Moses Ali

It was the middle of 2019, and after spending the entire day at the university conducting research, I finally returned home. Following dinner, I performed my evening prayers and proceeded to bed. During my slumber, I experienced a peculiar dream. I found myself in a room filled with unfamiliar individuals. At the front, there stood elders who were calling out each person’s name, and upon hearing their name, the others would clap in response. Strangely enough, my name was also called, and I stood up to be a part of this clapping ritual. However, one elder approached me from the front, holding a clock in his hands, and placed it over my head. He declared, “This child is anointed.” The room burst into applause, and I sat back down. The next day, upon awakening, I found myself contemplating the unusual dream I had the previous night. I was overcome with curiosity and immediately turned to my bible in search of answers.

Several months later, I found myself unexpectedly traveling from Derby to Leicester, an unfamiliar city for me. The process of moving was both hectic and emotionally charged. Upon my arrival, I decided to take a stroll and explore this enchanting city. As I reached the town centre, I beheld an iconic tower situated at its heart, serving as a nexus that connected all the roads. It was then that I realized the significance of what I had witnessed months earlier—a premonition of sorts. The only other clock tower I was familiar with existed in London.

Leicester, an ancient city in England, has a rich history spanning over two millennia. Situated on the banks of the River Soar, near the eastern edge of the National Forest, the city is located northeast of Birmingham and Coventry, south of Nottingham, and west of Peterborough. Despite its long historical significance, Leicester bears a particular distinction with its association to King Richard III.

King Richard III, the last monarch of the Plantagenet dynasty, met his demise on 22nd August 1485 during the Battle of Bosworth Field, which marked the final major clash of the Wars of the Roses. Following his death, Richard III’s body was laid to rest in a rudimentary grave within Leicester’s Greyfriars Friary. In August 2012, an exploration for Richard’s remains was instigated by the ‘Looking for Richard’ initiative, backed by the Richard III Society. The excavation efforts were led by the University of Leicester Archaeological Services in collaboration with Leicester City Council. In September of the same year, the skeletal remains of a male in his thirties, displaying evidence of significant injuries, were unearthed. Through DNA analysis and examination of the spine, it was concluded beyond doubt that the discovered skeleton belonged to Richard III. In 2015, Richard III was given a respectful reinterment at Leicester Cathedral. The tomb, positioned near the high altar, is adorned with a black Kilkenny marble plinth, bearing Richard’s name, coat of arms, dates of his birth and death (1452-1485), as well as his motto, “Loyaulte me lie“, signifying “loyalty binds me“.

During the period of lockdown, many residents of Leicester, myself included, found solace and enjoyment in partaking in walks and exercise within the confines of various parks. Leicester boasts a remarkable array of such green spaces, including the renowned Abbey Park, Botanic Gardens, Castle Gardens, Grand Union Canal, Knighton Park, Nelson Mandela Park, River Soar, Victoria Park, and Watermead Country Park. Personally, I derived great pleasure from strolling through Victoria Park during my prayer-walks, as it evoked fond memories of my previous residence in London.

There are numerous remarkable aspects about Leicester. However, the one that truly captivates me is the city’s vibrant diversity – its ultimate strength. I hold a deep appreciation for individuals from varying faith and racial backgrounds. As a fervent ambassador and servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, I firmly believe and fervently pray, drawing confidence from the assurance granted in Philippians chapter 2 verses 10 to 11. They remind us that God has bestowed upon us a profound opportunity to connect with people and offer our assistance.

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:10-11

In terms of ethnic composition, the White population accounts for 50.6% of the total, while the Asian population makes up 37.1%, with 28.3% being Indian, 2.4% Pakistani, 1.1% Bangladeshi, 1.3% Chinese, and 4.0% belonging to other Asian backgrounds. The mixed race community represents 3.5% of the population, whereas the Black community comprises 6.3%, consisting of 3.8% African, 1.5% Caribbean, and 1.0% from other Black backgrounds. Additionally, 1.0% of the population identifies as Arab, and 1.6% is of other ethnic heritage. The city is linguistically diverse, with approximately 70 languages and/or dialects spoken. Alongside English and the main Western and Central European languages, a few ethnic languages are occasionally heard, such as Gujarati, which is spoken by 16% of the city’s residents, Punjabi (3%), Somali (4%), and Urdu (2%). Other smaller language groups include Hindi and Bengali.

Concluding this blog post, I would like to share a quote by Dwight L. Moody before I offer a prayer: “When a man is filled with the Word of God, you cannot keep him still. If a man has the Word, he must speak or die.“

I firmly believe that if it is God’s will for me to be in Leicester, then I am on His assignment. I pray that I make the most of this opportunity before moving on to my next assignment. Fred Drummond, the director of Evangelical Alliance Scotland, has composed the following prayer for the church:

Lord, we look back to last year.
Thank you for every sign of your grace.
For every life transformed.
For every broken life healed.
Every lost person found.
Every one far off brought near.
Every sinner saved.

Lord it is all about you
Your grace,

Lord, this year we pray for:
greater love for the lost,

Help your Church rise up to seize the day
believing that there are no ​“no-go” areas for you Lord.
No people that cannot be reached.
No chains that cannot be broken.

So Lord, send us into this year
longing for your presence and for your glory to fall anew.
Igniting us with an unquenchable flame.
Bringing light, hope and love wherever you send us.

In Jesus’ name
Amen