New Life Feb 09 issue 180

NEW LIFE FEBRUARY 2009

Issue 180

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JADE: WHY SHE HAS STARTED TO READ BIBLE PAGE 3

PRAY FOR BABY P KILLERS PLEA – PAGE 2  WIN A BRILLIANT NEW BOOK – PAGE 7

Why Kaka snubbed City cash bonanza

missing nurse prayed in freezing car boot ThE missing nurse who was found trapped in the boot of her car was kept alive by her faith in God, her brother has revealed.

FAITH... Magdeline

Brave Magdeline Makola is recovering at home following her horrific 11-day ordeal in freezing temperatures. Her brother Refilwe Makola, 35, insisted it was prayers that kept her from death. He said: “Magdeline is very strong mentally and has great faith. She was praying while inside the car boot and this is what kept her going. “Eventually these calls were answered  Continued on Page 2

PRAYED... Magdeline’s brother Refilwe at a press conference last month

A FOOTBALLER renowned for openly declaring his faith has stunned the sport by rejecting a historic £100m deal. Devout Christian Kaka has been dubbed ‘the man money couldn’t buy’, after turning down the biggest signing fee in sport history. And sources close to the AC Milan striker suggest that it is because the Brazilian-born star isn’t driven by cash – but the love of God. It was claimed he would rake in £500,000-a-week if he were to leave AC Milan to play in the Premiersh ip. But wh i le many would have bee n te mpted by t h is h istor ica l offer, bor naga i n Ch ristia n Kaka, real-name Ricardo Izecson do Santos Leite, FAITHFUL... Kaka wasn’t. Kaka is certain to have prayed about the inquiry from Manchester City, which has become the Premiership’s richest club after a takeover last year. The 26-year-old hasn’t said much regarding the speculation, but he did tell reporters: “‘Not even for 30 seconds did I think about going to Manchester City. “All the messages coming my way said to choose with my heart. And in the end, that’s what the choice was. It was absolutely not economical. Through this, I have understood how people love me at Milan.” The move has dominated national papers, with the Daily Mirror reporting: “Jesus, rather than money, is Kaka’s God.” Kaka grew up a devout Christian, and has regularly said how much he prays to God and reads the Bible. He remained a virgin until his wedding in 2006, and is known for his ‘I belong to Jesus’ t-shirt which he sometimes wears underneath his Milan shirt.

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Issue 180

My missing sister kept alive by faith  Continued from Page 1 a nd her l i fe was saved.” Sout h African-born Magdeline is a committed Christian and a regular at the Livingston Baptist Church, near her West Lothian home. The congregation were praying for the 38-year-old nurse, wh ile some fellow worshippers visited their friend’s bedside to offer love and support. Pastor Jim McNaughton said: “We wish Magdeline a speedy recovery, mentally, physically and spiritually. We rejoice that she has been found and pray for her.” Churchgoers were left stunned when concerns were first raised for Magdeline after she failed to turn up for her shift at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. She was found on Boxing Day last year. And it is believed she may have been missing for up to 11 days before being discovered in the boot of her Vauxhall Astra in Airdrie, Lanarkshire. Courageous Magdeline has since told pals she had no food or water during her terrifying nightmare. Refilwe – who travelled 6,000 miles from South Africa to care for her – says his sister managed to stay strong throughout the ordeal. He said: “Magdeline is doing very well and is delighted to be home. “Despite everything that happened she was very excited about returning to her own house. She is very thankful to everyone for their support and best wishes. “Our whole fam ily has been through hell with worry and we thank God that Magdeline is safe.” A 35-yea r- old ma n h as bee n charged in connection with the alleged abduction.

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Mixed views over atheist bus adverts

CASHING IN... representatives of the charities with the financial backers

Bishop urges: Pray for killers of Baby P NEW LIFE

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OFF THE ROAD... Ron Heather with the bus that carries the advert

CHURCH leaders have welcomed a bus advert funded by an atheist group which claims: “There’s Probably No God”. As the campaign – funded by atheists including Professor Richard Dawkins – was launched, officials from The Methodist Church of Great Britain said they hoped it would help people consider “the deepest questions of life”. The Rev Jenny Ellis, spirituality and discipleship officer, said: “We are grateful to Richard for his continued interest in God and for encouraging people to think about these issues. This campaign will be a good thing if it gets people to engage with the deepest questions of life.” Meanwhile, Christian bus driver Ron Heather has refused to drive a vehicle that carries the advert. Ron, 62, who drives for First Bus Southampton, said: “I was in a dilemma but I felt strongly I couldn’t drive that bus.”

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A BISHOP has called on worshippers to pray for Baby P’s killers in an act of mercy.

Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Nicholas Reade, asked for compassion for the killers who tortured the 17-month-old boy to death. Rt Rev Reade said they should pray that sinners who “defaced God’s image through abuse and oppression” could be “brought face to face with the baby in the manger”. TRAGIC LIFE... The Bishop told worshippers at BlackBaby P burn Cathedral: “There have been some high-profile stories in recent months of indiv iduals and sure, the same baby that sufg roups who h ave de faced fered alongside Baby P, and God’s image through abuse who now cares for him, is the and oppression of others. baby who reveals the truth and “We should pray that those grace of God.” who are abusers, those who MPs and child abuse camcannot find it in their hearts paigners blasted the message, to reflect the love and mercy saying it wasn’t correct to pray of God in their lives, may be for child abusers. brought face to face with the But Rt Rev Reade defended baby in the manger. For, be his comments and added: “One

PLEA... The Rt Rev Nicholas Reade hates the sin but one shows Christian love to the sinner.” The C h r ist ia n fa it h demands forgiveness of sins and says that God will forgive if a sinner repents of their sin. Baby P’s mum, 27, his 32year-old stepdad and lodger Jason Owen, 36, were convicted of allowing the tot to die in Haringey, North London.

Crunch prayers God can fix us RESIDENTS turned to the power of prayer to help solve their money woes. A 12-hour prayerathon was held at St Peter’s and St Paul’s churches in Lingfield, Surrey, so that people could pray to God for help with the credit crunch. The session started at 11am and finished at 11pm, with special hourly prayer sessions taking place for residents looking for support in the current financial climate. The Rev Stephen Gendall said: “I have had many people contact me from the village who have been seriously affected by the credit crunch. Some residents have lost their jobs and are despairing over what to do. Church members held a meeting, and that is where the idea came from.”

God can mend the social problems afflicting Britain, but it might not necessarily happen in the way some people expect, the Archbishop of Canterbury has said. Speaking to around 50 young people at the Solace pub church in Cardiff, Dr Rowan Williams said God’s way to mend broken Britain “is through us”. “God doesn’t step down out of the sky, shooting thunderbolts out of his fingers. He comes down at a human level and says, ‘You are going to do this, I trust you.’ “That’s how God mends – through you and me,” Dr Williams said. He added: “Christianity is the story of a God whose priority is to take people seriously, a God who treats humans like adults.”

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Issue 180

Nobody does it better for Alicia SH E’S sold 30 m i l l ion a lbu m s worldwide and sang the soundtrack to the latest James Bond film, but superstar Alicia Keys keeps her feet very much on the ground. The 28-year-old is far from your normal celebrity – she prays, loves Jesus, and gives much of her time to helping the poor and needy in Africa. Alicia, who has won 11 Grammy Awards, is a committed Christian who believes God has blessed her with an exciting career. She added: “Spirituality is at the centre of my life. Music is the closest to God that we can get, it’s

What makes a splash for ‘mermaid’ THE voice of Ariel in the new Little Mermaid DVD release is an unashamed follower of Jesus. Jodi Benson revealed she was brought to Christ by her husband. She said: “I am a follower of Jesus. My husband brought me to the Lord when I was 18, and I am so lucky to have a platform through the studio. They have been so kind and loving and supportive. “I home school, so the start of the day is reading Bible scripture, memorisation and praye r. It i s t he number one thing in my life. I am just led by the Lord. “We as a family have tried to make Jodi Benson our lives a blessing, and tried to be an open vessel to pour out whenever the Lord gives us the opportunity. “When I share a song or walk the The Little red ca r pet, I a lMermaid ways say, ‘Let us do the loving thing.’ My husband has a gift for reaching out to people in need. I always look over and see him connecting to someone who needs to talk or needs some support. “The important thing is relationships, making connections and loving. We live in a broken world and we are here to help it heal.” Jod i h a s worked on a lot of projects over 20 years, but says of The Little Mermaid: “The people at Disney really gave their hearts to this project so that made it extra special for me.”

Why X-Factor star is praying X-FACTor sensat ion A le xa nd ra Burke says she is asking God to help her be the best UK singer. The 20-year-old, below, hoped she could one day rival fellow star Leona Lewis. She said: “I hope for what Leona’s got, by this time next year. I’d love a number one album and masses of support. I really pray, I pray for it!” A lexandra won X-Factor after performing Hallelujah. She became the first British female solo artist to sell a million copies of a single in the UK.

God’s gift to humanity. “I believe that music has a mystical dimension, because when I meet people from all over the world we can connect through music. It’s like a common language.

performing “I pray a lot every single day. I am very big on prayer before everything I do – like going on stage and performing. “It’s not dangerous or seductive for me to be in front of huge audiences. I don’t get egotistical or full of myself because I am centred as a person.”

And while Alicia could afford to splash out on expensive clothes, she often chooses not to, remembering those less fortunate than her. She said: “I do love dressing up. The other day, I saw a cream cashmere V-neck sweater that I liked in a store for $700. “I could afford it, but I would be uncomfortable spending so much when there’s so much poverty and so many struggles in the world. “I would rather be called smart than sexy. “As long as I’m beautiful on the inside... that’s the kind of beauty I want.”

