New Life Oct 09 issue 188

NEW LIFE OCTOBER 2009

Issue 188 • 40p

MARRIAGE WAS SAVED FROM BRINK OF DISASTER

GOOD NEWS STORIES

EXCLUSIVE

HOW MY MOVE TO MAN UTD BOOSTED UNCLE’S CHURCH BACK PAGE

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BAPTISM HELPED ME WIN FIGHT WITH DEVIL

FORMER TOUGH GUY DEBT COLLECTOR WHO’S NOW FREEING THAILAND’S SEX SLAVES – PAGE 4

YOUNG MAN TELLS OF MIRACLE Jacko spoke about God in his last days

FIGHTING FIT... Calum Gillies with his sister Megan. Inset, Calum during treatment

A friEnd of Michael Jackson’s has confirmed the pop star constantly talked about God in his last days. in our August issue, new Life revealed that gospel singer Andrea Crouch and sister sandra prayed for Jacko, pictured below, a couple of weeks before his death. A nd rea, th rough h is spokesman, said: “he did not reject Jesus or the prayer when we prayed, and gladly joined in prayer. “there was no actual ‘sinners prayer’ however, but they did talk and pray about Jesus and the anointing of the holy spirit.” And now, friend Jason Pfeiffer, who works for Jacko’s dermatologist dr Arnold Klein, has also revealed the thriller superstar had a change of heart in his final days. Pfei ffer sa id: “he completely changed in the final two weeks. he was saying goodbyes the week before passing. Everyone was creeped out by it. he was talking about God in the last few weeks.”

my faith beat leukaemia

A 20-year-old given a ten per cent chance of survival after developing an aggressive form of leukaemia has made a miraculous recovery.

Calum Gillies believes God healed him from the terrifying ● Continued on Page 3

Prayer bid to halt swine flu

A ChristiAn prayer group that was launched after 9/11 is praying for those affected by the escalating swine flu outbreak. the Christian Emergency network (CEn) believes God is the only answer for the illness, which has affected a million people worldwide. CEn founder Mary Marr said: “this warrants an urgent call to prayer and personal/church preparation. the church is going to be the best at three things: Praying that many will be spared, a cure will be found, and that God becomes known by many through the crisis.” the Methodist Church is encouraging those housebound with the virus to dial in to church services on the internet.

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Issue • 188

‘Perfect time’ for young to enter politics Baroness Cox has urged young Christians to step into politics and make a difference following the recent MPs’ expenses scandal. Speaking at this year’s Keswick Convention, she said she felt politics was no longer a well-respected arena. Ba roness Cox, deput y spea ker at the House of L ord s f r om 1985 to 2005, sa id t he scandal made it “an even better time for young Christians to go into politics to make a difference”. “Parliament has got a bad name – all Baroness Cox the more reason to go into it and change it,” she said. Baroness Cox advised, however, aga i nst young Ch ristia ns goi ng straight into politics from university. “One of the problems with some of our politicians is that they have never done anything else but politics,” she said. “I think it is helpful to have more life experience of some profession or business or other experience.”

NEW LIFE TORY leader David Cameron could be a descendant of Moses, it has been claimed. A Jewish scholar has traced his roots back to the 15th century to the name of Elijah Levita. It’s thought the name comes from the tribe of Levi, of which Moses was a leader. Dr Yaakov Wise said it was impossible to trace exact records, but he believed he must be related in some way.

NEWSFLASH

Send me more...

MEDICAL AID BID FOR POOR IN QUAKE ZONE PEOPLE are being urged to help an appeal to raise funds that will provide vital medical care for those living in poverty in China.

