Contributors

Jackie has been working with the poor in Hong Kong for over 50 years and has seen remarkable results as lives are changed, healed and restored through finding relationship with Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Most of her work is with drug addicts, prostitutes, the homeless, young people and street children. She speaks worldwide on the plight of the poor of the earth.

RT Kendall is a renowned christian writer, speaker, and teacher who was pastor at Westminster Chapel for 25 years. He is author of more than 50 books, including Total Forgiveness. Kendall was part of the Word, Spirit, Power team, a non-denominational charismatic ministry

‘We need to rediscover the power that was manifested in the Book of Acts, there needs to be a demonstration of signs, wonders and miracles; we need to see the gifts of the Spirit operating in the church – that the world will once again take notice of the church so that people are left without excuse.’

We believe that the need of the hour is not one or the other – but both! It is our view that this simultaneous combination will result in spontaneous combustion! And then, but almost certainly only then, will the world be shaken once again by the message of the church’

– Dr. R.T. Kendall

Agu Irukwu is a law graduate of the University of Warwick, UK.  A former investment banker and partner in a law firm; he is now the Senior Pastor of Jesus house for all nations London.

He is the founder of the Mandate Men’s Ministries, a ministry which seeks to empower, equip, encourage and raise Godly men.

He is also a key member of the One People Commission of the Evangelical Alliance. A body set up to integrate ethnic minority churches more fully into the Evangelical Alliance.

He was one of the Presidents of Churches Together in England (CTE) representing the Pentecostal churches in England. He serves with the 5 other presidents including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby & Cardinal Nichols The Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church.  

He was voted Britain’s most inspirational black person in a poll conducted by the mayor of London’s office and the London Metro in 2012.

He co-founded a children’s charity with his wife, Sola, called Bright Futures for African Children. A charity which seeks to break the cycle  of poverty by providing educational facilities and resources to children in poverty-stricken communities in Africa.

Pastors Agu and Sola Irukwu have three children and they live in Eastcote, Middlesex, United Kingdom.

Jon and Chantel were married in the UK in 2006 and shortly afterwards moved to Cape Town, South Africa. They spent 6 years in Cape Town, serving in Hillsong South Africa under the leadership of Pastors Phil and Lucinda Dooley. In 2011 they were blessed with their first child Miracle Joy and in 2014, their second, Justice Murray. Jon and Chantel launched SOUL Church in July 2014 in Norwich, UK. In 2024, they opened the doors of their church’s new building – a seven-year miracle project. 

Jonathan Tremaine Thomas was raised in the southern foothills of western North Carolina as a fifth generation “preacher’s kid”. After earning a B.S. Communications at East Carolina University and pursuing an M.A. in Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary; Jonathan was commissioned by Bethel World Out- reach Center as a missionary and youth minister to the most violent neighborhoods in America. With a passion for the next generation, he has pastored youth and young adults in various contexts since 2003.

As a movement mobilizer, Jonathan has spearheaded extensive strategic prayer and missions initiatives including Azusa Now LA, Awaken The Dawn, OneRace Stone Mountain, The Send, and Pray On MLK. Today, he pioneers prayer fueled holy activism, reconciliation, and community transformation initiatives in cities around the world as the President of Civil Righteousness, Inc. Recently completing his assignment as the Justice and Mercy Fellow at Bridgetown Church, he currently serves on the Board of 24-7 Prayer USA, and as Senior Advisor to New Room with the Seedbed movement.

He currently splits time between Ferguson, Missouri and Portland, Oregon with his wife Mollie and their daughter.

Pete is one of the founding convenors of the Wildfires Festival. KXC is an Anglican church in the heart of central London serving God’s purposes to make all things new. Along with his wife, Bee, Pete Hughes planted the church in 2010, establishing a community with the simple vision to recklessly give themselves away to God, each other, and the people of King’s Cross and beyond. Pete is a highly-regarded figure in the UK church, who has written a book on joining God’s story of recreation, called ‘All Things New’.

