Diversity of nations united at Norwich church
 National dishes from at least 16 nations were among the highlights of an international party at a vibrant church on the western fringes of Norwich. It was a sell-out event at Eternity Christian Centre (ECC), on Earlham Green Lane, a contemporary church that now attracts members from 23 nations.
Guests at the joyous Saturday (May 28) party were each given a food ‘passport’ which could be stamped at each menu ‘destination’ – though few people could manage more than four main meals from Asian, European, African and Pacific regions!
The party included performances by people from 12 nations ranging from India to Congo and from Zimbabwe to Hungary, judged by an X-factor-style panel. But the Nigerians swept the board, winning in all categories, including national displays, music and dance events, all in national costume, and an international fashion show.
 “I’m incredibly proud of our church – we never envisaged anything so exciting,” said Senior Pastor Paddy Venner, who described the international party as “a celebration of unity in diversity”.
Paddy himself made the national dish of South Africa, called bobotie (pronounced bar-boor-tea) – a mixture of curried meat and dried fruit with a creamy, golden topping.
India-born Mrs Flora Nundy and her team spent six weeks organising the party which was successful that many said was “absolutely awsome . . . we didn’t want it to end.”
Nigerian accountant Gideon Etireri brought a keynote address on honouring people from all nations and the event was compered by Indian IT manager Davidson Devadoss. "We have a wonderful church," he declared.
After the Saturday party, 12 people were baptised on the following Sunday – the church is expanding so much that they plan to move to multiple services in September.
Cindy Jacobs, who has an international prophetic ministry, said in a public meeting in Norwich recently that she had the impression that ECC would be given a much larger property for its expanding ministry.
 Pastors Paddy and Jennike Venner has been at the church since July 2004, having previously led two churches in Cape Town, South Africa. “After a clear call from God, we sold up everything and moved to UK,” he said.
Eternity’s weekly programme also includes a course called ‘Engage’ for those who want to discover more about the Christian faith.
Pictured from the top are Nigerian ladies in national costume, Luke Nundy (5) does an Indian dance and pastors Paddy and Jennike Venner in South African costume. | 