Alicia Keys

The Bible is helping my fight for life REALITY TV’s Jade Goody has turned to God to help her cope with cancer. The 27-year-old, who recently said she had a 40 per cent chance of surviving the the fight against cervical cancer, revealed: “I’ve always thought there’s a God, although I’ve never been a churchy kind of person, but now I think, ‘Why not go to church?’ “I’ve got a version of the Bible which is easy to read, and I look through it when I’m feeling down. It really helps,” said Goody, who became a household name after being a contestant in the third series of Big sta r Sh i lpa Shet t y, Brother. who starred alongalong She added: “I’ve always side Goody in the prayed but now I do find it Celebrity Big Brother helps. Maybe the big man that sparked a race upstai rs th in ks, ‘She’s a row, has revealed she tough cookie, she can hanis praying for Goody’s dle this. She’s watched her recovery. dad inject heroin, watched She said: “What haphap her mum do crack, she’s pened between us in the lost a baby, had boyfriends past means nothing comcom who’ve hit her. Yeah, she can pared to what Jade is going handle this too.’ through today. “Every n ight I pray disease for a miracle to save her “But I do think after this life. You wouldn’t wish is over, God might think I’ve this on your worst enhad more than my fair share emy. to deal with!” “I was one of the Goody learned she had fi rst people to be the disease when producers told and I kept sayof the Indian version of Big ing over and over Brother broke the news to to myself, ‘It can’t her in the Diary room. be true.’ I called She said it was “the hardJade at Mu m ba i est times of our lives” for airport, telling her he r a nd boy f r ie nd Jac k to hang in there Tweed. and be strong for Meanwhile, Bolly wood her kids.”

Jade turns to God to cope with cancer

Jade Goody before her chemotherapy started

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Revealed: the truth behind Emmerdale’s double ‘killer’ EMMErDALE star Tom Lister has had more than his share of “hairy” moments as Carl King, one of the ITV soap’s major characters. In the popular soap, he still hides a deep, dark secret – his character murdered his father! In his on-screen persona he has also been responsible for the death of a village postman and has, of course, been involved in his share of sexual shenanigans. It’s a very different life to the one that he leads off-screen, as the young actor can be found every Sunday leading the praise and worship group at his church. And he attributes all his success to God. In an interview with New Life he explained how the complex character of Carl interested him deeply, and how his belief in Jesus Christ was the motivating force behind everything he does. He said: “Carl’s an interesting guy, and a lot of young men will be able to relate to him. He’s had casual affairs and squa ndered money t hat he’s never had to work ver y hard for. “He’s been h igh ly irresponsible and as a result is l iv i ng w ith a STAR... Tom Lister, lot of guilt. But Emmerdale’s as a Christian, Carl King I need to tell everybody that no one has to live with guilt, and that we don’t have to earn God’s forgiveness. That was all done when Jesus Christ hung on a cross and died for our sins 2,000 years ago. “o “once we accept him into our life, everything we’ve done is dealt with by that incredible act of the Lord.” Tom has no difficulty accepting some of the roles that deal with the moral shortcomings of human beings. He said: “If you were to refuse every role that came along because of moral objections, you’d never work, would you?” Tom has been in and around church for the best part of his life and said: “I now lead the praise and worship group in my church up in Yorkshire, and I love being involved in that.” He admits that he has had “cool periods” in his church life. But he admitted: “When I landed the Emmerdale role I honestly felt – and still do – that it was driven by God. “I genuinely felt he wanted me to stay in the area where I would remain in church. I wanted to remain true to myself and to him.”

NEW LIFE CORONATION Street’s Sophie Webster is to become the opposite of sister Rosie – by turning to God. The 14 -year- old schoolgirl (played by Brooke Vincent) even takes a vow of chastit y af ter converting to Christianity on the ITV soap. And when Sophie starts attending a Bible group, she ends up with two new men in her life – boyfriend Ben, 16, and Jesus.

NEWSFLASH

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Saddle do nicely for preacher

WORLD NEWS ROUND-UP

£50k boost for cholera effort ZIMBABWE – Relief organisation Christian Aid has given £50,000 to reduce the vulnerability of 15,000 people in Harare following a cholera outbreak. The relief effort will be carried out by Christian Aid’s partner organisation the Zimbabwe Project Trust (ZimPro) through the promotion of public health education and water and sanitation activities. “Around 30 people are dying every day from cholera in Zimbabwe,” says William Anderson, Christian Aid’s country manager in Harare. “Although this is quite a small number compared to the HIV mortality rate there is still a higher than acceptable fatality rate of cholera victims.” In addition to public health and hygiene promotion sessions, ZimPro will distribute non-food items including soap, cotton wool and disinfectants.

REVVED UP... Joe Drake, who has become the elder of the Middle Tennessee chapter of Bikers for Christ

Prayer call for WOMAN WAS BURIED FOR 72 HOURS North Koreans NORTH KOREA – Christians around the world are praying for persecuted believers in North Korea. There are an estimated 200,000 Christians in the reclusive communist country, which has topped Open Doors’ annual list of countries where persecution against Christians is most severe for the last six years in a row. At an event last month, Open Doors urged Christians to pray for North Korean believers, who the group says face being beaten, arrested, tortured or even killed because of their religious beliefs. The Methodist Church took part in the day of prayer, and plans to help run a food production company in North Korea. The Church’s Fund for World Mission has released a £5,000 grant to support the project.

