As an antidote to Halloween, Churches Together in Medway (CTIM) organise an annual celebration in Rochester Cathedral on the original theme of the day – the eve of All Saints Day (writes Nigel Day). Whilst the secular world is now overtaken by commercialism and manipulation on this day, Christians are called to unite against the forces of evil.

More than 400 people gathered at the Cathedral to join in singing praises to God led by Ruth Shopland and a composite band of musicians and singers after an introduction from the Chairman of CTIM, Revd. Peter Friday.

The guest speaker was Revd. David Tidy, Co-ordinator of Prayer Warriors International, who spoke on theme of “Power over evil”. He gave examples from Matthew, Mark and Luke to show how Jesus gave his disciples authority over unclean spirits, to deal with the evil powers in this world. David explained how the power is within each Christian, through the Holy Spirit and that it is a dynamic, spiritual power that needs to manifest itself in us through our living, loving relationship with God. These signs of power include healing and defeating demonic spirits which is so needed in today s society where many people seek guidance from the evil spiritual world instead of through Jesus.

We were challenged to raise up the name of Jesus to show the power he has given us and be united as Christians around and in the Holy Spirit to overcome evil that is prevalent in a world that is getting darker.

A time of prayer followed as the congregation moved to different areas of the Cathedral to gather at prayer stations relevant to aspects of ministry within Medway. These were: Street Pastors, Medway Foodbank, Youth for Christ, Medway More than Gold and Medway Family Trust.

We left the Cathedral to the wonderful words of the song: “Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord”.