As one of the founding convenors of the Wildfires Festival, a powerhouse of creativity, leadership and teaching, Rachel is the Lead Pastor of Gas Street Church with her husband, Tim. She is passionate about communicating the liberating power of God’s truth and seeing His Kingdom come in Birmingham. Rachel has a background in television and media, and worked for the BBC in London before joining the staff at Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) where she led the Creativity & Arts Department while also raising four young children. More recently, Rachel has pioneered a national ministry to empower women called ‘The Orchard’.

As one of the founding convenors of the Wildfires Festival, Ness is a true champion of women in leadership and is the Team Leader of Open Heaven, a church in Loughborough which was planted with friends in 1993 when they graduated from university together. Open Heaven is now one church with multiple expressions and has sent out a number of church plants. Ness is the Pioneer UK Leader and relentlessly empowers and raises up other female leaders. She is married to Rich who heads up Fusion, the national student movement.

As one of the founding convenors of the Wildfires Festival, Ken is primarily passionate about Jesus and about people, particularly the emerging generation entering the workplace.

With over 40 years’ experience in investment banking, he now runs his own consulting firm. In 2016, he was nominated as one of the top 5 deal advisors of the last 20 years in Europe. Ken has written four books, God at Work, Know Your Why, Strange Kingdom, and Joseph of Arimathea. He is chairman of the boards of Worship Central, the Lambeth Trust, and the Reconciling Leaders Network, and is regulalry asked to speak and preach across the country.

Pete Greig is the increasingly bewildered founder of the 24-7 Prayer movement, Senior Pastor of Emmaus Rd, and a leader at Waverley Abbey. He is an Ambassador for Tearfund, a member of The Order of the Mustard Seed, and a co-host for the Lectio 365 daily devotional. Pete’s latest book is How to Hear God: A Simple Guide for Normal People.  

Todd is the Co-Founder of Telos, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit dedicated to the formation of communities of American peacemakers across lines of difference to bring healing to conflict at home and abroad. Telos’ primary area of focus has been on America’s relationship to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  In more recent years, they’ve developed programming aimed at addressing issues of racial injustice in the U.S. and examining lessons from the Good Friday Peace Agreement in Northern Ireland.  Prior to Telos, Todd previously served at the U.S. State Department and spent a decade working on Capitol Hill.

Todd’s passion is for helping Christians embrace Jesus’ call to be peacemakers as central to their discipleship journeys. He is a native of the American South and graduate of the University of Arkansas, and began his career as an educator. He and his wife Judi have four adult children, two daughters-in-law, one very British son-in-law, and a new grandson. He lives in Annandale, Virginia.

Nick and Becky Drake are the founders of Worship for Everyone, a movement that seeks to unite all ages in worship. They are both on staff at Gas St Church in Birmingham, and they have 4 children, who joined them throughout lockdown in a weekly Facebook live show, ‘Family at 4’, which reached tens of thousands of households. They continue to write and release music and have recently published two books: Why Worship? and Worship for Everyone. 

As one of the founding convenors of the Wildfires Festival, Tim is best known as the worship leader and songwriter behind songs such as ‘Here I Am To Worship’, ‘Happy Day’ and ‘The Way’. He has a desire to see people encounter God and be fully equipped as worship leaders, so that the local church can be empowered. As a result of this, he pioneered Worship Central – an international movement of worship leaders and musicians. Tim is also the Lead Pastor of Gas Street Church alongside his wife, Rachel, and they have four children.

Sammy Greig serves alongside Pete as Senior Pastor of Emmaus Rd, parent to two adult sons and owner of Crumble the dog. Having lived for many years with her own chronic illness, she now runs her own private counselling practice helping clients process past trauma. Pete and Sammy split their time between a barge on the River Wey and a cliff-top retreat on the Isle of Wight where they host and mentor leaders from around the world.

