become like Jesus and through the Spirit

we make Jesus the centre in all that we do.

Christ

BY NIFEMI OLUSEGUN


GREATEST ADVENTURETHE


YOU ARE INVITED TO THE GREATEST ADVENTURE! I KNOW THIS SOUNDS LIKE AN OVERSTATEMENT BUT I BELIEVE IT TO BE TRUE. YOU AND I ARE INVITED INTO THE GREAT PRIVILEGE OF KNOWING GOD.

Imagine, the creator of the universe inviting you to know Him personally, to grow in the knowledge of who He is and how He works and moves. To experience His love, comfort, peace, power and so much more. He doesn’t just want you to interact with Him from a distance but if you will invite Him too, he will come and live inside of you.

Many people settle for a shallow Christian experience instead of the fullness of life Jesus came to bring (John 10:10). There is so much more available for each of us but the knowledge of God does not come to the casual observer but to the hungry seeker. Eternal life is knowing God with increasing intimacy and depth.

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3)

THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD WILL CHANGE YOU

Growing in the knowledge of God will change you in many ways. It will enlarge you on the inside and cause faith to rise and fear to flee. You will experience new levels of hope and joy that come from being in deep relationship with the God of all hope. You will have an eternal perspective on life because the eternal God is vibrantly living and pulsating in you and an awareness of eternity will frame conversations and responses to the those you interact with. You will also find that because you know God greater strength will be yours and you will do great works for the Lord.

‘But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.’ (Daniel 11:32b)

A FEW WAYS TO GO DEEPER

The Bible opened to us by the Holy Spirit is the greatest book to help us know God and His ways. If you are serious about knowing God experientially, then you must be serious about spending time reading and learning the book God gave us about himself. (2 Timothy 3:16)

One of the ways to grow in this knowledge and experience with God is to know His names. His names reveal his personality and his glory to us. They show us what He did in history and what he will do again.

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:10)

The creation itself is speaking to us about God. It shows God’s goodness, majesty, creativity, mystery and wonder. We live so busy that we can often miss all that is around us that declares God’s glory to us. Taking time to look, ponder and to be still will enlarge and replenish you. Make time to walk through God’s creation and to talk to Him.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. (Psalm 19:1-2)

Praying or talking to God is a way to grow in intimacy with Him. God is a person and like any person, relationship can be cultivated through conversation. We must see this opportunity to be intimate through prayer in a fresh way. It has often be made into a religious and dry thing. But it was always meant to be living and vibrant.

He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father..’ (Luke 11:1)

SETTLERS OR P IONEERS?

Some people like to settle in comfort and predictability but the Holy Spirit invites you today to delve deeper and come further into the very heart of God. It’s a life long adventure and pursuit. I encourage you to be a pioneer and not a settler; go further, go deeper. The Holy Spirit awaits to escort you into the deep things of God.

‘’To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love, scorned indeed by the too easily satisfied religionist, but justified in happy experience by the children of the burning heart”. AW Tozer.GREATEST ADVENTURE

1

3

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BY STEVE UPPAL


MEENA: MY STORY

My name is Meena I am 42 years old. It has now been 3 years since I have become a Christian.

‘I would like to tell you how I came to the Lord. Before my family and I became Christians we were going to the temple and other religious places. I never felt any peace. It was all about rules and worshipping idols. But it never taught me to have a relationship with God. It never told me I could be saved or go to Heaven. There was chaos and darkness in my life.

‘A few years ago I had problems with my kidneys, I was so weak and in pain. I was diagnosed with end stage kidney failure. The consultant said to me, “We’re preparing you for the worst”. My kidney function was rapidly going down. I could only see darkness, I had no hope. I really thought it was the end for me. I looked at my son and thought I’m not going to see my son grow up. I even made a will for him.

One day my sister phoned me and said her neighbours are Christians who go to church and say that Jesus heals. Something inside me said that this is the right way. The following week I went to church. After the meeting, Pastor Jagdish Uppal prayed for me. When I looked up I saw Jesus. I have never experienced anything like this before. Pastor Jagdish told me to read Isaiah 53 and gave me some prayers for health and healing. He said, every day when you get up in the morning put your hands up and say ‘Lord Jesus by your stripes I am healed’.

The next day when I woke up I saw Jesus. I felt so blessed. I started reading the Bible and doing the prayers. The pain and weakness began leaving me.

