Just this year stunning Helen Lawal was crowned Miss York beauty queen and then found herself being threatened because she was black. Even darling of sport, Lewis Hamilton was the victim of racism at this year's Spanish Grand Prix. It is a problem which reaches into every area of society.

Even churches can still be found to be mostly black or mostly white. But it is a fact that is changing quickly and the Jesus Army wants to help lead the way.

"There are more than 40 nationalities represented in our London church" reports Jesus Army leader Tim Skene. "The result is a colourful, lively, imaginative church. Each new national ingredient has added to the flavour."

Elsewhere around the country, Jesus Army churches have large numbers of other nationalities in their membership.

"We're a church that has deliberately opened its doors to everybody, and everybody has come in" says Tschaka Roussel, another Jesus Army leader.

"In fact the racial demographics of our church are roughly reflective of the balance between white British and other racial groups throughout the country."

But what has this got to do with God?

Back when the first ever Christian church started, something dramatic happened to launch it into existence. A bunch of common people spilled out onto the streets, miraculously speaking in many different languages. God's Spirit had flowed into them.

People from many different nationalities flocked to see what was going on - it's one of the big reasons that the early church grew. It was a sign: church is for every nation. The old barriers are being swept away. As far as God is concerned church is a place where all peoples must be welcome.

Churches full of different coloured faces, where everyone loves each other, are proof that God is making it happen.

"Invitations to Jesus Army events always say 'All Welcome, No Prejudice'" says Tschaka Roussel. "And we mean it."

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