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Winter 2020

Message of hope in the midst of mayhem...

Wayne Wheeler Former professional boxer Wayne Wheeler had some tough opponents in the ring - but the biggest fight in his life was overcoming addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Wayne was born and brought up in Whitleigh and had a challenging home life as a child, with lots of rows and arguments.

He struggled at school with reading and writing because of dyslexia and obsessive compulsive disorder - for which he still receives counselling - and was constantly bullied.

He was frequently punished for misbehaving until one day his maths teacher suggested he should join in boxing sessions at the school.

WAYNE’S BIGGEST FIGHT... ...beating his addiction to drugs and alcohol

Persecuted for his faith in his own country - Kalum finds sanctuary here PAGE 7

Julie had a heart transplant - but not in hospital SEE INSIDE

Wayne Wheeler pictured during his professional boxing days

Totally disheartened “He was the only teacher who said I was good at anything,” said Wayne, who is now 50. “He was involved with Devonport Boxing Club and I used to go along to train there. I had lots of anger inside me because of my home life and boxing helped me cope.

“My dad wanted me to stop, but I kept going to the club and got pretty good at boxing,” he added.

As a schoolboy fighter he got to the semi-finals of a national tournament when he met the boxing legend Frank Bruno.

“I know I won the semi-final fight, but the judges gave it to my opponent. I was totally disheartened for being treated so unfairly.”

Against this background Wayne then started to smoke cannabis and got involved with shoplifting to fund his habit.

“When I couldn’t get cannabis I started to inject speed and when I couldn’t get speed I began smoking heroin - and then injecting it,” said Wayne.

He mixed with the wrong crowd in Stonehouse and his lifestyle spiralled into chaos. By the age of 21 he was homeless and had become heavily involved in drug dealing as well as other crime. He ended up living in a run down property in Stonehouse until his mum and sister persuaded him to go home.

They managed to secure a place for Wayne at Broadreach - a rehabilitation centre in Plymouth where he spent 13 weeks, before spending eight

A marriage that really was made in heaven!

SEE INSIDE

months at another drug treatment centre in Cornwall.

It was a turning point in Wayne’s life as he embarked on the the Twelve Steps, a recovery programme originated by Alcoholics Anonymous. It provides a spiritual foundation for personal recovery from the effects of life-controlling addictions.

He stayed clean for a total of nearly 10 years and during this time he got back into boxing. “I put all my energy and effort into boxing which helped me in my continued recovery,” said Wayne.

He was fighting as an amateur, but after one particularly successful bout, he was approached by a man who asked him if he would like to turn professional.

“I was 31 at the time, but I jumped at the chance,” said Wayne. He fought as a super lightweight at tournaments all over the country for a number of years, not winning many fights, but still getting his life back together with the 12-step programme.

Continued on page 9

Mayflower Pilgrims who risked all for religious freedom - see page 6

Drug dealer who turned from crime to Christ SEE INSIDE

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Lee felt he wasn’t good enough for Kelly - but God showed him that it would be....

A marriage made in heaven A marriage made in heaven is a much used phrase these days - but for Lee Beaumont and his wife Kelly it is very much a reality.

The couple from Thornbury have been happily married for 13 years - but it took a word from God to reassure Lee that he was good enough for Kelly.

Lee had known Kelly from childhood - she was the sister of his best friend Wayne - and had always been extremely fond of her. But he regarded Kelly as ‘forbidden fruit’ because of his wayward lifestyle.

Wayne and Kelly were from a Christian family and Lee did not want to damage the relationship with them.

“When my family moved to Thornbury I became good friends with Wayne and his family who lived nearby. I would spend a lot of time at their house which had lots of scriptures and inspirational messages around the home,” said Lee. “Wayne and I became the best of friends and he tried to persuade me to go to his church – NPCC The Worship Centre - but it was not for me at that time of my life.”

As a young man Lee lived a less than wholesome lifestyle with heavy drinking and involvement in drunken brawls.

He had multiple relationships and sexual experiences and admits that he treated women very badly.

While Lee went off the rails, Wayne joined the Royal Marines - leaving a big hole in Lee’s life. By the age of 16 Lee was not only drinking heavily, but he was also battling with his mental health.

“I struggled at school, mainly with reading and writing, and never really learned to read properly,” said Lee. “I learned later in life that I was possibly dyslexic which undoubtedly contributed to my struggles.

“I was told by some teachers that I would never achieve in life and would never amount to anything,” he added.

Contemplated suicide He contemplated suicide on a number of occasions.

“I had this feeling that if I got hurt it wouldn’t matter,” said Lee. A dramatic incident while he was on holiday in Cornwall almost led to disaster - and looking back on it years later Lee realised that God had positive plans for his life.

He had stumbled and fallen down a steep slope ending up in a heap a few feet from the edge of a cliff.

As he tried to clear his head he heard Wayne’s voice in his head shouting ‘come on, hurry up.’

“Wayne wasn’t there - it was a truly supernatural experience. If I hadn’t have heard his voice and gone back up the slope I dread to think what might have happened,” said Lee. “As strange as it may sound, Wayne actually walked me back to my caravan - I believe it was an angel looking after me.”

By the age of 20 Lee was working on building sites still drinking and womanising - but also finding time to play local league football regularly.

Another disaster struck in October 2000 when he suffered a compound fracture of his leg following a heavy tackle. It could have been a life-changing injury, but Lee fought back to fitness and was playing football again in a few months.

What he didn’t know at the time was that Wayne had asked for his church to pray for Lee’s recovery.

Meanwhile Lee’s drunken lifestyle continued and thoughts of suicide and self-harm continued. He deliberately got involved in fights - always wanting to take on the biggest opponent.

He also carried on playing football - only for another crunching tackle to cause a major injury to the same leg.

“While I was waiting for the paramedics I shouted for my mobile phone so that I could call Wayne and ask his church to pray for me again,” said Lee. While he was recovering from the injury Wayne

Happy family...Lee with Kelly and their daughter Evie opened up his family home to Lee to offer support.

“I still had this feeling that I didn’t want to hurt her, He decided to cut the ties with his drinking pals and but within a few months we started to talk about started to ask Wayne about God and Christianity. marriage. After asking Kelly’s dad and the church “I eventually agreed to go to an evening meeting leaders for their blessing I proposed - and we married with Wayne at his church and the reality of the in March 2007.” sacrifice Jesus made for me - and every sinner - left In the meantime Lee had become actively involved me crying uncontrollably,” said Lee. in the life of NPCC The Worship Centre helping Kelly Lee agreed to go to with her work with children church again - this time and young people in the Wayne’s sister-in-law Jo “I still had this feeling that church. was giving her testimony The couple decided to I didn’t want to hurt her, and Kelly was leading the start a family, but sadly worship. The young girl he Kelly suffered a traumatic but within a few months had been so fond of was miscarriage in 2008. IVF now a beautiful woman. treatment didn’t work so we started to talk about “I can only say that there Lee and Kelly continued marriage. After asking was a glow about Kelly to believe God for his as she led worship and at blessing, trusting that they Kelly’s dad and the church would have a baby. that moment I heard God say that Kelly would be my leaders for their blessing I “We prayed and prayed wife. But I still didn’t feel for years, until at one proposed - and we married prayer meeting I stood up good enough,” said Lee. “But the testimony I and called out the names in March 2007.” heard that night made me we had chosen for a baby realise that I wanted to boy or girl, believing that change - to have a purpose in my life.”

God would hear our declaration of faith” said Lee. At the end of the service Kelly’s mother Lorraine, A month later Kelly found she was pregnant and an active member of the church, asked Lee if wanted their ‘miracle baby’ Evie Sarah Hope was born in salvation and he willingly invited Jesus Christ into his March 2012. life.

