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Eloho Efemuai is the founder of HeartSong Live and host of the incredible live faith-based experience, Engage.
After missing a few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were more than happy to sit down with Eloho to witness her excitement about "The Re-Emergence", the return of this year's Engage event.
Engage 2023. The Re-Emergence
Having witnessed the divine move of God in previous years, Eloho is confident that attendees will tangibly feel His presence during the event.
We find out why she emphasises that this revival of the Engage Night of Worship is a momentous occasion and why, according to her, "The Re-Emergence" is an event that no one should miss, you included!
What is the significance of the "Re-emergence" theme in the context of Engage 2023, and how does it resonate with current times?
The significance of the re-emergence theme in the context of Engage 2023 is truly powerful and resonates deeply with the current times we are living in.
As a flagship worship experience of Heartsong Ministries, Engage has served as a transformative platform since its inception in 2011. It has brought people together, ignited their spirits through worship and witnessed lives forever changed.
The past couple of years have been challenging for all of us, with the pandemic forcing Engage to be put on hold and preventing the celebration of our 10th anniversary in 2020.
It felt disheartening to see such a vibrant and impactful event seemingly fade into obscurity. However, in the face of adversity, the spirit of Engage never withered away. And now, with its re-emergence, it symbolises the resilience, faith and hope that have carried us through these trying times. Isaiah 61 is our anchor scripture particularly verses 1-7.
The theme of "Re-Emergence" holds a profound significance. Firstly, it serves as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to God for restoring this worship experience.
It acknowledges that despite the challenges we faced, we have experienced a renewed sense of purpose and a deepened connection with the almighty God. By acknowledging and thanking God for this restoration, Engage 2023 sets the tone for a worship experience that is rooted in gratitude and reverence for God.
Secondly, "Re-Emergence" speaks directly to the hearts of those who have faced losses, setbacks and shattered dreams during these uncertain times.
We want to send a resounding message of encouragement and hope, urging attendees to trust in God's power to restore and revive every aspect of their lives. It serves as a beacon of hope, reminding people that even in the midst of darkness, there is a light that can guide them through the storm.
As we gather together to worship, the re-emergence theme sets the stage for a transformative experience. Inviting everyone to bring their brokenness, their lost dreams and their weary hearts, trusting that through worship and faith, restoration can be found.
Engage 2023 serves as a powerful testimony of the resilience of the human spirit, the healing power of worship, and the unwavering faith in God's ability to bring forth new beginnings.
Can you provide insights into the key objectives and goals of Engage 2023 and how they align with the theme of re-emergence?
Engage 2023, with its theme of "Re-Emergence", sets forth a number of key objectives and goals that align beautifully with this uplifting concept.
Restoration
One of the primary goals of Engage 2023 is to bring about a sense of restoration. In the spirit of the re-emergence theme, this worship experience seeks to revive the joy, hope, and faith that may have been diminished during difficult times. It aims to restore the attendees' spirits and encourage them to believe in the power of God's restoration in their lives.
Community Rebuilding
After a period of isolation and social distancing due to the pandemic, Engage 2023 aims to rebuild the sense of community that has always been at the heart of Heartsong Ministries.
This aligns with the re-emergence theme by rekindling the warmth and unity of communal worship, enabling people to once again come together and experience the transformative power of worship as a collective.
Inspirational Worship
Another key objective of Engage 2023 is to inspire through worship. The event aims to deliver a worship experience that not only uplifts but spurs attendees to re-emerge stronger and more resilient in their faith journeys.
This will be done by hosting renowned and upcoming artists who can share messages of hope, strength, and restoration through their music and testimonies.
Personal and Spiritual Growth
Engage 2023 is designed to foster personal and spiritual growth. By aligning with the theme of re-emergence, the event encourages attendees to reflect on their personal journeys of faith, identify areas where they seek restoration, and take steps towards growth and renewal.
Encouragement and Empowerment
Lastly, Engage 2023 aims to be a platform of encouragement and empowerment. In line with the re-emergence theme, the event will serve to remind attendees of their resilience, their capacity to overcome adversity, and their potential for renewal. It aims to empower individuals to trust in God's ability to restore and revive their dreams, hopes, and aspirations.
What are some of the notable speakers or panellists scheduled to participate in the event, and what topics will they be addressing?