I felt really good. Every morning I would wake up put my hands up and say ‘Lord Jesus by your stripes I am healed’. Two months later, I had another tube fitted in my stomach to have dialysis. I had to be plugged into a dialysis machine every night. My blood pressure also came down. My treatment started to work. The nurse used to visit me at home regularly. I told her that I became a Christian. She asked me If I thought I was going to get better and I said yes. She was not convinced.

The following year, church were doing baptisms. I really wanted to get baptised. I could not get baptised because of the tubes in my stomach. So I was on my knees crying to the Lord saying “Lord I want to get baptised”. The Lord spoke to me and said “You will get baptised as a family”.

Later that year, I was doing my morning prayers and said to the Lord, “Lord you have healed me, I have no use for these machines”. A few hours later, I had a phone call from hospital saying there is a kidney donor. I went and had my kidney transplant. It was a success and I made a fast recovery.

In October me, my husband and son all got baptised! Now the Lord is using me as a vessel to pray for people.

MEENA TELLS HER STORY OF GODS HEALING POWER AS SHE BATTLED WITH KIDNEY FAILURE LEADING TO THE SALVATION OF HER FAMILY.

...I HAD NO HOPE. I REALLY THOUGHT IT WAS THE END FOR ME. I LOOKED AT MY SON AND THOUGHT I’M NOT GOING TO SEE MY SON GROW UP.

BY SONIA LOI


FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FRONTLINE AT: WWW.FRONTLINEGENERATION.CO.UK

WHY THE YOUNG GENERATION?

If I watch the news or read the newspaper, I

see that this generation is so hurting and in

desperate need of a touch from Jesus.

My heart is to mobilise passionate lovers of

Jesus from within this generation. As young

people in this generation encounter Christ,

they themselves can reach out and impact

others in this generation.

CHALLENGES AND HIGHLIGHTS OF WORKING WITH YOUTH?

Boredom and apathy can be a challenge. Many

of our young people get bored at home or in

school and because of it have a stronger pull

towards sin. Young people also can get easily

distracted and sell out to the fickle pleasures

of this world, i.e. wrong relationships, sex,

drugs, etc.

For me seeing the lives of young people

transformed by Jesus is a real highlight and

makes all of the challenges worth it! It is

amazing to see a broken person made whole,

to see the light of Christ break the chains

of depression and self-harm and see young

people find freedom in Jesus.

ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE OUT THERE, WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR TEENAGE YEARS?

You’ve only got one life, make it count! You

can only do this by living passionately for

Jesus. I know this may sound like a cliché, but

it’s true.

You’re never too late to start living this, you’re

only one sorry away from a new day with

Jesus, no matter who you are, what you’ve

done or where you’ve been!

You also need to build a daily time with Jesus,

to pray and read the Bible. Surround yourself

with some good Christian mates who are on

fire for God. Use your teenage years to focus

on Jesus and not get distracted with the

things on this world. Enjoy the journey!

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE CONFERENCE THIS SUMMER?

We have our Frontline Generation conference

this July. We have some phenomenal speakers

and worship from IHOPKC and our very own

Pastor Steve. IHOP are a powerful prayer and

mission’s movement in Kansas City, USA. They

have held non-stop, 24/7 prayer since 1999.

The theme for the event is ‘Forever changed’.

We’re believing this year that people will

be forever changed as they experience life

changing encounters with God.

WHY FRONTLINE?

On a coach back from a youth conference 6

years ago I had a real sense of prompting from

the Holy Spirit, asking ‘What are you going to

do about the young generation in your own

city and region’?

Having met with the youth team thereafter

we decided to launch Frontline Generation.

The vision behind Frontline, was never to be

a passive gathering of young people, but one

that was going to be militant in its love, hope

and stand for Jesus.

PASSION FOR A GENERATIONWE CAUGHT UP WITH PASTOR RICK TO TALK ABOUT ALL THINGS YOUTH AND FRONTLINE!

BY SIMON WILLITS


FRONTLINE GENERATIONMEET SOME OF OUR CUBERS WHO SHARE ABOUT GOD, L IFE AND RANDOM THINGS!

Aaron, 19

Sophie C, 17

Anneka, 13

Sophia U, 14

FAVOURITE BIBLE VERSE?