Pastor targets ‘Sin City’ porn USA – A pastor with a passion to fight pornography has taken his ministry to The Las Vegas Strip, right in the middle of the action in what is famously known as “sin city”. And the mission is simple: to share Christ and, with that, steer people away from the temptations and “dangerous devices” in Vegas. “It makes perfect sense for who we’re trying to reach, the temptations that this city has to offer, and the call that we feel that God has put in our lives to do this,” said Craig Gross, founder of XXXChurch.com. “Las Vegas is known as ‘sin city’, and that’s where we need to be.”

Ghana president prays for wisdom

GHANA – Recently elected president John Atta Mills said he will pray for humility and for God’s wisdom to govern Ghana after being declared the West African country’s next president. “The time has come to work together to build a better Ghana,” he told throngs of jubilant supporters. “May we pray to God to continue to shower his blessings on Ghana.” He also assured Ghanaians “that I will be president for all”.

Thank God my wife survived ordeal in snow A THANKFUL husband believes God “reached down and cradled” his wife as she survived 72 hours underneath several metres of snow. The amazing find has even caused experts to admit 55-yearold Donna Molnar shouldn’t be alive. Husband David told reporters: “It’s a miracle. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. “If anyone has a better explanation for how someone in street clothes can survive 72 hours in minus 10 and minus 15 temperatures with an incredible amount of blowing snow… and without all the high-tech gear, well, I’m all ears.

protected “My theory is that I really believe that God reached down and cradled her and protected her until they could find her.” Donna, who lives in Hamilton near Toronto in Canada, was reported missing by her husband after she didn’t return from a shopping trip. Her abandoned vehicle was found, and search crews began to search for her for two days. They didn’t find her until a rescue dog made a bee-line for a mound of snow about 200 metres

IN the mid-1990s, Joe Drake was a clean-cut businessman, but his life was a wreck. His marriage was on the rocks, and Drake spent most nights drinking booze and taking drugs at his home. “I was addicted to cocaine and was drinking a case or two cases of beer at the end,” said Drake. Today, Drake is a clean, sober, happily married, regular churchgoer and part-time preacher. He also prefers his torn jeans, black sleeveless shirt, leather vest, tattooed shoulders, Fu Manchu moustache and 1975 Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster motorcycle. “These are my church clothes,” he said. Drake is the newly appointed elder of the Middle Tennessee chapter of Bikers for Christ, one of a growing number of motorcycle ministries popping up around the USA.

Obama tells of faith in first speech PRESIDENT Barack Obama clearly told the world of his Christian faith during his inauguration speech last month. The 44th American President’s address was heard by millions President of Americans who Obama gathered in Washington, and millions more who watched the speech on TV around the world. Speaking on unity in America he said: “I have asserted a firm conviciton – a conviction rooted in my faith in God – that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice if we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union.” He also credited America’s pursuit of equality to God and asked for God’s grace as the United States of America overcame many problems. President Obama added: “Let it be said of our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter, and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us we carried forward that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”

Child No18 is real ‘gift’ BURIED... A picture of Donna Molnar which was part of a prayer vigil for her safe return after going missing in a snowdrift from her vehicle. Staff Sgt Mark Cox said all that was visible was an eye, looking up from a small hole. He believes Molnar probably survived because she fell and quickly became buried in snow, which would have had “an insulating effect”, Cox said. Upon arriving at the hospital, David said his wife was heavily sedated and put on painkillers. “I did whisper in her ear, ‘Wel-

come back, I love you.’ I don’t know if she heard that or not. But she has a long, long road to go, I can tell you that. She’s going to continue to struggle. “Clearly she’s capable of doing that, and the good part is that she doesn’t have to do that alone.” Training worker of the Volunteer Search Team David Walker admitted: “I’ve done many, many searches and that woman should not be alive.”

A WOMAN who has already had 17 children with names beginning with the letter J has given birth to her 18th child – a girl named Jordyn-Grace Makiya Duggar. Devout Christian Michelle Duggar, 42, delivered the baby girl by Caesarean section in Arkansas, US. The baby weighed 7lbs 3oz (3.26kg) and was 20 inches long. “The ultimate gift from God,” said dad Jim Bob Duggar. “She’s just absolutely beautiful, like her mum and her sisters.” The Duggars now have ten sons and eight daughters. The family, who has its own TV show in the US, refuse to use any form of contraception, and say each child is a gift from God.

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Issue 180

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RAPPER REGAINS HIS SIGHT AFTER PRAYING An amazing

i was blind but now i can see... by Matthew Murray

BRIGHT FUTURE... Rap artiste Marcus Brendling who says his sight was restored

A rApper who was partially blind has revealed how his sight was miraculously restored after he became a Christian.