“She is such a blessing to us and loves the Lord,” Lee was a given a scripture from the Bible after said Lee. “She happily shares Jesus with other he had prayed. It was from Jeremiah 33 v 3 ‘Call to children in her school.” me and I will answer you and show you great and Lee and Kelly are now part of the leadership mighty things which you do not know.’ team at NPCC The Worship Centre and Barne It was June 2005 and Lee was 26 at the time. A few Barton Community Church. Lee is described as a weeks later Wayne invited Lee to go ten-pin bowling motivational speaker with a great gift for evangelism, and arranged for Kelly to pick him up. They went while Kelly is a worship leader and oversees the bowling and then started dating. children’s ministry.

COVID-19 fears lead to surge of interest in Christianity According to the most recent study, Christians form the biggest religious group in the world with some 2.3 billion followers - almost a third of the total global population. Research also show that 84 per cent of people in the world identify with a religious group.

The world is getting more religious, not less - although there are significant geographical variations. Christianity is growing rapidly in South America, Africa and Asia.

By contrast Christianity is in decline in most countries in Europe in the wake of the shift towards post-Christian, secular, multicultural and multi faith societies.

In the 2011 Census, around 60 per cent of the UK population identified as Christians, although the numbers of people attending churches continues to fall sharply.

British society has changed in many ways since the Second World War - and religious change is a major example. There is much public discussion of such issues as how secular Britain really is, how religiously diverse, whether people see political and religious identities as conflicting, and how polarised religious views actually are.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge of interest in the Christian faith.

According to a report published by the Evangelical Alliance earlier this year, nearly 60 per cent of UK churches surveyed reported a marked increase in people interested in finding out more about Christianity.

The research, which surveyed almost 700 churches and 196 faith-based organisations, also shows that 70% of church leaders have reported a surge in the number of people who would not normally attend church, now attending during the lockdown.

The report goes on to reveal that 88% of church leaders have said their churches are working tirelessly to meet the needs of vulnerable people struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. Of these churches, 72% are working in partnership with either local authorities, other churches or charities.

The study, which surveyed churches across denominations including the Church of England, Baptist, Elim, Assemblies Of God, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Methodist, New Frontiers, Presbyterian and independents, was conducted by the Evangelical Alliance in partnership with the charity Stewardship and Eido Research.

Evangelical Alliance UK Director, Peter Lynas said: “Since lockdown, we have seen churches across the country adapt to the uncertain environment and speak directly to the fear and anxiety that many people are feeling throughout the UK. “Online services are reporting huge levels of interest and thousands are engaging with church for the first time as a place of hope.”

He added: “At the heart of the mission of the church is a desire to serve the marginalised, feed the hungry and be a place of refuge to those who are isolated. Through food banks and many other service provisions, churches are ensuring vulnerable individuals and families across the country receive the help they need.”

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Lifelines Winter 2020 3

An Oasis of love and kindness Maria Mills at the Oasis Project in Stonehouse

Churches dish up five million meals a month A report published in October has estimated that churches across the UK have provided more than five million meals a month during the pandemic.

The report, which looks at the impact of the church's response to lockdown among a network of churches called YourNeighbour, suggests 58 per cent of the 1,100 churches who are a part of Your Neighbour have provided emergency food despite nearly all of them facing financial hardship themselves.

As the Government now seeks to defend its decision not to extend the offer of free meals to the poorest children in the country over the school holidays, churches, charities and business across the country are stepping in to fill the gap and feed them.

Many churches and other organisations are helping families and individuals across the city during these challenging times with food and other vital supplies.

And at the city’s longest-established foodbank the COVID-19 crisis has led to a huge increase in demand.

Located at the Oasis Project in Manor Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth’s first food bank was opened in 2008 thanks to the Trussell Trust and with support from Plymouth Methodist Central Hall.

Over the years the foodbank has helped tens of thousands of people, but they have never been through a more demanding time than in 2020 following the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Project manager Maria Mills said: “After lockdown we saw the demand for food parcels increase dramatically - as much as four or five times the usual levels.

“Thankfully we have continued to receive fantastic support from businesses and individuals in terms of donations and we have had to acquire more space to store all the goods.

“Although demand has settled down more recently, we are anticipating another big increase in November and December as Christmas approaches,” she said.

At the peak of the crisis the team at Oasis were receiving more than two tonnes of food and other supplies every day. And that helped them to meet the needs of nearly 10,000 people in the 12 months up to the end of August this year.

“We are absolutely delighted with all the donations - it is certainly keeping our staff and volunteers busy,” added Maria.

“It’s amazing working here and being able to help so many people.There have been some

Unlocking People: Releasing Potential Gilead Foundations Charity offers a supported living service for women suffering from addictions, homelessness and domestic abuse on a farm near Okehampton.

The charity’s main aim is to help residents develop and maintain long term stability and independence.

Support is offered to residents to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. We create a supportive nurturing space to enable individuals to develop, thrive and transition into a new and independent lifestyle.

Each applicant will be given the opportunity to visit and have an interview with the support staff team to assess their needs of eligibility for the course.

Residents are given opportunities to learn basic work ethics in the various practical areas such as kitchens and domestics and to have access to a variety of agricultural work experience – such as animal husbandry and general farm work including milking, horticulture and maintenance.

Learning these skills can help to equip individuals for future independence and career development.

Residents are encouraged to stay for a minimum of 12 months.

Accommodation costs are covered by Housing Benefit and support and needs costs can be covered by individual benefits.

Gilead’s fundraising team will work with individuals to help achieve the costs for the support and training.

Accommodation for up to eight women residents, plus support workers, is provided in a family environment in a modern, purpose designed bungalow situated on the farm.

Contact us

Support us

For more information or to arrange a visit

Please consider supporting Gilead Foundations as we support our residents. Donations can be made online at

01837 851240 www.gilead.org.uk admin@gilead.org.uk

paypal.com/fundraiser/ charity/203824

@GileadCharity @GileadCharity @GileadCharity

Gilead Foundations Charity, Risdon Farm, Jacobstowe, Okehampton EX20 3AJ

4 Lifelines Winter 2020

heart-breaking moments…and some wonderful experiences,” she added.

“I remember one incident when a mother and her 11-year-old son came to the food bank one evening when we were closed and I had to tell her that she would have to come back later in the week.

“The little boy ran away in tears and when I asked the mum about her situation she explained that she had been without benefits for four weeks and that she hadn’t eaten for two days and her son had not eaten for 24 hours,” said Maria.

“Obviously I gave her food parcels straight away when I realised her plight. The little boy came back a couple of days later to say thank you…and he said he wanted to show me that he and his mum were not beggars.

“That same boy came to see me recently at the Oasis. He’s 18 now and he brought his girlfriend with him to meet me. He had never forgotten what had happened that night.”

Maria, who received an MBE for her work in the community, has spent 13 years at the Oasis Project and loves every minute of it.

“We meet people from all walks of life - many of them never expecting to find themselves needing a foodbank. Sadly it is a much more normal occurrence these days.”

Maria describes herself as an ‘unashamed Christian’ and sees helping and serving vulnerable people as the biggest witness of God’s love for the community.

Maria is also responsible for the community cafe at the Oasis and the project’s work helping people to gain new skills - such as IT and cookery. But most of this has been curtailed since lockdown.

“I can’t wait to open our doors again - I certainly miss the pastoral side of our work. There are so many people who need spiritual help these days. Prior to lockdown it was not unusual for me to be cleaning the floors one minute - and then praying for someone the next,” she added.

Alana is a support worker at Gilead Foundations. This is her story.

“My journey of faith began in July 2013. I had been battling a life of addiction for many years and I had come to the end of myself and that lifestyle: you could say I had hit my rock bottom.