SARAH: John 3:16, because God sent His son to die for me.

AARON: Psalm 23, It tells me not to worry about anything!

ESTRIANNA: 2 Corinthians 12, my comfort scripture, when times were tough.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE JESUS IN NO MORE THAN 5 WORDS?

WEBSTER: Jesus is the man!

SOPHIA U: He is Love!

ANNEKA: Jesus is perfect.

IF YOU COULD TAKE THREE THINGS TO A DESERTED ISLAND WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

AARON: Chest of goods, Bible, large Beats speaker.

LOIS: Bible, chicken and a friend.

SOPHIE C: Music and phone.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FIRST WORDS TO GOD IF YOU DIED?

WEBSTER: OMG I’m dead!

SOPHIE C: Hey dad! I’m home.

SARAH: Hi!


FRONTLINE GENERATIONMEET SOME OF OUR CUBERS WHO SHARE ABOUT GOD, L IFE AND RANDOM THINGS!

Sophia U, 14

Estrianna,18

Lois,16

Webster, 21

Sarah, 14

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST MEMORABLE FRONTLINE MOMENT?

WEBSTER: 2012 Frontline, first ever Frontline! and it was epic.

SOPHIE C: Last year when I won Stage it!

ANNEKA: In 2013 when we were evangelising in town.

WHAT QUESTION DO YOU WANT TO ASK GOD?

WEBSTER: How old are you God ?

ESTRIANNA: Why can’t I be married in heaven?

SOPHIA U: What is your plan for my future?

WHY CHOOSE PURITY? SOPHIA U: Best way to live

SARAH: God tells you to, and created us to be pure.

ESTRIANNA: My body is a temple and my mind is a sanctuary for God first.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE COME TO FRONTLINE?

WEBSTER: Where else would you be. Frontline is where you wanna be, a place where you can meet weird and wonderful people who are passionate about Christ.

ESTRIANNA: It will change your life!

SOPHIA U: Because you will be Forever Changed!

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For almost 16 years 24/7 prayer has happened at IHOP, dedicated to worshipping Jesus night and day and has grown to over 2,000 members.

Though the prayer meeting is the primary ministry for IHOPKC, they have established different ministries that serve their community. Some of their ministry work involve, the 24/7 WORK JUSTICE programme which includes the Hope City project where they work with gangs, the homeless, drug addicts and the poor to change the city of Kansas. They have also built the International House of Prayer University (IHOPU) and the Forerunner Christian Fellowship church where they continue to develop the city and change people’s lives worldwide for the glory of God.

We managed to catch up with Natalie Spink who had a 6 months internship with IHOPKC and is a part of the family here at All Nations. In her words, IHOPKC is a life changing environment to people’s walk and relationships with God. It’s a place of constant consecration. According to Natalie, at IHOPKC the Bible becomes more than just a concept. IHOPKC reminds you to live out and grow your relationship with God. Natalie gave us five words which summed up her experience for all who might contemplate having an internship at IHOPKC; ENCOURAGING, EXCITING, STEADFAST, EMPOWERING and RADICAL.

“With thousands of life changing testimonies through IHOPKC, there is a particular one which stands out. A young boy was born at 24 weeks. At the age of 6 he started fighting for his life after being diagnosed

with Degenerative Genetic Disorder with no hope of recovery. IHOP children’s ministry started praying for him. Children as young as 3 years of age prayed for weeks for his life. As the family watched their son fade, the power of the children’s prayers became a testimony as he suddenly woke up and asked for food and he still lives to this day.”

IHOPKC is more than a ministry and it’s a privilege to have a part of their leadership join us at our FRONTLINE Conference. Our speakers from IHOPKC include;

COREY RUSSELL served on the leadership team at IHOPKC for the past 11 years and is the director at IHOPU which trains and disciples young preachers and leaders

WES HALL is a part of the IHOPKC leadership team. An ex-solicitor from London, he leads worship and prayer for revival and teaches on the subjects of intimacy with God, prayer and revival.

JAYE THOMAS is a dynamic singer, songwriter and worship leader at IHOPKC. Moving from North Carolina to Kansas City in 2008, Jaye leads a gospel ensemble called ‘The Cry’.