Marcus Brendling, 23, was a self-confessed “mess” after getting involved in partying and booze. He had also developed a genetic eye condition that left him partially blind in both eyes, meaning he only saw people as “blobs” and his vision was “highly blurred”. But after being preached to by members of his family, Marcus turned back to his Christian roots and found God. About a fortnight after, he was praying in his bedroom when he says God healed him of his condition. He told New Life: “It all happened when I was in my room at home. I was praying about my vision and believed that Jesus was going to heal me.

Volunteers patrol red light area to help in crime battle CHrISTIAN volunteers are patrolling Preston’s red light areas in a bid to tackle the city’s prostitution problem. A new team of Street Pastors are to tackle crime issues on the city’s streets after being asked by police for their help. They will attempt to mix with prostitutes, residents, traders and others in areas affected by street sex work, give comfort to those who find themselves in the depths of

Binge drink bid SENIor leaders in the Church in Wales and the Welsh police force are uniting in a campaign aimed at overturning the nation’s binge drinking culture. The “Enough is Enough” campaign will target all areas of excessive drinking, from out-of-control revellers in city centres to those who enjoy one too many glasses of wine at home.

despair and, where appropriate, offer to pray with them. They will also mix with revellers and offer them practical advice. The project saw trained church volunteers go out on the streets at night to talk to and support people at risk of offending. They will be trained in important social and practical issues and under guidance from police, the local council and the church, they will be deployed in areas where a Christian presence is considered necessary. The chairman of the Christian crimefighting team, Pastor Chris Drury, a minister at Fulwood Free Methodist Church, said it was a positive step for the community that showed people in Preston cared about the city’s problems. He added: “We have been asked to go into these areas to deal with these sensitive issues. We won’t just focus on prostitutes; we will also engage with residents and shopkeepers in those areas. “This project is eventually for the whole city. It has to be a long-term project, as volunteers have to gain people’s trust.”

IT’S amazing! A classic British hymn is still carrying the sweet sound to loved-up British couples. Amazing Grace is the most frequently chosen song by 400 couples planning their wedding each month through the Church of England’s new online ceremony planner. More than 1,300 couples have registered to use the new “listen and choose” service, which gives couples the choice of 25 hymns for weddings and 12 readings from the Bible. John Newton’s Amazing Grace is the most popular choice for a wedding hymn, closely followed by Make Me a Channel of Your Peace and All Things Bright and Beautiful. The most popular Bible reading is wedding favourite 1 Corinthians 13, which ends with verse 13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Godfather finds God the Father! A MAFIA Godfather who was arrested two and a half years ago has turned to God in prison. Bernardo Provenzano lives a solitary life, according to an Italian Parliamentary deputy who visited him in his prison cell. Antonio Missiani, a centre Left deputy, said Provenzano, 75, who is in isolation serving many life sentences for murders, spent his days “praying, reading the Bible and writing to his wife and children”. The former Mafia boss of bosses told his visitor “faith is everything”.

weeping “While I was praying, I was listening to Christian music and a song came on that I wanted to sing to and I knew the words were in the album booklet. “Expecting to put it really close to my face, I opened it – and then found I could read the small print writing from 3ft away! It was amazing, and I just broke down in tears. I began weeping and ran to my dad and told him what had happened. I had been healed by Jesus!” Before, Marcus said the only thing he could tell about a person was their skin and hair colour. He soon went for tests, and although doctors tried to give a medical explanation for he would never have been able to do before the sudden change, he remained adamant his miracle. He now travels to different this was a work of God. churches rapping. “The doctors didn’t say too much, but I Wh i le at one t i me pe r for m i ng i n a pointed out to them that they had it on my nightclub full of revellers would have been records that I could not see, and now I could! his perfect scene, he now wants to rap in Jesus Christ had healed me and no one was churches and at Christian events, presenting telling me any different. the message of the gospel. “Within two weeks of being back in God’s He said: “I’m not in this for me at all. house, I got my vision back. Even though it God’s given me this talent to use for his wasn’t perfect, it could be made perfect by purpose, not for mine. glasses or a contact lens - something that “The only thing I want from my music the hospital had been trying for three years career is to save as many people as possible but failed. It was amazing.” for the kingdom of God.” Marcus, of Taverham, Norw ich, now For more on Marcus’ rapping ministry, works in administration for the NHS, a job visit his website, www.markaos.com

choice for newlyweds

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WORKING TOGeTheR TO BRING you The GOOd NeWS

tune in In 2009, New Life will be working with Christian

media organisation United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) to spread the Word. UCB broadcast to virtually all major UK cities on dAB digital radio and you can also listen via digital satellite and online. UCB radio is perfect for anyone who has an interest in news, features, music and interviews from a faith perspective.

exPlore CHristiAnity We’re also working with Alpha, the course that allows people to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thoughtprovoking weekly sessions. The courses are free and are usually run in the evening, and include a meal or refreshments. To find a course near you, see www.alpha.org

Find A CHurCH We’re also working with Find a Church, who run a brilliant website listing the details of more than 42,000 UK Christian churches. Simply tap in your postcode for help to find a great church in your area.

tHe BiBle MAtters The Gideons are well known for their work distributing Bibles to schools, hospitals, hotels etc. If you want Jesus to make himself real in your life, and don’t have a Bible, The Gideons will be happy to provide you with a Testament completely free of charge.