This is when I entered a Christian rehabilitation programme in Wales. It was definitely one of the most difficult experiences, yet it was also one of the best experiences.

Hope House, which is part of an organisation called Teen Challenge, was as it says in the name – a place of hope. I knew Jesus was who I had always been searching for and that sense of belonging, being brought into His family.

I was loved back to life and I met the one who would change my life forever: Jesus.

After finishing the programme, I became a support worker with Hope House. What an incredible honour! This was such a great season, seeing people set free and sharing the love of Christ.

Since moving on from Hope House I have been brought into the family of God in Swansea Valley Bible Church which has been such an important part in my journey. I’ve been living and working in my local community for a number of years and here I’ve been able to put my roots down and find a new and true sense of my identity in Christ.

I’m extremely thankful for another open door and the Lord has led me to be a part of the work here in Okehampton, as a support worker at Gilead Foundations. Another exciting chapter! I’m enjoying being a part of the Lord’s work here as my heart is to see people set free through the love of Christ.

I’m so thankful for Lois and Ben and for the opportunity to be part of this special place.

I’m also looking forward to seeing how the Lord continues to work out His purpose here. I have been enriched by the heart and vision of Ian and Bron who originally set up Gilead Foundations and I’m excited to be a part of this work.”

MUM JULIE’S LIFE-CHANGING HEART TRANSPLANT – IN A FIELD ON A FARM NEAR OKEHAMPTON!

Julie Barlow...

“God mended my broken,

withered heart

and put this huge new healthy

heart in me”

Mother of two Julie Barlow from Launceston had a life-changing heart transplant at the age of 39 - but she was nowhere near an operating theatre.

She was in a field at a farm on the outskirts of Okehampton attending a Christian music festival called Cross Rhythms when she had a dramatic spiritual encounter with God. It was July 1994 and Julie had decided to take her mother to the festival having heard her cousin herself a Christian - only talk about the event once.

Julie only knew it was ‘on the road to Okehampton!’

Julie said: “It was a family tragedy which actually led me to the festival,” said Julie. “My cousin’s son was killed in a traffic accident in Mutley and despite her grief and sadness, my cousin was so positive and full of hope because her son had committed his life to Jesus Christ.

then she has become deeply involved in the life of a number of churches in Cornwall and Devon. She has also travelled extensively sharing the Gospel with thousands of others - including being part of Christian missions to Russia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and many other European countries.

“I want to help people to go further, deeper and stronger with God. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the Lord,” she said.

Growing up in a little hamlet a mile from Upton Cross on the edge of Bodmin Moor, Julie had a number of health issues.

She nearly died at birth and at the age of two she was taken seriously ill and actually stopped breathing.

“I remember having this out of body experience at Tragic circumstances the time. It felt like I was “She had so much strength in the situation because surrounded with cotton of her own faith. It made me think how I would cope wool and liquid love. if I lost one of my children. My cousin had something “But then I heard a voice which I didn’t have. I didn’t understand how she saying ‘It’s time to go back could be so positive in such tragic circumstances.”

- I have work for you.”

Talking about the event at the Cross Rhythms Julie was being resuscitated by a doctor, but was Festival Julie said: “We were in a big top with a then diagnosed with a heart condition and kidney couple of hundred other people when the speaker disease. A specialist warned that she might not live who was called Tony Fitzgerald - was talking about past the age of 11 and if she did she would need the building blocks that we put around ourselves to regular dialysis. protect ourselves. It summed up my feelings and then Although she was very poorly, Julie knew that he asked if anybody wanted prayer, to put their hands family and friends were praying for her. She only went up,” said Julie. “Without thinking my hand went up to Sunday School for a short while mainly because straight away - and so did my mum’s. of her ill health – she had to walk the mile there and “A lovely lady called Sandy came over and asked back as the family had no transport. Julie said that if she could pray with me and I said ‘yes’ as I felt she always believed in God, but ‘didn’t have access so empty and lonely and she helped me to pray for to him.’

Jesus to come into my life,” she added. Unbeknown Julie said: “I gradually got better and better and to Julie her mum was also giving her life to the Lord actually had a lovely childhood growing up in rural at the same time.

Cornwall.”

What happened next was to change Julie for life. “I As she grew older, however, Julie seemed to fell to the floor crying like become more and Julie Barlow with her husband John a baby. I was in a total more accident prone, mess and I heard God breaking her arm saying that he wanted on three separate to forgive me for some occasions just playing of the past things in my in the garden or falling life, which nobody knew off garden hedges. about.

She also had an “God also mended my amazing escape as broken, withered heart a passenger in a car and put this huge new which had swerved off healthy heart in me,” the road, hit a bank added Julie. “Through and somersaulted over this I knew that people granite boulders. The could be healed from all car was destroyed, but sorts of pain and hurts.” miraculously both she Julie’s dramatic life and the driver walked transformation took away from the wrecked place more than 25 car with concussion and years ago - and since minor injuries.

“Every time these accidents happened I made a full recovery and it just reinforced my belief in God,” she added.

She left college at 17, wanted to travel the world, but was married at 19 and had two daughters by the age of 24. Julie and the children spent several years in America when her husband’s job took him to New Jersey.

During her time in the USA Julie was invited to attend a local church - and found a warm welcome and friendship. Julie was happy with her life, but sadly her marriage was not working and she decided to return to England with the girls.

She said: “Sadly I realised I could not go on like this: I had no peace and despite constantly try to mend or fix the relationship I realised that we would never have the deep, unconditional love and friendship I was yearning for.”

The couple separated in 1992 but continued to share the same house due to her husband’s work commitments. Julie eventually divorced her husband in 1993, during which time she also suffered the grief of losing her father.

She had by then started to work for an insurance broker, specialising in equine insurance and soon after went on to establish her own equine insurance business - successfully running the company for 25 years.

“I want to help people to go further, deeper and stronger with God. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the Lord”

Marriage breakdown In July 1994 Julie met and asked Jesus into her life. Her marriage breakdown convinced her that she didn’t need another man in her life as she had found the peace she had been searching for.

But in February 1995 she was persuaded to go to a singles night in Newquay. “I said I wasn’t desperate but in the end I relented,” said Julie.

It was there that she met John Barlow - himself a Christian - and father of three who was himself going through divorce after his wife left him.

They had a huge amount in common and barely a day passed without spending time together. Within a few months Julie and John were married - and they recently celebrated 25 years of marriage. Their ‘blended’ family consists of five children and their 17th grandchild is due to arrive in February 2021.

They have both been active in church leadership over the years and Julie added: “God has opened up some amazing connections for us. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve Father God. “I can see God’s faithfulness and goodness throughout my life. I could never give up on God,” she added.

‘Look at the birds’

Image by Juanita Mulder from Pixabay

You may not like the political party that’s in power, but you’re much better off than the Jewish people Jesus was speaking to in Matthew Chapter 6.

Their country was occupied by the Romans, and they paid extortionate taxes to keep them in power.

They lived as slaves so they worried a lot.

Then Jesus came along and said: ‘Look at the birds. They don’t plant…harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?’

(Matthew Chapter 6 v26-27).

In other words, if you worry a lot – try bird watching! Birds don’t know where their next meal is coming from, yet you never see one sitting on a branch having an anxiety attack. So here’s the question: ‘Aren’t you far more valuable to God than they are?’

A man who was out of work, despondent, and worried about feeding his family noticed some birds eating strawberry shortcake from a bin. All at once it dawned on him – ‘If God can feed the birds strawberry shortcake, surely He can take care of me too!’

Even if you suffer from a poor self-image and think you’re not worth taking care of, aren’t you still more valuable than a bird?