The Scottish Bible Society has launched the appeal to reach people in the Sichuan Province of the country, which was devastated by an earthby Matthew Murray quake last year in which 70,000 were killed. Like much of rural China, chuan Province, struck by last year’s earthquake.” people of the province live People of the province on less than 50p per day, are finding it particularly and it means they can’t afdifficult to meet the cost of ford medical care, which was rebuilding their lives after free until a recent change of last May’s massive earthgovernment policy. quake. More than 70,000 The appea l a i m s to raise enough cash to equip were killed in the disaster, and in one county 80 per special distribution vans cent of its buildings were with much-needed medical destroyed. equipment. Four new vans are urgentThe Scottish Bible Society also wants to help print ly needed, and the Chinese govern ment has gra nted and distribute more Bibles, wh ich ca n not be bought pe r m i ssion for t he m to carry medical equipment in from bookshops but a re distributed through 74 Bible Sichuan Province. E q u ipme nt i nc lud i n g distribution centres. Scott ish Bible Societ y an electro-cardiograph, a semi-automated biochemiChief Executive Elaine Duncal analyser, 13 pieces of can explained: “Only 44 of surgical instruments and those centres have va ns blood pressure mon itors to reach out to the rural will be bought using cash population. Some serve a raised by the appeal. Also, large area with hundreds of special paper that is used to thousands of Christians. “To reach out effectively, keep Bibles affordable will be purchased with funds. these centres need to be To help, contact the Scotproperly resourced. In adtish Bible Society’s donation dition, with better equipped va n s, t he ce nt res cou ld hotline on 0131 347 9806, or visit www.scottishbiblesocicarry basic medical equipety.org for details. ment to areas such as Si-

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MP: patrols will mean Why Obama town is streets ahead has started Local officials in Paisley a re hopi ng that the new Street Pastors scheme i n the town will have a positive impact when its first patrol begins in December. MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, Douglas Alexander, and Lord Provost Celia Lawson joined the official launch of the group. Mr Alexander said he was looking forward to the initiative. He added: “As a local MP I welcome the Street Pastors launch here in Paisley. “We all know that in our community there are young pe ople w ho h ave fou nd themselves margi nalised

and who succumb to drink or drugs. “They need people who are willing to listen, care and help – and that’s what Street Pastors aim to do.” Rev Peter Gill, minister at Paisley Wallneuk North Chu rch, gave the ma i n address, focusing on the biblical story of the Good Samaritan. St reet Pa stors i s a n i n t e r - d e n o m i n a t i o n a l church project which aims to reach out to vulnerable partygoers in town centres. Pastors engage with people on the streets to care, listen and help.

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Keep the faith at work, says PM

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Christians shouldn’t detach themselves from their faith beliefs at work, says Gordon Brown. In an interview with Premier Radio, he said: “I think it is impossible, because when we talk about faith we are talking about what people believe in. “We are talking about the convictions that they have about how you can make for a better society.”

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to pray more

Barack Obama has said he prays more since becoming the first black president of the United States. Mr Obama has adm itted that while he used to pray every night, he now prays all the time as he admitted: “I’ve got a lot of stuff on my plate.” Mr Obama was asked on American television how the responsibilities of the presidency have affected his spiritual beliefs.

guidance “Well, I had a habit of praying every night before I go to bed. I pray all the time now,” he replied. “Because I’ve got a lot of stuff on my plate, I need guidance all the time.” Mr Obama said he had not found a permanent church for his family in their new home in Washington DC, partly because of concerns over the transition for his daughters, and partly over security concerns. However the family has been attending church at Camp David, the presidential retreat.

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Issue 188 • NEW LIFE 3

My faith has helped Me beat leukaeMia ● Continued from Page 1 condition, which saw him temporarily lose his speech and sight after three strokes during treatment. Meanwhile, the sickness was so severe, he spent more than ten months of the first year in hospital. Having complained of a rash in 2003, Calum, then just 14, saw his world fall apart when he was diagnosed with leukaemia. Two years of intense chemotherapy treatment followed, with the youngster admitting he thought his days were numbered. But Calum, who turns 21 next month, revealed how his Christian faith helped him through the ordeal. He believes he was healed when he braved his way to Christian youth conference Audacious in 2004. He told New Life: “In my first year of treatment I had been at home for just 30 days in the whole year. I couldn’t move or talk properly and was feeling so weak. Times were tough, I just seemed to spend all of my time in hospital. “I then suffered three strokes in

people praying for me, having faith that God could do a miracle. “It was then I realised that this could be defeated and that God could do what treatment couldn’t. I determined that I wasn’t going through any more and that I would become a walking miracle.” From that night, Calum felt immediate improvement. He recalled: “Having spend most of the previous year in hospital, I have not spent one more night in there since going that night to Audacious. I had one-and-a-half years more of treatment but to be honest, have felt constantly better since then. “God is bigger than cancer. In fact, he’s bigger than anything. I have been living fine since, and enjoying life. I feel excellent in my health and seem to have made a perfect recovery. I so appreciate all the prayers that were said for me from all over the country, just knowing that made a huge difference.” Calum, who lives in Strathaven, Scotland, finished chemotherapy in