The ABC of how you can become a Christian...

A that Jesus died so that you can be forgiven, and ask God to forgive you B Believe Admit that you have done wrong

The Bible says, ‘All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23).

C

‘God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16); ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us’ (1 John 1:9).

Commit yourself to living God’s way Jesus said, ‘Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’ (John 8:12). Log on to www.lookingforgod.com for more help.

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Issue 180

Former junkie explains moment his liFe changed at a prison in a bin Full oF water

How I met Jesus... in a dustbin!

IN THE CAN... Colin Garnett at the South African Bethesda Christian Rehab centre he now leads

A

The bin was usually reserved for the backs of factories or shops, and wheeled out on refuse collection day. It dominated my view as I walked into that chapel, and I went and sat next to it out of curiosity. It was full of water, though I had no idea why. I sat down and just tried to blend in. Steve was in there with a big daft smile on his beautifully glowing face and I purposely avoided his gaze. Off to my right, there were between 12 and 14 prisoners, including the lifer I had been cuffed to on the way in. It turned out that we were waiting for the Prison Christian Fellowship (PCF) to arrive with guitars and tambourines, and hopefully some biscuits. There was an uncertain silence in the place until a huge black guy stood and started to talk. I made an instant judgement on this guy as being “ugly”. He had nothing going for him in my eyes. However, when he started to speak, I had to check it was his voice. His voice sounded really comforting, almost silky. I was astounded. He said: “We are waiting for the Christians to arrive, and Jesus himself is here.” He then started to sing the most wonderful song. It went from wonderful to heavenly when the rest of the guys stood up with him and joined in with perfect harmony. They were singing Majesty. It seemed to fill the whole room and was quite tear-provoking.

rapturous The PCF arrived in the midst of the singing and initially crept in to listen to the guys singing, but soon got caught up in it themselves. I suddenly became an observer. Steve was as caught up in this rapturous worship as everyone else, but I stood watching, feeling left out and left behind. As the worship grew in volume and adoration, I grew more and more distant from the whole evening. Twenty minutes or so into the evening a guy, who turned out to be the preacher, stood up and went to the front to deliver a message. He started to talk and read from the Bible, and what he said gave me reason to

think that Steve had spoken to him about me, because everything he said pointed to me. I sat there feeling like everyone knew he was talking about me, and I tried to catch Steve’s eye, because I wanted to tell him he was out of order talking to these people behind my back. Steve knew all about my failed attempts at cleaning up and what I called “the clinic failure”, and it was more than obvious that the whole night was pointing at me. The preacher read from Romans 7: “I do not understand what I do, for what I want to do, I do not do; what I hate, I do.” Straight away I thought: “Oh, very funny!” and I tried to catch Steve’s eye. It went on: “I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do right, but I cannot carry it out.” A lot of it went over my head, but a lot of it hit me in the very depth of me. And then when he said: “Who can set me free from

God for forgiveness, in Jesus’ name.” He then focused on Earl and asked him these three questions out loud: “Do you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he was crucified for your sin, died and was buried, and after three days was raised from the dead?” Earl open ly confessed th is to be h is belief. In my heart I said to myself: “I’ve always believed that.” “Do you confess yourself sinful before God and man, and turn to him with your life and with your soul for forgiveness, confessing Jesus is Lord?” Earl openly asked God for forgiveness and openly confessed: “Jesus is Lord.” I had no doubt about my sinfulness, and from deep within I was crying “Jesus is Lord!”

I

was stunned by the truth, and the truth seemed to ask me: “Colin, who is going to rescue you from your body of death?” From a room in the corner of the chapel, a guy from Jamaica was brought out with a bathrobe on and he was walked toward me. As he got closer, several Christians got up and followed him over to my corner. They were all smiling and hugging this guy, and he then removed the bathrobe. He was wearing a t-shirt and shorts, and he climbed into the bin right next to me and knelt down. Christians crowded into the corner, around the bin and myself, and they started to pray for him. After a short time, the preacher guy said to everyone in the room: “Our brother Earl has lived a life displeasing to both God and man. But tonight Earl is openly turning his back on his former lifestyle and turning to

“Do you open your heart now, Earl, and receive Jesus to be your personal Lord and Saviour?” Earl openly invited Jesus into his heart and life as his own personal Lord and Saviour. I knew I had never made a personal invitation or commitment to Jesus as the Christ of my life. In fact, my last genuine interaction with God was back on the school stairs, when I aggressively threw the God of my so-called religion into the bin.

gauntlet Earl was baptised in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and he was dunked into the water. The singing erupted once again and people were crying with Earl. I was in a stunned silence. The Christians started to disperse back to their seats, and the preacher went back to his Bible. He threw a gauntlet down to me when he asked: “Is there anyone else here tonight who feels the need to receive Jesus into their life as personal Lord and Saviour?”