So look at how well your heavenly Father takes care of them, and remind yourself that He will take care of you too. If anxiety is robbing you of happiness during the day and sleep at night, make up your mind to live by this Scripture: ‘Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you’ (1 Peter 5 v7).

This article is reproduced from Word for Today, which is published by UCB (United Christian Broadcasters)

Lifelines Winter 2020 5

The Pilgrims who fought for freedom of speech and religion - and left a heritage which has lasted for centuries There are some amazing real-life stories in Lifelines and they will also be heard as interviews on Cross Rhythms radio when Lifelines is distributed across the city. I am so excited that we have the freedom, still today, to share our stories when many across the world cannot exercise this very basic human right.

With human rights, however, comes human responsibility and I would like to take the opportunity of sharing a few thoughts on our freedom of speech and freedom of conscience we all share and enjoy within our democratic western societies.

This is the season in the USA where the national holiday of Thanksgiving is celebrated. It takes its inspiration from the English settlers who arrived in 1620 on the shores of what would become known as the State of Massachusetts.

It is probably the most important holiday Americans celebrate and is deeply engrained within their cultural experience. The question is, why is this national

6 Lifelines Winter 2020

Lifelines Viewpoint by Chris Cole

Founder of Cross Rhythms Charity holiday so important to the Americans?

Before the Coronavirus Pandemic this year, our city of Plymouth, along with many other locations in the UK, Holland and the USA, were working to commemorate the 400th anniversary of this historic event.

There was real excitement and massive plans to make this anniversary something very special this year, but why? The foundation of the question that makes the story of the Pilgrims so intriguing is the influence, unbeknown to them back then, that their

Embarkation of the Pilgrims - 18th century painting by American artist Robert Walter Weir

individual and community experience would create for in the Second World War. Then we entered the down through the centuries.

Cold War and the concern of nuclear proliferation and They were a group of mainly Christian Separatists annihilation. seeking religious freedom from the religious and Science, like religion can be wonderful, but also political establishment in Britain as well as traders frightening when not governed by reasonable looking for new opportunities along with the ship’s humanity. Establishing a society that does not burn crew. books and allows for debate and discussion is The story is well told of their trials and deprivation, essential for society’s growth and wellbeing as well but the real accomplishment was their writing of the as mature tolerance which recognises difference Mayflower Compact which would lay a foundation for between us all. A free society celebrating this the Founders of the United States in 1776 to form freedom is not experienced in many parts of the their constitution for a new democratic experiment. world. Totalitarian regimes are a frightening prospect In 1802, John Quincy of the future.

Adams, one of the We now live in a ‘global signatories to the American village’ increasingly Declaration of Independence connected through the called the Mayflower internet and social media Compact ‘the only instance which in many ways is God TV has produced a series in human history of that amazing and wonderful, of four 30-minute programmes positive, original, social but also challenging as called Mayflower 400 which look compact.’ we process the increased in depth at the story behind the Today, it is generally access to information Pilgrims and the sailing of the accepted as having which we must determine is Mayflower from Plymouth to influenced America’s ‘accurate in the telling’.

Massachusetts.

Founding Fathers as they We can bury our heads The programmes include interviews created the Declaration in the sand, or we can dig with eminent American historian David of Independence and the deep as individuals and Barton and also feature God TV President communities and become US Constitution. On these and CEO Ward Simpson. shores we could suggest that part of the solution for The programmes can be viewed at the Magna Carta in 1215 was a better world. What we www.god.tv/video/mayflower-400-years-1/ cannot afford to do anymore our equivalent experience zype and the Church was one of is live self-centred lives with the main proponents back no understanding of our then, with Archbishop Stephen Langton mediating neighbours’ humanity and concerns. between the King and the rest of the country.

Free democracy At the core of the Mayflower Compact was the statement that all men and women are created If as human beings, we do not foster a mature equal as they entered a civil and social contract to sense of our own identity and value we will not be govern the new community they were establishing at able to value or correctly ‘see’ others. This is what Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. Those with religious freedom looks like in a free democracy and is the only belief and those with none. way be can come together as communities with all In 1920, the soon to become American President our differences. Not to judge those we do not agree Calvin Coolidge stated: “The Mayflower Compact with. they signed was an event of the greatest importance.

In Tolkien’s epic ‘Lord of the Rings,’ the Hobbits It was the foundation of liberty based on law and are motivated to leave the Shire and travel to Mordor order, and that tradition has been steadily upheld. and deal with the threats that exists through the evil They drew up a form of government which has been authority of Sauron. designated as the first real constitution of modern It is what they become in the process of the journey times. which appeals to us so much. The inner change was the goal. It is the same for us.

Obedient to the laws Loving our neighbour as ourselves is Jesus Christ’s “It was democratic, an acknowledgment of liberty second commandment following on from the first under law and order and the giving to each person which is to love God with all our hearts, soul, mind the right to participate in the government, while they and strength. promised to be obedient to the laws. But the really As you read the amazing stories in this edition of wonderful thing was that they had the power and Lifelines it becomes very clear that although every strength of character to abide by it and live by it from person’s story is unique it has a common foundation that day to this. of a spiritual experience with Jesus Christ who said Some governments are better than others. But any in John 16 verse 33: ‘I have told you these things, form of government is better than anarchy, and any so that in me you may have peace. In this world you attempt to tear down government is an attempt to will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the wreck civilisation.” world.’

The reason I point out the history is that in today’s These are people like you and I facing both good world we are experiencing, as many of our forebears and bad times. All human beings face what Jesus have experienced in their day, the challenge of said in John 16, but these people in Lifelines have maintaining our freedom of speech and freedom of found a personal freedom which empowers them to conscience. This was what the Allies were fighting ‘love their neighbours as they love themselves.’

Mayflower 400 series broadcast by God TV

Death threats and persecution Growing up in Srir Lanka was a pretty scary experience for young Kalum Warna.

Like his parents and sister, Kalum was a Christian and that meant the family were constantly persecuted for their faith in a predominantly Buddhist country.

Kalum’s parents were both doctors and his father was also a Pentecostal pastor. They spent much of their lives on medical missions helping needy people and sharing the Gospel.

But that didn’t go unnoticed by Buddhist extremists who were opposed to evangelism. The family received frequent death threats, Kalum’s father was tortured and burnt and his mother was attacked as well.

Kalum, who is now 25, said: “We had groups of people coming to our home with knives, threatening to kill us. We had to constantly keep on the move and we lived in eight different cities over just a few years.”

Eventually in 2007 the family were forced to flee for their lives. Unbeknown to Kalum, his parents had sold their home and raised enough money to fly to England.

cockroaches everywhere and no seats on the toilet. It was disgusting.”

After arriving in Plymouth his mum and sister started to attend Plymouth Christian Centre in Cattedown and were then given help and support by the Devon and Cornwall Refugee Service. They located a lawyer who specialised in housing issues and who intervened over the family’s situation.

The lawyer was successful in ensuring Kalum was finally moved to Plymouth and allowed to live with his mum and sister in St Jude’s.

“It was only the love and compassion of the Christian community which enabled this to happen,” added Kalum. “My life had started again.”

He joined Plymouth Christian Centre and within a few months had decided to become a Street Pastor as well as helping with youth work and other activities at the church. He also volunteers at two youth groups in the city.

With the asylum case still dragging on, Kalum and his sister were eventually granted a 30 month leave to stay, on the grounds that they had established their own private lives in England.

In the meantime both he and his sister were diagnosed with PTSD because of all the trauma and stress they had to endure.

Shortly before the virus lockdown they were both given permission to secure paid employment, so his sister started doing care work while Kalum was taken on as mentor and project leader at Goshen House, a centre which provides accommodation and support for single men.