The driving prophetic force behind King’s Cross Church, Bee Hughes, along with her husband Pete, leads KXC in the heart of central London – a community pursuing God’s redemptive purposes for the city with courage, compassion and creativity. She is a strong advocate for raising up women into leadership, and for fuelling faith in families and children. Bee is one of the founding convenors of the Wildfires Festival.

Natalie grew up in Tottenham, London, before arriving to Guildford in 2015 shortly after getting married and works at Emmaus Rd (Surrey & Hampshire) as the Prayer Co-ordinator. Natalie loves beautiful stationery, her Ghanaian heritage, different expressions of Christian Music and creating spaces for people to encounter Jesus. She’s passionate about Church unity, and the need for deep healing and racial reconciliation in the UK Church. Therefore, she is on the Unique & United UK Team who help UK based Christians think about how they can embody Revelation 7:9-10 & Acts 2:1-12.

Jonny & Amy have been leading Trinity Church Nottingham since 2016. Before moving to Nottingham they had spent the bulk of the previous decade working in churches in London and Southern California, where their eldest daughter Gracie was born. Since then, Gracie has been joined by Joseph, Eden and Anna, and Willow the Labrador. More recently, Amy alongside her sister Rachel, has pioneered a national ministry to empower women called ‘The Orchard’. 

Believing everything we do should be woven in worship, Gas Street Music is a worship community based at Gas Street Church in Birmingham, with the shared focus to wholeheartedly lead people into an encounter with Jesus.

An ASCAP award winning UK-based songwriter, speaker and worship leader, Nick has worked for several large churches in central London as a worship pastor whilst developing his gifts in songwriting. As Prayer Pastor at Gas Street Church, he helps host Kingdom Come events that have an emphasis on Spirit-led prophetic worship, and is also the songwriting developer for Gas Street Music. Nick regularly runs Capitol Publishing song camps for the next generation and travels to the US to write. His passion for co-writing and encouraging artists has led him to write with many different people, bringing a unique, fun energy to the room!

Rich has championed the central role of local churches in student mission for over 25 years, inviting a generation to ‘a call less ordinary’. He leads Fusion, which is a movement passionate about student mission, seeking to equip students, serve churches and develop student workers all across the world. Rich is married to Ness, Team Leader of Open Heaven and Pioneer UK Leader.

Luke leads the Fusion team in England & Wales. He has worked with students in church for 25 years. Luke is married to Hannah who leads their church  G2 in York, where they live with their two lads. 

Pippa is Head of Partnerships for Fusion England & Wales. She loves challenging churches to work with students and equipping them to pioneer new mission opportunities to reach students. She lives in York where she lives with her husband Al and their two daughters.   

Becky is Head of Church Partnerships for Tearfund, she speaks at churches and conferences around the UK about how the global church is bringing justice and transforming lives. She travels internationally to understand the impact of churches upon their communities and she is studying an MA in Kingdom Theology at Westminster Theological college.

Rose Nannies are a specialist event-nannying agency working across London and the South East. They attend all kinds of events, providing age tailored creche set-ups and excellent quality childcare for little ones under their care. Their team are all DBS checked, first aid trained, experienced and super friendly!

They are beyond excited to be hosting the 0-2s space at Wildfires 2023. They’ll be bringing along their creche, and will be crafting, singing, playing, laughing, and even baby-bathing (!) throughout the festival. They can’t wait to meet you and your little ones soon’

Sam grew up in Scotland and moved to Guildford in 2017 during his gap year. Since then he has worked as one of the Children Pastor at Emmaus Road. He is passionate about creating safe spaces where children can be themselves, have fun, and encounter God. Sam is one of the leaders hosting Blaze, the 5-7’s children’s venue at Wildfires.

Claire lives in Guildford, where she works as a Kid’s Pastor at Emmaus Rd. She is passionate about kids feeling welcome and wants each child to know that they belong in God’s family. She is so excited to be one of the Blaze leaders again this year and can’t wait to see kids continue their journey with Jesus.