HEALTH BATTLE... Calum Gillies 48 hours after an allergic reaction to one of the drugs, and things just seemed to be getting worse. I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. “In 2004 I was booked into Audacious but never made it because I was so ill. But on the last night of the conference, my dad said he would drive me there. I was so excited. “Glyn Barrett [leader of Audacious] invited me onto the stage and he and all the leaders began to pray for me. I looked up and saw that there were about 2,000 young

2006. He added: “The doctors and scientists will always try and find an explanation for why I have improved, but I know that God healed me and without him I wouldn’t be here today. “It’s not recorded that a kid can go through what I’ve been through and take that many drugs without spending one more night in hospital. The doctors knew that something crazy must be going on – and I know it was God.” Calum, who is studying multimedia at Glasgow Metropolitan, said New Life readers should have faith that God can heal them. He added: “I kept believing and God did the rest. If anyone reading this is sick, they need to let God in and he will help them. Stay positive, don’t give up and God will meet you and you will see a miracle also.” Dr Gareth Sherwood said: “Some would call faith a crutch but, in my experience having seen countless people with a similar condition, I would say this kind of faith in God is a great strength.”

LOCKERBIE VICTIM’S SISTER SPEAKS OUT

I FORGIVE MEGRAHI AND BACK RELEASE New Life Grad. Ad.

NEW LIFE SEPTEMBER 2009 • Issue 187

40p

GOOD NEWS STORIES

EXCLUSIVE

MOYLES’ INVITE TO CHURCH HE RAVED ABOUT

EXCLUSIVE

BENN: WHY I PRAY FOR OLD RIVAL EUBANK

Lockerbie victim’s dad rang bomber in prison to forgive him

Bono’s church action praise

THE father of a woman killed in the Lockerbie bombing rang the man convicted of the atrocity to forgive him, we can reveal.

GRACE... Lisa Gibson

AT HOME... Megrahi with his family

EXCLUSIVE by Becky Barlow

Last month’s exclusive

AN American lawyer whose by Becky Barlow brother died in the Lockerbie decision to release Megrahi on compasbombing has backed the sionate grounds so that he may die with is a more honourable response decision to free Abdelbaset Ali dignity, than we could ever expect. al-Megrahi. “At the heart of terrorism is hate, and

Lisa Gibson showed remarkable grace when asked for her views on the Scottish Government’s decision to release Megrahi on compassionate grounds. Her com ments fol low last month’s world exclusive report in New Life, where preacher John Mosey said he had phoned Megrahi in jail to forgive him for the death of his daughter Helga. Lisa’s brother, Ken, was one of the 270 people killed when Pan Am flight 103 exploded above the Scottish town in 1988. Lisa told reporters: “Early on after Megrahi’s conviction, I wrote him a letter in prison in Scotland and told him ‘only God knows if you are really responsible’, but as a Christian, I need to forgive. “Megrahi wrote me a kind letter back saying he was sorry for my loss and assuring me that he was not responsible.” The decision to free Megrahi sparked a war of words across the Atlantic as the American Government demanded he remain in a Scottish jail. However, Lisa, who is executive director of the Peace and Prosperity Alliance, supported the decision, and called it a “Christian” response. She added: “The Scottish Government’s

3:30 PM

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Royal couple get message THE Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall received a divine message when their limousine went around Newport after a recent visit. The Elim Pentecostal Church — better known as the Church on the Roundabout — displayed the message “God Loves You Charles and Camilla”.

requests Church leader Tony Murphy said two members of the congregation had come up with the idea. “We have been putting different names up every week now for about three years and are currently booked up with requests until January 2010,” he said.

NEW LIFE RappeR MC Hammer revealed he believes his talent is from God in a recent interview. The star was also asked if he prayed regularly, and said: “Of course, I thank God first thing when I wake up every morning.

NEWSFLASH

Prize winners VILLAGERS who transformed their church into a valued community centre have won a £10,000 prize. Parishioners from St Andrew’s in South Warnborough, Hampshire, turned the 12th century church from a little used gloomy building into a welcoming venue. The campaigners beat 130 other e nt ra nts to rece ive t he Vi l lage Church for Village Life award.

