Helen Yousaf – Senior Pastor
I have been married to Shak for 30 years and have two beautiful daughters, Abbie (22) and Libby (19). Shaks and I have been part of Romford Elim Church for 27 Years and I am now one of the Pastors, learning to serve in a new way. I have travelled as an Itinerant Minister for 20 years and was ordained by Elim 10 years ago. Shak is one of the leaders in the PA team and is my support and strength in ministry and life.
My heart for Romford Elim is that we manifest Christ in all areas of our lives. I sense this time is about affording space, time and creativity to the leading of the Holy Spirit for His glory; confident that His leading will enable us to fulfill our part in Gods plan to populate heaven and release His Kingdom on Earth.
"Not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit' says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 4:6).
Michael Gana – Associate Pastor
Tell us about yourself
I was born in 1978 in Northern Nigeria. My Mum ran a local Sunday School in her home every Sunday morning. At the age of eight, I was introduced to Jesus through my Mum, and was baptised when I was nine years old. At the age of 12 I had a powerful encounter with Jesus Christ, and it was at this time that I knew I would be called to Christian ministry.
My family moved to the UK in 1994, and in 2000 with the support of my local church at the time – Southport Elim Church (now known as Lakeside Christian Centre) – I confirmed my call to Christian ministry and enrolled at the Elim Bible College. It was at the Elim Bible College where I met Ellie, whom I would later marry. We now have four children together, Joshua, Zoe, Zara and Reuben.
How did you end up in your current role at the church?
I graduated from the Bible College in 2003, and was posted to the Romford Elim Church as the Youth and Children’s worker. In 2012 I was appointed as Pastoral Assistant and was ordained as a Minister in June 2016.
What do you love doing in your spare time?
I spend my free time playing the guitar, reading and engaging in any and all conversations about Jesus whenever I can.
What is your favourite song, bible verse or quote?
My favourite Bible verse is Joshua 1:8, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
This verse was prophetically spoken over me as confirmation of my call to ministry, and was instrumental in my decision to apply to the Elim Bible College. It is also the reason we called my first born son "Joshua".
Elders
Christine Dykes
Chima Obichukwu
Godfrey Yamoah