Rachel loves helping children encounter God’s love and experience His presence in their daily lives. She lives in Aldershot and has been part of Emmaus Rd since 2013 and as one of their Kids Pastors since September 2022. She is super excited about being one of the leaders to head up Blaze, the 5-7s venue at Wildfires, again this year and cannot wait to help the kids make friends, have fun and get to know more about Jesus!

Marisan is proudly serving as the Kids Pastor at Emmaus Rd in Woking. Originating from South Africa, Marisan and her family relocated to the UK eight years ago. Her commitment lies in creating a welcoming and inclusive space for families within the church community, serving with a passion for nurturing the growth of children and families. She’s on a purposeful quest to amplify joy, spiritual growth, and connection within Emmaus Rd’s thriving kids church! Beyond her pastoral duties, she’s a part-time strategy consultant, and takes pleasure in engaging with art, literature, the occasional half marathons, and embarking on enriching adventures with her family.

Hello! I’m Charlotte, currently a degree student and a children and families intern at Yeovil Community Church! When I’m not writing theological essays or having the privilege to co-lead children’s groups, you will probably find me on a walk accompanied by my dog, a camera and friends! I am passionate for children to feel known, vauled and safe whilst encountering God in beautiful ways. I believe that God uses even the littlest in mighty ways which I can’t wait to see this summer!

Jo is the Kids Champion for Kerith Community church where she inspires and supports the kids coordinators alongside children and families across all the Kerith sites to become passionate followers of Jesus. She is married to Steve and they have three children, Tom, JJ and Sam. Jo has been involved in children’s and family ministry for over 20 years creating programmes, running schools teams and leading kids and holiday clubs for churches and a large annual Christian festival. Alongside her current work, Jo is also a freelance children’s curriculum writer and co-author of The Lightbringers as well as the safeguarding trustee for The Resources Cupboard.

Sarah is the founder of Adventures with Jesus and is passionate about children knowing Jesus for themselves. She has a heart for children to meet with the Godhead in exciting, fun and meaningful ways through open-ended play, imagination and creativity, harnessing children’s natural awe and wonder. She has over 20 years of experience working in churches, schools and camps, training and equipping children and their grown ups to encounter the Lord. She lives in Manchester and is married with three children and loves running, gardening and baking brownie

Josh is Youth Director for 24-7 Prayer and Wildfires Festival. Josh travelled the world for over a decade performing and preaching the gospel in various bands. Now, with a burning heart for revival, he continues to fire up young people to be all-in for Jesus. Josh was captivated by the Vision Poem and Red Moon Rising in his journey to joining 24-7 Prayer. He lives in Manchester with his wife and three kids and attends Ramp Church. He loves good food, proper coffee, and Manchester City.

Macy is prayer co-ordinator for the Message Trust. She is passionate about seeing people catch Gods heart for prayer and intercession, and has a heart for young people to step into this calling of living a life of prayer. She also works in schools across the UK teaching PSHE with a Christian ethos, equipping young people to handle some of the big and taboo topics in life. She is from Manchester and attends Ramp Church.

Aaron is based in Wolverhampton, and is married to Desarie. Aaron is the Head of Mission at Fusion Movement and is passionate about catalysing the local Church to be at the forefront of student mission and to see a generation find hope in Jesus.

Joel is head of youth and evening service pastor at EmmausRd Guildford. Joel has been working with young people for over a decade and has a degree in youth work and theology. He is passionate about discipleship, worship and helping young people encounter God and discover who they are!

Tanya is the Emerging Generations Pastor at Trinity Church Nottingham. Over the last two years, Tanya has poured her heart into seeing revival among the youth and is passionate about seeing young people come alive through encounters with Jesus. As such, she has set up ministries such as Fuel, a Nottingham-wide youth event. Tanya is also part of the Orchard team and is excited about pioneering a new youth stream this coming October. 

Ruth leads the Youth Ministry at Kerith Community Church. She is a passionate lover of Jesus leading a team of Youth Volunteers to build a community of young people who encounter Jesus and grow to become like him.
Ruth has been working with kids and young people for almost two decades. She lives in Langley with her husband Isaiah and two daughters.