Kalum Warna...escaped to England with his parents and sister after death threats by extremists

Real shock “I had no idea what they were planning and they only told me the night before we left Sri Lanka what was happening,” said Kalum. “We literally left with the clothes we were wearing and a few suitcases.”

The family arrived in England and immediately claimed asylum. “We were put in a hostel and had to share one room - it was a real shock as we had a big house in Sri Lanka,” he added.

They were then moved to Cardiff for a short spell but were welcomed by the pastor and congregation at an evangelical church.

“The pastor was wonderful and he supported us much as he could. Everyone in the church was so kind and welcoming - it was my first experience of true Christian love,” said Kalum. “They bought us warm clothing and helped in so many other ways.”

The family were then provided with a house in Gloucester - and they stayed there for the next 10 years, becoming members of the Church of God of Prophecy, where Kalum was baptised in 2008.

“Our application for asylum dragged on and on,” said Kalum, “with hearing after hearing, but no resolution.

“Because we were asylum seekers my parents couldn’t work, so we had to survive on a tiny amount of money each week.”

The constant pressure of dealing with the Home Office red tape and the frustration caused by the delays, took its toll on Kalum and the family.

“Fortunately I had lots of really good friends at school and at church. We received lots of support and encouragement,” said Kalum.

Despite the pressures he excelled at school, achieving three A levels and five unconditional university places to study medicine.

“With my parents being doctors I always wanted to get involved with medicine or bio-medicine. I

Trials and tribulations

Kalum and his family flee from Sri Lanka and find love and safety in Plymouth was delighted to be offered the places - but then discovered I didn’t qualify for student finance because of my status as an asylum seeker.”

Undeterred, Kalum then continued studying, gaining two more A levels and a personal trainer qualification.

The Home Office continued to drag their feet and after more moves, they decided to split up Kalum from his mother and sister.

“My mum and sister were sent back to a hostel in Cardiff while I was forced to stay in a homeless

shelter in Gloucester. It was really tough.

“Our plight had come to the attention of the local community and we were given lots of support from local MPs, teachers, church leaders and others.”

Eventually he was allowed to move to Cardiff, but the despair continued as his mum and sister had already been relocated to Plymouth in 2017 - without Kalum.

He was then shipped off to a hostel in London.

“It was horrible. I didn’t know anybody, there were

His sister wanted to study medicine at Plymouth University - but was unable to secure student finance because of her status. She applied for scholarships and a few months later received the news that a charity had agreed to pay all her tuition fees and her first year accommodation costs.

“It was a real miracle for my sister,” said Kalum.

“So many people were praying for her. It was a true blessing from God.” Kalum has now also applied for a place at Plymouth University to study medicine - but faces the same challenge in terms of finance. “I am already applying for scholarships.”

There was some unexpectedly good news for the family recently, when a judge ordered the Home Office to review the case again, with the recommendation that asylum is finally granted.

“We had to carry on fighting for asylum,” said Kalum, “because our lives would have been at risk if were were forced to return to Sri Lanka. Everyone is praying for the judge’s recommendation to be upheld.

“Through all the trials and tribulations my faith has carried me through,” added Kalum.“The people that God has brought me into contact with and the doors that He has opened for me have changed my life for the better.

“God’s grace has kept me going over all the years.

Now I am so privileged to share God’s love with others.”

Eight Christians killed every day Militant extremists have been attacking Christians and members of other minority faith groups in Sri Lanka for many years.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has warned about 'grave human rights concerns' in the country in the wake of the decisive election victory earlier this year of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rayapaksa and his 'People's Front' party.

"We are concerned by the increasing militarisation and authoritarianism of the Sri Lankan Government," said Mervyn Thomas of Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Most of the attacks on Christians in Sri Lanka have been perpetuated by extreme

Buddhist groups, although responsibility for a devastating series of suicide bombings on Easter Sunday last year which killed nearly 270 Christian worshippers and tourists, was claimed by an Islamist terror organisation.

But Sri Lanka is just one example of a global epidemic of extreme persecution against Christians.

An estimated 260 million Christians around the world suffer persecution for their faith, according to latest research.

A report published by the Open Doors charity revealed that every day eight Christians worldwide are killed because of their faith, 182 churches or Christian buildings are attacked every week and every month more than 300

Christians are imprisoned unjustly.

Persecution is taking place in at least 45 nations globally according to the 2020 World Watch List, which provides the latest figures on the scale of the problem.

Four in ten Asian Christians now face high levels of persecution - up from one in three in the previous year’s report.

China’s crackdown on both state-sanctioned and underground churches and its growing surveillance network added 16 million to the Open Doors tally of Christians facing persecution.

According to David Curry, CEO of Open Doors USA: “The Chinese government is committing unparalleled human rights crimes

against Christian citizens and seeking to wipe religious sentiment from its country.

Yet, as the Chinese Christians will testify, the persecution Christians face – including extensive surveillance, raids on churches, and imprisonment – have not succeeded in eliminating Christianity. Instead, the underground Christian community has banded together and is actively working to call the world’s attention to the plight of the Chinese people. We will join them in that call.”

Meanwhile, rising levels of persecution against Christians has led to India being included for the first time in the ten most dangerous countries for followers of Jesus Christ.

Lifelines Winter 2020 7

Plymouth drug dealer who turned from crime to Christ It was once said of David Hill that he 'could have been worth millions - but he chose Jesus instead!'

And how true that is.

As a youngster and in his teens and twenties David was involved in many criminal activities - including major drug deals worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

He and his criminal colleagues regularly travelled across Europe robbing jewellery shops and breaking into homes to steal valuables.

By the age of 25 he had a lengthy criminal record and had served custodial sentences in approved school, borstal and prison.

When he was 21 he was involved in a police chase in Kent which ended with him having his jaw broken by police officers and he was later jailed for assaulting the police in another incident.

He had hooked up with some of the country's most notorious drug dealers and was planning a major deal when on the way back from France to Plymouth on the ferry he had what can only be described as a 'God encounter.'

"I was planning the champagne lifestyle with fast cars and all the trappings of crime, but on the ferry my mate who was with me started talking about the Bible. He said his wife was reading it regularly and there was a lot of truth in it," said David.

"It was later on the journey on the ferry that I heard a voice in my head say 'Do you want to know me or do you want this life?'

"I knew it was God and I decided at that instant that I wanted to be a Christian and follow Jesus Christ," said David.

"I called my fellow drug dealer in the Midlands and told him that I had become a Christian. He thought I had gone mad, but I told him he needed to travel down to collect the gear."

Reflecting on his criminal past David, who lives in North Prospect, said that one of his fellow villains had been sentenced to 25 years for a multi-million pound drug deal, while another had been shot and killed in a gangland execution.

David's life started to fall part after his dad died when he was just four years old. One of six children, he 'went wild' from the age of seven cycling around Plymouth and stealing from people's homes.

His criminal lifestyle continued and the only contact he had with any form of religion was when he used to go to church services in prison - not to pray, but to deal dope.

After his dramatic encounter with God on the ferry David had to come to terms with the fact that he had a wife and two children to support - with no job and a criminal record.

David said: "The Bible says 'be transformed by the renewing of your mind' and that's what happened to me. From that moment on the ferry I knew I wanted to be a Christian and it totally transformed my life.

"He and his wife Lydia started to attend Plymouth Christian Centre and David embarked on a church workers course. Soon after, he and Lydia were baptised at the church.

He turned his attention to his interest in furniture restoration, leading David to undertake a year long wood machining course at college. He then secured a grant from the Prince's Trust which enabled him to buy machinery and start a business in Saltash.

‘For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?’

David Hill... ‘Jesus transformed my life’

King’s is a small church in Tavistock of people who love the Lord Jesus and care for our community.