We have Philippa Hanna, Allan McKinlay, Samuel Nwachukwu aka CalledOut Music, Sola Okunuga and who are amazing worship leaders with powerful stories of restoration and re-emergence leading us to worship. I'll be there too!
We also have Compassion U.K. sharing their story of how they are releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name and there’s Joy Ogbonna with spoken word.
How has the event adapted to the changing landscape of in-person and virtual gatherings, and what opportunities does this offer attendees?
Engage 2023 has adapted to the changing landscape of in-person and virtual gatherings by embracing a hybrid approach that combines both in-person attendance and live streaming.
For those attending in person, Engage 2023 offers a unique opportunity to gather with other believers, experience the power of communal worship firsthand and engage in personal interactions.
It will provide a sense of connection, shared energy and a heightened spiritual experience that can be deeply impactful.
We are also providing a virtual experience through live streaming, allowing individuals to participate in real time from anywhere in the world.
What types of workshops, sessions, or activities can attendees expect to participate in during Engaged 2023?
The sessions this year will be mostly worship, spoken word, prayers and networking.
In the past, we have hosted a 'meet and greet' and given churches, organisations and charities the opportunity to have a stand.
We have also planned to host workshops before the live worship event for creatives, artists, worship leaders and musicians.
Can you elaborate on any unique features or experiences that attendees can look forward to at the event?
One of the standout features of Engage is its rich history of impacting lives through the power of worship.
Since its inception in 2011, this worship experience has been instrumental in transforming the lives of countless individuals.
Attendees can expect to be immersed in an atmosphere of heartfelt worship, where they can connect with God and experience His presence in a profound way.
Moreover, Engage has a reputation for showcasing both established and up-and-coming artists. This year's lineup includes talented worship leaders who will undoubtedly create a memorable experience for all attendees.
By gathering together in worship, Engage provides a space where everyone can come as they are, seeking solace, inspiration and a fresh encounter with God.
The experience will be an opportunity for attendees to join a community of believers who share a common desire to experience God's transformative power.
Engage offers a unique worship experience that combines powerful music, heartfelt worship, and a message of hope and restoration.
Attendees can look forward to being part of a revival atmosphere, led by talented worship leaders, as they seek to encounter God and be uplifted in their faith.
How does Engage 2023 aim to foster networking and collaboration among attendees and participants?
Engage 2023 aims to foster networking and collaboration among attendees and participants through various interactive activities designed to create connections and facilitate meaningful engagement.
Although there are no dedicated workshop sessions, we have planned several initiatives to encourage networking opportunities.
To kick-start the networking experience, Engage 2023 opens its doors at 5 p.m., allowing attendees to arrive early and mingle.
This will provide a relaxed and informal atmosphere for individuals to connect with one another, share experiences, and build relationships. The early arrival time sets the stage for networking right from the start of the event.
One exciting feature that promotes interaction is the 360 Photo Booth sessions. These sessions provide a fun and creative way for attendees to capture memories together. By participating in the photo booth experience, people can engage in shared activities, strike up conversations, and forge connections with fellow attendees who have similar interests.
Additionally, the meet and greet sessions offer a unique opportunity for attendees to personally connect with the worship leaders and artists who will be performing at Engage 2023.
Are there any specific industries or sectors that the event will focus on, and how can individuals from diverse backgrounds benefit from attending?
Engage 2023 does not specifically focus on any particular industry or sector. Instead, the event provides a platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together and experience the transformative power of worship.
While there may not be a specific industry or sector focus, attendees from all walks of life can benefit from attending in various ways.
Firstly, Engage 2023 offers a space for individuals to connect with God on a deeper level through worship.
Regardless of one's background, profession, or interests, the event creates an inclusive environment where everyone can come as they are and experience a meaningful encounter with God.
The worship experience at Engage transcends boundaries and offers spiritual nourishment and inspiration to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Additionally, through its partnership with Compassion UK, Engage 2023 provides an opportunity to showcase the important work being done to release children from poverty in Jesus' name.
Attendees will have the chance to learn more about the mission and impact of Compassion UK and how they can potentially get involved or support such initiatives.
This aspect of the event highlights the importance of social responsibility and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together to address global issues and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Moreover, attending Engage 2023 allows individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect and network with like-minded individuals who share a common passion for worship, faith and making a difference in the world.
Interacting with fellow attendees allows participants to broaden their perspectives, gain insights from different experiences, and potentially form valuable connections and collaborations.