Dan is married to Marina and father to Grace. He is the Co-Team Leader for Nxt Move Europe, one the Senior Leaders Leader at Life Church Lancashire and one of the directors of The Way. He is passionate about seeing unity across the Church and a generation of leaders unite around the mission of Jesus. He also loves; music, Burnley FC and coffee.

Jim Laffoon serves on the Oversight Team of Every Nation Churches worldwide. He is also the International Director of the EN Schools of Empowerment, which include the School of Empowerment, the School of Intercession, the School of Prophecy, and the School of Healing the Human Soul.   

Jim lives with his wife Cathy in Franklin, Tennessee; they have 6 children and 8 grandchildren.

After leading a new monastic community in Canada for 17 years, Jill and her husband Kirk moved to the UK. Jill brings leadership to the Order of the Mustard Seed and serves in the leadership teams of 24-7 Prayer and Emmaus Rd Church. A Spiritual director, and author, Jill’s first book, ‘Even the Sparrow’ is available now.

Lauren Windle is a journalist, presenter, public speaker and author of two books: Notes on Feminism: Being a woman in a Church led by men and Notes on Love: Being single and dating in a marriage obsessed Church. She is published in Vogue, Marie Claire, Church Times, Premier Christianity and others. Lauren has been clean and sober from drug and alcohol addiction for ten incredible years, thanks to Jesus.

Katharine Hill is a Director of Care for the Family, a national charity which aims to strengthen family life and help those who face family difficulties. Katharine speaks and writes widely on family issues. As an established speaker and broadcaster, she has addressed thousands of people both across the UK and internationally on marriage and parenting issues. She is the author of several books, including the popular Left to their own Devices? and A Mind of Their Own. She is married to Richard and they have four children and seven grandchildren.

Leah Chilengwe is a speaker, teacher, mentor, mother of two, wife, and entrepreneur. With years of corporate experience speaking both to businesses and individuals, Leah’s passion is to see people embracing their core identity so they can live authentic lives; especially in this current tumultuous climate. Leah is also the author of her two books: All Grown Up and Lids.

Zoe Clark-Coates MBE and Andy Clark-Coates are the founders and CEO’s of the global support charity, the Mariposa Trust (widely known by the name of its primary support division ‘Saying Goodbye’.)

Following over a decade leading a global PR & Marketing company, they established the charity following their own personal experince of loss. Utilising Zoe’s training as a counsellor, combined with their business expertise, they have developd the charity into a global support provider, with over 50,000 people each week accessing support. Zoe is also a multi-best selling author on loss and grief, hosts her own TV show ‘Soul Tears’, and is a trusted government advisor. Zoe chaired and authored the ‘Pregnancy Loss Review’ for the Prime Minister from 2018-2023, which was laid in parliament in July 2023, and which will transform clinical care and support for generations to come. Zoe and Andy are passionate about journeying with people through their grief, and inspiring hope.

Andy Flannagan is a Exeter-based, Irish singer-songwriter. His album “Drowning in the Shallow” was described as a “near-perfect album” by Cross Rhythms magazine, but he is still disappointingly imperfect – www.andyflan.com. A key driving passion of Andy’s is to see a just re-wiring of the global economic system. He is also Executive Director of www.christiansinpolitics.org.uk taking the message of positive political engagement to the church. 

Carla leads on the work and growth of 24-7 Prayer’s products and resources. She is also part of the Lectio 365 team, helping tens of thousands of people to pray and meditate on the Bible every day. Her life was hijacked by God in 1999 during a two hour stint in the first ever 24-7 Prayer Room. 

Carla loves prayer and worship, friends and food, a well told story and a challenge to get her teeth into. In her spare time, Carla is an active member of Revelation Family Church, a 24-7 Prayer Community. She lives in Chichester, UK with her husband Steve and their children Jackson and Eloise.