YOunG people gathered in a north London church recently to express their unanimous opposit ion to ga ng violence. The youth concert at St Aldhelm’s Church, Edmonton, was held in response to the gang murders that have blighted the area since the start of the year. The event was joined by youth activist Alexander Rose, who has worked in a number of campaigns against knives, guns and drugs.

The local Youth Engagement Panel led a con f lict management workshop before the concert. V ic a r of St A ld he l m’s Church, the Rev David Bolster, said: “This is a positive alternative to throwing up your arms in horror at the gang culture that has gripped our neighbourhood. “Most of the young people in our area want peace and security. “Th is concert is about celebrating life and joy in

An initiative set up by churches last year to help the community has been applauded by the Prime Minister. Volunteers who took part in the Hope08 initiative joined board members from the campaign at 10 Downing Street to meet Gordon Brown. A nd he pra ised those i nvolved i n the campaign to take the gospel to the streets. He said: “People of faith have been at the heart of just about every social movement that has transformed society in this country, from the abolition of slavery through to Make Poverty History.” He continued, “I applaud all those involved in Hope08. There is no doubt that Hope08 has succeeded in offering hope to people.”

The question had not completely left the minister’s lips, and I was standing up and taking my jeans off. I heard myself saying, “I do! That’s exactly how I feel!” The whole congregation turned to look at me and as they all looked at me, I felt an inner urge to turn it all into a joke and to sit back down. But the truth was, I could no longer live my life under the influence of what other people thought of me. I looked at them, and in a moment’s clarity of heart, I knew that I could not allow these guys to define me any longer. I said: “I need to know this Jesus for myself.”

M jeans went one way, my shirt went another, and I climbed  My into this trash-can of water and tearfully fell to my knees  this body of death?”, he was speaking the language of my heart, and it slowly started to dawn on me that this was some guy in the Bible, with the exact same problems as me.

Young people in rally to oppose large increase in gang violence the gospel.” The Bishop of Ed monton , t he Rev Pete r Wheatley, added: “It is vital t h at e nt i re com mu n it ies work together to ensure that support is provided to all young people susceptible to local gang culture. “Music can help give us the new vision we need in our communities. “Life should be about coming together, not to fight, hurt and destroy but to have fun, share our talents and help each other.”

PM applauds Campaign on Hope initiative sweatshops

Colin Garnett grew up in stockport, south Manchester, in a tough working-class culture. He became hooked on heroin, and for many years was lost in a maze of crime and drugs, doing time in 27 different prisons. in this extract from his new book, he explains how he beat his demons. s I entered the chapel, I was shocked to see a bright blue industrial rubbish bin sitting in the corner of the room. It was in the wrong place.

7

y jeans went one way, my shirt went another, and I climbed into th is trash-can of water and tearfully fell to my knees. I suddenly found myself up to my armpits in water. I thought to myself, “If this does not work now, I am dead.” However, I then conceded within my heart, “Actually, I’m already dead.” Within minutes I was openly confessing my belief that Jesus is the Son of God and that he died on the cross for me and that God raised him from the dead. I was openly confessing myself sinful before God and man, and openly turning to God with grief in my heart over my sin. I turned to him for forgiveness and readily confessed my desire for Jesus to be my Lord. I openly invited Jesus into my heart as my personal Lord and

Saviour. I was then immersed into the waters of baptism. In the waters, I put my life at the feet of God. To summarise, I said to God in my heart: “Lord, there is nothing in me of any value. I come before you tonight not knowing who I am. I need you to tell me who I am, and I need release from this inner drive toward destruction. If you are willing, and you make me clean, Lord Jesus, I will serve you with everything that I am for as long as you want me to live, and I do not care what that might mean. If you release me, I am yours lock, stock, and barrel. Lord, in truth, you should actually turn your back on me now; I have no argument. But before you do, I want you to know this: I am truly, deeply sorry for the way I have lived my life.”

free Jesus met this junkie exactly where I had left him – in the trash-can. As I came up out of the water, it was as if a heavy, wet trench-coat was removed in that instant. I knew, deep within me, that I had just been saved. I was a free man. My addiction ended right at that moment. It was removed. I simply knew it was over. Extract published with permission from Junkie Meets Jesus In A Trash Can by Colin Garnett. Published by Authentic Media (£8.99, ISBN 9781860247200).

WIN...WIN...WIN... a copy of book  ColIn Garnett’s new book is a brutally honest account of how his life went from being a junkie to the leader of a drug rehab centre in south Africa.  Thanks to our friends at Authentic, we have five copies of Junkie Meets Jesus in a Trash Can to give away.  send your name and address on a sealed envelope or postcard to Trash Can Competition, new life newspaper, Po Box 777, nottingham, nG11 6ZZ to be in with a chance to win.  Please don’t send multiple entries, as these will be disqualified.  Closing date for entries is 20 March 2009.

YOunG Christians are to meet Government ministers to demand an end to sweatshops around the world. Members of the campaign and prayer network SPEAK will present the first ever 24-hour spoken petition to MPs on Saturday, February 28. SPEAK Campaigns officer Tom Skinner said: “Since finding a sweatshop right here on our doorstep in Manchester, the importance of our campaign is clearer than ever. “uK Multinational companies lack any real legal accountability for the way they treat communities and the environment.” Government minister Stephen Timms MP will debating the issues addressed by the petition during a gathering of SPEAK members called Soundcheck.