In what ways does Engage 2023 contribute to personal and professional growth, especially in light of the challenges faced during recent times?
Engage 2023, with its theme of "Re-Emergence", offers a unique platform that contributes to both personal and professional growth.
The impact of the event goes beyond the spiritual realm, extending into various aspects of life. Here's how:
1. Personal Growth
Emotional Resilience: Engage 2023, through its theme of re-emergence, fosters emotional resilience. It encourages attendees to face adversity with faith and hope, thereby enhancing their ability to cope with future challenges.
Self-Reflection: The event creates an environment conducive to self-reflection. It prompts attendees to introspect on their personal journeys, identify areas for growth, and take steps towards positive change.
Community Support: Engage 2023 re-establishes the sense of community that might have been lost during the pandemic. Being part of a supportive community can significantly contribute to personal growth, as it provides a network of support, encouragement, and shared experiences.
2. Professional Growth
Leadership Skills: The theme of re-emergence is closely tied to the qualities of leadership, such as resilience, vision and the ability to inspire others. Engage 2023 can help attendees develop these qualities, thereby enhancing their leadership skills in a professional setting.
Networking Opportunities: Engage 2023, as a congregational event, offers numerous opportunities for networking. The event attracts a diverse group of attendees, which can lead to meaningful connections and potential professional opportunities.
Work-Life Balance: In the face of recent challenges, maintaining a healthy work-life balance has become increasingly crucial. Engage 2023 encourages attendees to prioritise their mental and spiritual health, which can lead to increased productivity and improved professional performance.
How can individuals register for Engaged 2023, and are there any early bird offers or special discounts available?
To register for Engage 2023, individuals can visit the official website at https://engageworship.net.
The registration process is straightforward and can be completed online. It's important to note that Engage 2023 is a free worship event and attendees are not required to pay a registration fee.
While the event is free, we welcome nominal donations from attendees. These donations contribute to the costs associated with organising and hosting Engage, ensuring the event's success and continued impact.
The support received through donations helps sustain the event and allows for future editions of Engage to take place.
In addition to nominal donations, we are seeking regular partners and donors. Engage is a significant undertaking that requires financial resources, and regular partners and donors play a crucial role in supporting the event's sustainability and growth.
By becoming a regular partner or donor, individuals can contribute to the long-term success of Engage and help ensure its continuity for years to come.
While there may not be specific early bird offers or special discounts mentioned, the opportunity to attend Engage 2023 free of charge provides an accessible and inclusive experience for all who wish to participate.
The event focuses on providing a transformative worship encounter rather than implementing cost-based promotions.
Can you share success stories or testimonials from previous attendees of Engaged events to highlight the impact of these gatherings?
Absolutely! These are just some of the feedback we received from our previous events!
Eloho!!! I have news!!! My wonderful husband gave his heart to Jesus today at Church!!! To say I am happy is an understatement! I am overjoyed!!! Thank you for playing a part in his journey, as he was so touched by Engage! All my love" - Diane
"My phone hasn't stopped since... people telling me how amazing it was... people crying in the presence of God. People feeling empowered... leaving 'buzzing'... Wow... glory to God."
"As a pastor, I know what it takes to put on events such as these. Last night was truly amazing and a blessing. Well done to all of you.” - KM
“Engage is the only place I’ve ever truly felt welcome” - SW
“My daughter says she’s a friend of God” - DW
What role does the event play in addressing societal or global issues, and how can attendees contribute to positive change?
While our primary focus for the event is personal and spiritual growth, it can also serve as a catalyst for broader impact.
Engage 2023 has the potential to inspire attendees to be agents of change in their spheres of influence.
By witnessing the restoration and transformation within the event, individuals may be motivated to bring that same spirit of renewal to their workplaces, schools, families, and social circles.
They can lead by example, inspiring others to embrace positive change and contribute to a better society.
If you'd like to attend this incredible event, then The Re-emergence: Engage 2023 takes place on Saturday 23rd September 2023 (doors open from 17:00) at Central Hall, 2 West Tollcross, Edinburgh, EH3 9BP
Tickets for the events are available from their Eventbrite page (linked here) and whilst the tickets are free, donations are gratefully accepted.
If this event has given you value and inspired you to attend, please consider buying me a virtual coffee by clicking the button below. Onwards and cupwards.
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