We are part of Tavistock Area Christians Together and we would like to join with you all in celebrating the Mayflower 400 in Plymouth and pray that the Mayflower spirit of pursuing a personal relationship with God would touch us all in these difficult days.

We are aware that everyone needs new hope at this time and we have found that God has planned that very thing for us.

Our church welcomes all who are seeking help or a way forward on life’s journey as we have experienced the freedom and hope that Jesus Christ holds for us all.

He offers everyone who comes to him a new start, free from the sense of lostness or addictions.

If you would like to find out more about what God has for you personally whether you are a believer in Jesus or not, we would be very happy to help you. Also if you need friendship, healing or hope, we would love to hear from you.

You can contact us by email at: davidandkathy@live.co.uk Visit our Facebook page at king’stavistock or check out our website at kingstavistock.weebly.com 8

Lifelines Winter 2020

He later felt led by God to set up his business from his home in North Prospect and has traded from there for more than 20 years making fire surrounds, overmantels and other wood products.

Although he has faithfully followed a Christian path for more than half his adult life, David has still had his challenges. First he was involved in a boundary dispute with the local council and then faced a lengthy legal battle with the council after they issued enforcement notices relating to his business activities.

And during the last year he has suffered personal losses with one of his brothers dying of a brain tumour, his mother and an aunt passing away and a nephew who he was particularly close to being killed after an attack by a gang in Cornwall.

David said: "Despite all these trials and tribulations my faith has kept me strong.

"I have learned that if you follow where God leads and you do what He wants you to do, you will be blessed."

David and members of his family now regularly attend Morice Baptist Church in Ham Drive with David playing guitar in the worship group. He has recently recorded an album with the words and music reflecting how Jesus changed his life. The 12-track album is called Dave Hill Embrace and is available on iTunes for £7.99 – as well as on You Tube and Spotify.

Describing the transformation of his life from crime to Christianity, David quoted one of his favourite verses from the Bible: 'For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?'

Church has vital role to play

The Church has a vital role to play in offering hope and comfort to the nation as it copes with the second wave of the coronavirus and a national lockdown, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have said.

In a joint letter to the bishops of the Church of England, Archbishops Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell set out a stark assessment of the challenges facing the country amid the pandemic including hunger, homelessness, mental health pressures and domestic violence.

But, they say, the Church of England, through its presence in every community, can play a vital role in serving the nation - especially those most in need - and in bringing hope to all through the gospel.

Churches are especially well placed, through networks and partnerships across the country, to help those in most need, those who are hungry and homeless, they point out.

“Most of all we need to draw close to Christ, and continue to offer the hope and stability of the gospel,” wrote the Archbishops. “It is this gospel joy, even in the darkest times, that alone can help us through this crisis, bringing hope and an eternal perspective to the very pressing trials of the moment.”

They also highlighted the particular pressures faced by small businesses after months of restrictions and issued a challenge to banks to show the same mercy to those in difficulties now as banks themselves received during the financial crisis.

Rachel’s on a mission in Sherford As a young single mum living in a remote village on the edge of Dartmoor, Rachel Harrison-French felt vulnerable and isolated.

She had moved to Plymouth in 1993 to study art history at the university and while studying for her degree found she was pregnant.

However, she continued her studies eventually gaining a first class degree and going on to achieve a doctorate also in art history.

“My lovely son was born in 1996 when I was 23,” said Rachel, “but I really had the feeling that I had messed up. And we ended up living in the village of Holne near Buckfast, I felt quite vulnerable.”

She decided to get involved in the life of the village and when the parish church appealed for help in raising funds Rachel was the first to volunteer.

“I really felt a strong sense of calling to Sherford and I couldn’t wait to start playing my part in the community.”

The first thing she did was help to establish a Sherford Facebook Group and set about building other connections.

There was no church in Sherford at the time, but Rachel learned that one was in the planning stage with a core team from the Anglican Church in Elburton.

Sherford Community Church was launched in September 2018 led by the Revd Tom Brassil and, having prayed about it, Rachel joined the team.

“Prior to the COVID-19 lockdown we had regular weekly services at Sherford Primary School and the number of local residents coming along had grown since its launch.

Wonderful man “It was my first involvement with church and I was made to feel extremely welcome by everyone in the church community,” said Rachel. “I started to go to church regularly as a result and it was then that a wonderful man called David Swales started to pray with me.”

David was a Church Army Captain who was also the chaplain at nearby Dartmoor Prison in Princetown.

It was a turning point for Rachel and after one early morning church service she realised that she had the opportunity to change everything for the better and invited Jesus into her life.

She threw herself into the life of the church, helping to run the children’s ministry.

In 2003 she married a fellow Christian, John French, who runs a successful commercial fire alarms business and the couple moved to Tavistock, where they spent the next 13 years of their married life together. They have two teenage children.

Rachel went on to train as a teacher working in local primary schools and then with children with additional needs.

She also remained very active in the life of a number of churches in Tavistock, involved in children’s ministry and also helping people in poverty.

Rachel HarrisonFrench... ‘it’s rewarding work’ Much of Rachel’s inspiration to serve the community came from her mum Stella, who has always helped other people in need. She is the founder of the Dartmoor Community Kitchen Hub which supports the elderly and vulnerable through healthy eating initiatives. Stella was awarded the MBE in 2014 for her work.

And Rachel’s willingness to serve the community is now being outworked in Sherford, the new town under construction between Plympton and Plymstock.

Three years ago despite being settled in Tavistock - Rachel felt it was time for the family to move.

“I just got a feeling that it was time to move on and we started to look at properties in other locations from Okehampton down as far as Liskeard. It was the last few days of the summer holidays in 2017 and I was driving into Sherford to have a look at the development.

“I saw the big sign on the bridge at the entrance to the site which said ‘Welcome to Sherford’ and I just had the feeling that this was the place for us,” said

“Developers can build houses, but only God can build the community”

Wayne’s biggest fight Continued from page 1

He also took on charity fundraising for Broadreach as a way of supporting their vital work.

When he wasn’t boxing Wayne had a job in security, working as a doorman at local clubs and venues in Plymouth.

“Working on the doors I would often confiscate drugs from punters and then flush it down the toilet.

But I had stopped attending the 12-step programme and realised that I was relapsing,” he added.

So, instead of flushing the drugs away, he started to take the drugs himself, sniffing cocaine off the toilet seat.

One night he sniffed what he thought was cocaine, but it was actually ketamine - a powerful anaesthetic that can cause confusion, agitation and delirium.

“I was driving home when I was stopped by the police and arrested for driving under the influence of drugs,” said Wayne. “I got banned from driving and lost my licence in the security industry.”

That was around five years ago and Wayne drifted into more heavy drug use and unhelpful relationships.

Then around 18 months ago he was walking across the square in Whitleigh when two men called out to him.

One was Rob Fowler, the recently appointed vicar at St Chad’s Church in Whitleigh. Rob said: “My friend and I mistook Wayne for someone else.

But we got chatting and decided to invite him to come kayaking with us at Lopwell Dam.”

Rob himself was a keen boxer in his youth - and like Wayne had struggled with addiction before becoming a Christian.

The two struck up a strong friendship and Wayne started to attend St Chad’s on a regular basis.

Encouraged by Rob, Wayne started on the 12-step programme again and invited Jesus Christ to be his saviour.

That was more than 12 months ago and Wayne has remained clean and free from drugs ever since.

“I pray every day asking God to make me strong and positive in my outlook. I also pray for my parents, my two children, my sisters and other friends,” he said.

“It has helped me to rebuild the relationship with my dad, who is battling with cancer, and I now see my son and daughter on a regular basis.

“Self pity was a big part of my life, but I don’t live in that place any more.”

Wayne now helps Rob and others run regular boxing classes at St Chad’s - with young and old alike attending each week. They also go running, cycling and kayaking together.