We are expecting God to really speak to the young generation this conference, miracles, anointed worship, life changing teaching from God. LOG ONTO WWW.FRONTLINEGENERATION.CO.UKGRAB A CHAT WITH NATALIE

ABOUT IHOPKC

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PRAYER KANSAS CITY ( IHOPKC) IS A MINISTRY THAT HAS GROWN OVER THE PAST DECADE WITH A REPUTATION OF BEING A 24/7 GLOBAL PRAYER HOUSE.

CLOSER LOOK AT IHOPKC

Hey!

BY TAKUDZWA SHUMBA


WHAT IS GEM ALL ABOUT?

GEM is a Sunday service which is accessible for adults with learning difficulties, using arts, crafts and drama to explain the Bible message.

WHEN IS IT?

Alternate Sundays at 6.30 and every

Thursday from 9am - 2pm.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN

INVOLVED WITH GEM?

I’ve been involved in GEM since the beginning, six and a half years ago. Having worked with people with learning disabilities for a number of years, I had seen how challenging church could be, understanding complex sermons and concentrating for long periods of time. We started a monthly service which has now become fortnightly, as well as a drop-in each Thursday.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT GEM?

What I really love about GEM is that we are a family, doing life together. It’s real, authentic, full of love and full of laughter.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE GEM ACTIVITY?

My favourite GEM activity is doing drama and bringing our Bible studies to life! We always have so much fun!

ANY STORIES YOU WANT TO SHARE?

During GEM Drop-in, my sister rang telling me my nephew had severe neck pain. He couldn’t move it, and he said it was the worst pain he had ever had. I asked everyone at GEM to pray for him. That day, we had been learning about the names of God, and we had learned about Jehovah Rapha; God is our healer. Later that day, we learned my nephew was no longer in pain, could move his neck perfectly, and was happily playing with his little sister! When everyone heard this, the place erupted in praise! My nephew sent a beautiful thank you card to GEM for praying for him, and it’s really increased everyone’s faith.

Greg, Andy and Michael are regular attendees of GEM I asked them what they love about GEM

Greg: I love the whole group, learning more about my Father, getting together for prayer and having tea and coffee together.

Michael: I love everything, enjoy the company its family to me. I especially like reading the Bible, doing drama and learning about Jesus.

Andy: I love singing worship songs, and being in a family environment with my brothers and sisters. I love praying for my friends.

KERRY GENNER FILLS US IN ABOUT WHAT REALLY GOES ON AT GEM!

GOD EXCITES ME

BY CHRISTINE ENDEAN

GEM would love people to get involved by praying or practically helping. Contact Kerry at [email protected]


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Stage 1 Stage 2

BY SIMON WILLITS

BUIL

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CONSTRUCTION IS UNDERWAY!

We are pleased to announce the speedy development of the building project here at All Nations. Not only have the foundations been laid, but work has already begun. The main steel structures are now up and in place. It is exciting to see the vision coming together and the practical development of this long-awaited dream.

It is important to take some time to reflect and be thankful in the midst of this exciting season for all God has done in bringing this vision to pass so far. We also need to thank God in advance for the work that will continue to be done on site and in the lives of those who will go on to use this building in the future.

We are believing that this building will not only provide newer, much needed facilities for us as a church family, but that it will also benefit the wider city as a whole.

This building will play one small part in the bigger work of regeneration taking place across the city of Wolverhampton. Along with the creation of many new buildings, businesses and renovation of older buildings in the city, our facility will create a hub for the community with a 1,000 seater auditorium and a new and improved coffee shop. It will also offer space for events and conferencing that may be a blessing to other ministries and organisations across the UK.

However, aside from all of the many practical benefits of this building, the heartbeat of this whole project is that it brings glory to God.

It is not ultimately to bring glory to any church, organisation or a number of individuals, but to point to the great kindness and goodness of God. As

a church, we are now on the cusp of stepping into some of the God-given promises over this house given to previous generations.

The new facility is a sign in the natural of what the Lord is purposing in the spirit, both at All Nations and across the city.

This new building will be a symbol prophetically of the new opportunities that are ahead of us and new people that will come into the kingdom of God in the coming days. For us here at All Nations, it is both a great privilege and huge responsibility to partner with what God is doing in these days.

There will be a bigger space to accommodate the greater harvest that Pastor Steve and the leadership team have been sensing for a number of years that is ahead of us.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO:

PRAY: - FOR WISDOM, FAVOUR AND SMOOTH OPERATIONS.