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Issue 180

NEW LIFE

Issue 180

Former junkie explains moment his liFe changed at a prison in a bin Full oF water

www.newlife.co.uk

IN THE CAN... Colin Garnett at the South African Bethesda Christian Rehab centre he now leads

WORKING TOGeTheR TO BRING you The GOOd NeWS

tune in In 2009, New Life will be working with Christian

media organisation United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) to spread the Word. UCB broadcast to virtually all major UK cities on dAB digital radio and you can also listen via digital satellite and online. UCB radio is perfect for anyone who has an interest in news, features, music and interviews from a faith perspective.

We’re also working with Alpha, the course that allows people to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thoughtprovoking weekly sessions. The courses are free and are usually run in the evening, and include a meal or refreshments. To find a course near you, see www.alpha.org

We’re also working with Find a Church, who run a brilliant website listing the details of more than 42,000 UK Christian churches. Simply tap in your postcode for help to find a great church in your area.

tHe BiBle MAtters The Gideons are well known for their work distributing Bibles to schools, hospitals, hotels etc. If you want Jesus to make himself real in your life, and don’t have a Bible, The Gideons will be happy to provide you with a Testament completely free of charge.

The ABC of how you can become a Christian...

A that Jesus died so that you can be forgiven, and ask God to forgive you B Believe Admit that you have done wrong

The Bible says, ‘All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23).

C

‘God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16); ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us’ (1 John 1:9).

Commit yourself to living God’s way Jesus said, ‘Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’ (John 8:12). Log on to www.lookingforgod.com for more help.

FREE

FOR EVERY READER DAILY INSPIRATIONAL BOOK call 0845 6040401 or log on to www.ucb.co.uk

Young people in rally to oppose large increase in gang violence YOunG people gathered in a north London church recently to express their unanimous opposit ion to ga ng violence. The youth concert at St Aldhelm’s Church, Edmonton, was held in response to the gang murders that have blighted the area since the start of the year. The event was joined by youth activist Alexander Rose, who has worked in a number of campaigns against knives, guns and drugs.

The local Youth Engagement Panel led a con f lict management workshop before the concert. V ic a r of St A ld he l m’s Church, the Rev David Bolster, said: “This is a positive alternative to throwing up your arms in horror at the gang culture that has gripped our neighbourhood. “Most of the young people in our area want peace and security. “Th is concert is about celebrating life and joy in

the gospel.” The Bishop of Ed monton , t he Rev Pete r Wheatley, added: “It is vital t h at e nt i re com mu n it ies work together to ensure that support is provided to all young people susceptible to local gang culture. “Music can help give us the new vision we need in our communities. “Life should be about coming together, not to fight, hurt and destroy but to have fun, share our talents and help each other.”

PM applauds Campaign on Hope initiative sweatshops

exPlore CHristiAnity

Find A CHurCH

7

An initiative set up by churches last year to help the community has been applauded by the Prime Minister. Volunteers who took part in the Hope08 initiative joined board members from the campaign at 10 Downing Street to meet Gordon Brown. A nd he pra ised those i nvolved i n the campaign to take the gospel to the streets. He said: “People of faith have been at the heart of just about every social movement that has transformed society in this country, from the abolition of slavery through to Make Poverty History.” He continued, “I applaud all those involved in Hope08. There is no doubt that Hope08 has succeeded in offering hope to people.”

Colin Garnett grew up in stockport, south Manchester, in a tough working-class culture. He became hooked on heroin, and for many years was lost in a maze of crime and drugs, doing time in 27 different prisons. in this extract from his new book, he explains how he beat his demons.

A

s I entered the chapel, I was shocked to see a bright blue industrial rubbish bin sitting in the corner of the room. It was in the wrong place. The bin was usually reserved for the backs of factories or shops, and wheeled out on refuse collection day. It dominated my view as I walked into that chapel, and I went and sat next to it out of curiosity. It was full of water, though I had no idea why. I sat down and just tried to blend in. Steve was in there with a big daft smile on his beautifully glowing face and I purposely avoided his gaze. Off to my right, there were between 12 and 14 prisoners, including the lifer I had been cuffed to on the way in. It turned out that we were waiting for the Prison Christian Fellowship (PCF) to arrive with guitars and tambourines, and hopefully some biscuits. There was an uncertain silence in the place until a huge black guy stood and started to talk. I made an instant judgement on this guy as being “ugly”. He had nothing going for him in my eyes. However, when he started to speak, I had to check it was his voice. His voice sounded really comforting, almost silky. I was astounded. He said: “We are waiting for the Christians to arrive, and Jesus himself is here.” He then started to sing the most wonderful song. It went from wonderful to heavenly when the rest of the guys stood up with him and joined in with perfect harmony. They were singing Majesty. It seemed to fill the whole room and was quite tear-provoking.