“The boxing sessions are really popular,” said Wayne. “We do circuits, sparring and use boxing pads and gloves during the sessions. Then we will sit down and Rob will have a chat about different things before praying.”

Wayne added: “The joy of the Lord is now my strength.”

Rachel.

“We went to the sales office and there was literally only one house available in our price range - and that was the one we chose.”

Later that night Rachel was given what Christians call ‘a picture or vision’ of a huge spear hitting the ground with great force. “It seemed to be breaking up ground that appeared to be neglected,” said Rachel, “and I knew it was God claiming the land as his own and preparing the ground.”

Rachel and her family moved into the new Sherford development at the end of December 2017. “I think I was one of the first Christians to move in there,” said Rachel. “There weren’t that many families living in Sherford at the time and nothing in terms of community activities or groups,” said Rachel. “It felt like I was parachuted in ready and raring to get on with some community work.”

Community volunteers

“The church has set up a mutual aid group involving many volunteers from the community, which has been vitally important since the lockdown. We have helped provide residents with food deliveries, prescriptions and hot meals as well as other support, such as craft packs for youngsters. We have also created a free pantry for anyone who is struggling to get the food they need.

“We have also raised funds to help people in need including a family with a terminally ill daughter to help them with travel costs to the hospital in Bristol. We are also raising funds to help provide an assistance dog for a little boy with a medically-challenging condition.

“It’s so rewarding working in this way with the community. I am able to help families with a range of issues, provide emotional support and signpost them to support services.

“I can share my experiences of life and tell them how the love of God has helped me so much.

“Developers can build houses, but only God can build the community,” she added.

Novel by K L Cole

64 ★★★★★

five star reviews

‘An

incredible journey!

A fascinating story of passion - almost every human emotion explored.’

Also available as paperback on Amazon Lifelines Winter 2020 9

Christian websites that may be helpful What is life all about? Why does God allow suffering? Aren’t all religions the same? Doesn’t science explain everything? These are just some of the questions people frequently ask. These websites may help with the answers

www.christianityexplored.org www.christianity.org.uk www.peacewithgod.org.uk www.allaboutgod.com www.activechristianiy.org www.gotquestions.org www.bibleinfo.com www.findingtruepeace.com www.solas-cpc.org www.rzim.org www.request.org.uk www.ucb.org www.crossrhythms.co.uk/ plymouth www.god.tv

Surfer Dave is riding the air waves at Cross Rhythms Keen surfer Dave Simpson loves nothing more than riding the waves but these days it’s the airwaves that he’s focused on.

As station manager of Cross Rhythms Plymouth - the community radio station which has been broadcasting in the city for 13 years - Dave is honing his skills as an accomplished broadcaster.

But it wasn’t what Dave expected to be doing when he was considering his career options after leaving school and doing a degree in sports science and coaching at Marjon University.

“I always wanted to work with young people, particularly disadvantaged kids after spending some time as a teaching assistant. Both my parents were teachers, so it seemed to be the obvious choice,” said Dave.

But as a committed Christian Dave knew that it was

Hope in uncertain times A life of faith in Jesus is a journey.

If you have read this edition of Lifelines and want to talk with someone about starting on that journey yourself, call 07873901386 to speak with a member of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship who will listen and point you in the right direction.

We all have our questions.

Broadcasting to Plymouth...station manager Dave Simpson vital that he followed God ‘s leading in his life.

“I always wanted to do whatever God wanted me to do - which is what the scripture tells us in the Psalms..'Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.'

Growing up in a Christian family, Dave embarked on his own journey of faith and found himself constantly in the company of other young people who believed in Jesus. He was baptised at the age of 10, along with one of his brothers.

"When I was in secondary school most of the kids had no interest in faith. There was a lot of peer pressure to get involved with drinking and drugs," said Dave.

"But my really close friends were all in the youth group at church together and we had plenty of fun surfing as often as we could," he added. "There was never a sense that Christianity was boring - there was definitely plenty of life and fun growing up."

As Dave's faith grew deeper and stronger he sought God's guidance on what to do with his life.

After meeting his future wife Sarah, Dave attended a six months course with Christians in Sport, which provided a mixture of bible study and sports-related outreach.

Three days after he completed the course he proposed to Sarah and they were married in 2010.

It was then that he took up the post as a teaching assistant. "I absolutely loved it and thought that maybe I should train as a teacher - which is why I went to Marjon."

His introduction to broadcasting came after Dave joined Cornerstone Vision, the Peverell-based publishing company as a part-time sales executive.

His wife Sarah already worked at the company, which was established more than 30 years before by her father Chris.

Chris had also founded Cross Rhythms in the 1980s and been successful in securing a community radio licence from Ofcom in 2005.

Dave explained: "Chris asked me if I wanted to get involved with Cross Rhythms and help run the station.

My heart was saying 'no' but I said I would pray about it. The more I prayed the more I felt it was the right thing to do.

"I didn't think I was qualified for the job as I had no broadcasting experience and definitely felt a lack of confidence," he added.

"Having been station manager for six years I don't know anywhere else that could have given me such a wonderful opportunity to serve God's Kingdom and help people discover God's love."

Dave is now spearheading fund raising activities as well as overseeing the station's growing number of volunteers. He hosts the Afternoon Show and the Life Stories series - and is now also starting work on applying to Ofcom for the Cross Rhythms licence to be extended for another five years from 2022.

"I have learned over the years that it is what God does in you, as much as he does through you that is so important," he added.

‘I have learned over the years that it is what God does in you, as much as he does through you that is so important’

If you have questions about life and faith you may find the videos at bit.ly/LifelinesShortAnswers useful.

“ WORRY

does not empty

TOMORROW

of its sorrows; it empties

TODAY

of its strength

cornerstonefellowship.co.uk 10

Lifelines Winter 2020

”

Corrie Ten Boom

This simple prayer could change your life forever

Churches in your area...

Hope Baptist Church, Peverell Park Road, Plymouth PL3 4QG www.hopebaptist.co.uk Facebook Hope Baptist Church E-mail office@ hopebaptist.co.uk Tel 01752 708090 Living Well Church, Mudge Way, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 2PS www.livingwell.church Facebook Living Well Church E-mail office@ cotnlivingwell.org.uk Tel 07874 606043 Morice Baptist Church, Ham Drive, Plymouth PL2 2NJ www.moricebaptist.co.uk Facebook Morice Baptist Church Mutley Baptist Church, Mutley Plain, Plymouth PL4 6LB www.mutleybaptist.co.uk Facebook Mutley Baptist Church E-mail office@ mutleybaptist.co.uk Phone: 01752 203346 Plymouth Christian Centre, Embankment Road, Plymouth PL4 9HP www. plymouthchristiancentre.org Facebook Plymouth Christian Centre. E-mail contact@ plymouthchristiancentre.org Tel 01752 661019

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Maybe you’ve been exploring the Christian faith for some time and realise you now need to make a decision. Perhaps you’ve been looking at Jesus’s life, teaching and claims for a while and you know you need to respond. So how do you become a follower of Jesus?

The great news is that becoming a Christian is really easy. There is a simple prayer around three words - SORRY, THANKS and PLEASE. Lord Jesus Christ, I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life (take a few moments to ask his forgiveness for anything particular that is on your conscience).

Please forgive me. I now turn from everything that I know is wrong.

Thank you that you love me and you died on the cross for me, so that I could be forgiven and set free. Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Spirit.

I now receive that gift. Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me forever. Thank you Lord Jesus, Amen If you have prayed this prayer for the first time, or if you are returning to the Lord after being absent for a time, it is best if you make contact with a church near you - see details opposite.