- FOR RESOURCES.

GIVE: - WE HAVE AN OFFERING EVERY LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH.

GALATIANS 6:9: LET US NOT BECOME WEARY IN DOING GOOD, FOR AT THE PROPER TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVEST IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP.

CURRENT AMOUNT RAISED:

450,000 6 MONTHS TARGET:

500,000

Stage 3


PARENTS AND TODDLERSWHO IS HEATHER DIARAM? A wife, mother and sister. A child minder part time. Been in the church for 12 years and have been in charge of the Parents and toddlers club for 5 years.

WHY PARENTS AND TODDLERS? I love kids, especially a calling to support family, mums, as bringing up kids can be quite a lonely experience for some, when you are at home alone with the baby or babies. I have been there myself

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN AROUND KIDS? I taught pre-school children and have been doing this for a while now. These days a lot of young families may not have their parents around, they might live away from their families for various reasons. It’s great to be able to step into that gap and be a listening ear and give support.

HOW DID YOU START THE CLUB? It started originally as a mothers with children life group at Pastor Esther’s house. Esther suggested starting a toddler group and asked me to lead it, the rest is history!

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT PARENTS AND TODDLERS CLUB?

That it’s just for kids but it’s not. Parents are just as important. It can be lonely being a parent during the day and what comes to mind is Psalm 68, we see ourselves as a family and part of our vision is to see people come along who might be lonely and be there for them. We offer life, support and prayer for parents where needed.

WHAT DRAWS YOU MOST TO THE KIDS?

The fact that you can learn so much from them; childlike innocence and faith. They have a faith like no other, they believe what they are told. We’ve had mums inviting their not yet Christian friends and they keep coming back and we think wow, they have obviously found something here and that’s what we are praying for; people to come and experience family and God.

LAST WORDS?

We see ourselves as family and are excited about the future. Come be part of it!!

EVER WONDERED WHAT THE PARENT AND TODDLER CLUB IS REALLY ABOUT? APART FROM THE OBVIOUS OF COURSE, IT 'S REALLY SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST K IDS PLAYING!

BY NIFEMI OLUSEGUN


This book is a clear call for a militant church to rise up in these last days, holy and on fire for Jesus and fully

obedient to His call.

Pastor Steve Uppal shares about how biblically we can pursue the vision God has for His church. Get ready to be

inspired and challenged as you read on. Pastor Steve shares on how to build up a stronger ‘inner man’, that is to

say, a vibrant spirit and warrior mentality, crucial for the last days.

If you feel sometimes as though attending church is just a religious activity and bible reading is like doing

homework, then this book will challenge you. Throughout these well-written pages we’re reminded that it is all

about intimacy with Jesus. This book will definitely be a stepping stone into deeper contact with God.

This is book is a clear call to make you ‘wake up’ to the reality of God’s calling. The urgency of the book summons

your attention to God and can really challenge the status quo of Christian living. I would recommend this book to

anyone willing to take the next step of faith.

Get ready to become the warrior you were always made to be!

SPOTLIGHT RATING:

What kind of Christians are we: the photocopy of a copy or the genuine? Over two evenings

and two mornings, Steve unveiled a deep revelation of the words ‘Authentic Christianity’.

Authentic 2014 was the first Church weekend away to rest, play and grow together in Christ.

If you want the Word deep and real, then Authentic 2014 teachings are the best starter to

the course of genuine Christianity. Steve’s sermons focused on Authentic Christianity, God’s

presence, Standing before God and ministering and How the overflow of God in our lives will

bless those around us, which sets us apart in Christianity.

Christianity has put Jesus in a box but Steve has revealed an untamable Jesus who lives in

believers. These teachings will not only influence your daily life but will awaken a desire for

originality and the need for a Christ centred life. They will change our perspective of ministry,

the way we relate to each other and the way we serve. Authentic 2014 gives us two words,

untamable Jesus

SPOTLIGHT RATING:

SPOTLIGHT REVIEWS

ROUSING THE WARRIORS STEVE UPPAL

AUTHENTIC 2014 STEVE UPPAL

BUY A BOXSET

& AUTHENTIC

T-SHIRT FOR

£5

BY YASMIN MORGAN

BY TAKUDZWA SHUMBA

WOW!

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