Plymouth Methodist Central Hall, Eastlake Street, Plymouth PL1 1BA www. plymouthcentralhall.co.uk Facebook Plymouth Methodist Central Hal E-mail pmchoffice@ btconnect.com Tel 01752 660997

Plymstock Chapel, Church Road, Plymstock PL9 9AH www.plymstockchapel. co.uk Facebook Plymstock Chapel E-mail chapelplymstock@gmail.com Tel Mark Oliver 07808 594403 St Chad’s Church, 73 Whitleigh Green, Plymouth PL5 4DE Facebook St Chad’s, Whitleigh E-mail stchadswhitleigh@outlook. com Tel Rob Fowler 07890 262863 St Matthias, North Hill, Plymouth PL4 8HF www.stmplymouth.org.uk Facebook St Matthias Plymouth E-mail info@stmplymouth. org.uk 01752 253251 St Michael’s, 29 Albert Rd, Stoke, Plymouth PL2 1AB www.stbarnacles.wordpress.com E-mail timrev@hotmail.co.uk Tel 01752 666544 Sherford Community Church, 3 Vinery Lane, Plymouth PL9 8DD www.sherfordchurch.net Facebook Sherford Community Church E-mail tom@sherfordchurch.net Tel 01752 547492 The Worship Centre, Plymbridge Road, Estover PL6 7LF www.theworshipcentre.com Facebook The Worship Centre E-mail npcc@ btinternet.com 01752 700748 For information on events organised by churches in Plymouth or for details of local churches visit the Churches Together in Plymouth website at www.ctip.org.uk

For more hope filled personal stories like those featured in this Lifelines paper, visit bit.ly/CRPlymLifeStories Positive radio for Plymouth on 96.3FM and online at crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth Lifelines Winter 2020 11

Acid attack victim Katie Piper finds strength in her faith Acid attack victim Katie Piper has found the strength to cope with her horrific injuries through her faith in Jesus Christ.

In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, 37-yearold Katie revealed that she became a Christian 12 years ago, as she recovered from the sulphuric acid attack, which had been orchestrated by a former boyfriend.

The former model and television presenter suffered catastrophic injuries, losing her eyelids, part of her nose and one ear, and has since endured more than 300 operations.

While she was in hospital, lying immobile in agony, a nurse started talking to her about God. "Had anyone known, she would probably have been sacked for breaking ethics by discussing religion," said Katie. "But she was just doing it out of Christian kindness to comfort me.

"At that point, I really felt my life was over. But I remember her telling me: 'Things happen for a reason. This is not the end. God has great things in store for you.' That night I prayed for the first time.

Katie Piper with her Pride of Britain Award

Then the weirdest thing happened. The room seemed incredibly bright, and I felt I was being enveloped in a warm hug.

"A voice in my head said: 'Everything’s going to be OK'."

It is clear Katie believes she felt a divine presence: "I didn’t see God or angels, but I felt an incredible sense of being loved."

Katie’s faith has been a huge source of strength through her ongoing physical challenges - and she has now become one of the presenters of BBC's popular Songs of Praise programme.

Bosses picked Katie to join regular presenters Aled Jones and Katherine Jenkins after she made a standout appearance with mum Diane in a Mother’s Day edition in March 2020.

In the years since the attack Katie has become used to deflecting personal slights. She has steeled herself to everything from being stared at in the street to – extraordinary as it sounds – being targeted by vicious trolls online.

She has also established an impressive career as an advocate for burns survivors. The Katie Piper Foundation is the UK’s only charity dedicated to rehabilitating adult burns survivors and those with severe trauma scarring She is the face of haircare brand Pantene, hosts a podcast, Katie Piper’s Extraordinary People, and in 2018 was a hit on Strictly Come Dancing, with professional Gorka Marquez.

Before she married her husband, carpenter

Katie Piper...now a presenter on Songs of Praise Richard Sutton, in November 2015, she insisted they take marriage classes. They spent every Sunday for six weeks discussing their relationship in intimate detail with an older Christian couple.

"Everyone should do it," Katie said. "It was a great way of exploring our feelings and discussing love and commitment." The family attend church regularly near their London home. Every night before bed, Katie prays with daughters Belle, six, and Penelope, two.

Katie’s faith is unexpected because she was born into a non-religious family.

Mum Diane, a primary school teacher, and dad David, a barber, never took Katie and her siblings to church.

"My parents don’t regard themselves as Christians. I wasn’t even baptised," she said. "But they had good values. They instilled in us to love our neighbours and treat others as we’d like to be treated."

Boxer Andy fights for Jesus now In the ring, boxing star Andy Flute could hold his own against the very best.

He faced four world champions, fought bravely for the British title and was selected as chief sparring partner by Chris Eubank, Nigel Benn and Joe Calzaghe.

But even during those heady, glory days, Andy stepped through the ropes with a demon clutching his broad shoulders. Even in his fighting prime, Andy was shadowboxing with alcoholism.

“For many years, drink was my friend,” said the now 50-year-old. “It did things for me that other things couldn’t.

But when it turned on me, it took me to hell and back.

“I was known for my toughness, I was never off my feet and only ever stopped through injuries, but the alcohol beat me into submission.”

Heavy social drinking turned into alcoholism and Andy, befuddled by booze, turned from a sporting hero into a monster.

“People would cross the street to avoid me,” he admits.

When the drink no longer carried the soporific clout Andy craved, he turned to cocaine and crack.

The cocktail drove Andy to three jail sentences for violence and came perilously close to claiming his life. He was stabbed and run over while sozzled.

After being released from his third prison sentence at HMP Birmingham, formerly Winson Green, he promised himself he would never return.

“I went to nearly 100 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, which helped a little but I still felt as though the drink was controlling me,” he said.

After one particular relapse, Andy is convinced his cries for help were answered.

“I was never a religious man. But at the AA meetings we

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regularly talked about a higher power. I thought, ‘how am I going to be helped by a higher power? I couldn’t have been further away from it'. But I was desperate with nowhere else to go. I promised Jesus that if he could help me then I would devote the rest of my life to him.

“All I can describe it as is a euphoric feeling. Like a weight was lifted from me, I couldn’t believe it.”

What followed has changed Andy’s outlook, and led him to hold lectures for many young people who are in a similar predicament to what he was.

“I’ve not been cured from alcoholism. I know that if I have another drop my past will become my future again. But the depression of the disease was lifted from me and gave me the strength for the fight."

He last drank alcohol on October 28, 2015, and was baptised the following month. I’ve been clean and sober for five years. I’m fighting for Jesus now," he said.

Andy will share his story with Plymouth viewers The ex-fighter turned author to pen his experiences in his autobiography called ‘Jesus in My Corner.’ And he now travels the country sharing his testimony.

People in Plymouth will have the opportunity to hear Andy’s lifechanging meeting with Jesus in an online programme presented

by Christian Vision for Men (CVM) Plymouth.

Andy will be sharing his story on a live stream on the CVM Plymouth You Tube channel and CVM Plymouth Facebook page on Friday Saturday 21 starting at 7.30pm.

And CVM are also throwing in a free curry for viewers to enjoy.

The curry will be available to collect between 5pm and 6pm (location to be confirmed).

Anyone interested should book their curry online at www.cvm-plymouth.org.uk/tickets.

CVM organiser Mark Frajbis said: “We hold these curry nights on a regular basis but COVID restrictions mean we have to do it as a streamed event this time. We need people to book their tickets so that we know how many people we are catering for.

There will be a choice of curries - including a vegetarian option.

People just have to cook their own rice at home - or wherever they are watching the programme.

“It promises to be a good evening. We hope lots of people will want to listen to Andy as he tells his story - from hell to Christianity.”

Lifelines is published by Alive in the Spirit Trust Charity No.278432 and printed by Newsquest Weymouth