EX-GLAMOUR MODEL: I WAS READY TO DIE

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On your bike ‘APPEAL WOULD HAVE GIVEN ANSWERS’ to raise cash

Why praying is good for health

17/7/09

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to respond in love, in compassion toward a man convicted of taking so many lives, is truly the road less travelled. Megrahi was convicted and the country of Libya accepted responsibility. “From the world’s perspective, justice was served. Ultimately, true justice will only come when this case is litigated in heaven’s courtroom. If he was truly responsible, God will right the wrong and bring justice.” Lisa, who serves in humanitarian and education projects in Libya added: “The decision by Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Justice is a very Christian response of responding in love, compassion and mercy to someone who has acted in hate and evil. “I have committed my life to overcoming this act of evil with good, by reaching out in service and compassion to Libya, the country found responsible. “Responding in love and compassion is a much more powerful weapon than hate ever will be. We may never know the truth in this lifetime. “But for the remainder of my time on this earth, I need to focus on prevention. That is the posture I have taken as I have reached out to serve the people of Libya.”

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4 NEW LIFE • Issue 188

Stories that changed the world

THOUSANDS HEAR PREACHER IN INDIA BrItIsh preacher Nathan Morris spoke to thousands of people in India about his faith – despite threats from radical extremists. the radicals tried to stop the sheffield-born evangelist preaching at an outdoor campaign in the hindu region of sulur, south India. they went to loca l pol ice officials, trying to get the campaign shut down. But despite the threats, Mr Morris, who heads shake the Nations Ministries, said he witnessed miracles, while many hindus decided to become Christians. Morris told New Life: “there were times of opposition, more so than we have ever faced in India, but the message of Jesus Christ is the very power of God! As we preached about Christ, we saw many come and become Christians, whilst there were many healings. “A man with kidney failure couldn't stand for more than two minutes. But after walking on to the crusade field, he stood for the full meeting and declared the pain had vanished. “Another miracle was that of a man aged 38, who had been deaf and mute since he was four. he was healed by the power of God.” l For more details, visit the group’s website at www.shakethenations.com

Hero who spoke to fierce tribe A 28 -year-old missionary who was killed for preaching about his Christian faith has been hailed as a man who impacted missions work forever. American Jim Elliot was killed by Auca Indians in Ecuador after he, his wife and friends had evangelised to locals for about three years in the 1950s. Jim, who worked for mission organisation Christian Missions in Many Lands (CMML), made it his aim to preach to the fierce tribe, who had never heard the gospel and were renowned for their violence. Jim had said: “I’m ready to die for the salvation of the Aucas.” And sure enough, despite giving gifts to the people and sharing the love of God, Jim and his four friends refused to defend themselves and were speared to death by members of the tribe they were trying to reach. However, despite the sadness, what happened next was remarkable. More than 20 people from the

Nathan Morris prays for a man during the campaign in India

EX-DEBT COLLECTOR RESCUES THAILAND’S SEX SLAVES

tough guy giving a real helping hand by Ian White

MARTYR... Jim Elliot USA immediately volunteered to take the place of one of Jim’s friends. Meanwhile, 1,000 college students volunteered for foreign mission in direct response to the story of the five martyrs. At the mission stations in Ecuador, at tendance by Indians at schools and church services reached record levels, and the number of conversions sky-rocketed. Meanwhile, subsequent books from his widow Elisabeth have been the catalyst for sending thousands to the mission field since Jim’s death. So, despite the loss, the Christian message went out in even greater power. l For more details about Jim Elliot, and for many more similar, inspiring stories, why not buy Heroes of Faith Magazine, which is due out this month. For more information, visit www.newlifepublishing.co.uk

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A BASEBALL bat-wielding debt collector has told how his conscience was pricked during a menacing visit to a drug addict. Paul Darbinson was stunned when h is usual tough attitude began to change while visiting the family man who owed cash. the 40-year-old – who wouldn’t bat an eyelid when ‘bodyguards’ i n f licted pun ish ment on thei r victims – suddenly felt sorry for the bad debtor while on duty in London. Pau l sa id: “I wa s sudde n ly caught by the pictures of the guy’s family and began to feel sorry for him. I tried to switch off the emotions, but couldn’t.” As Paul ordered the man to get him a drink, he still doubted his assurance that the money was coming soon. It was then Paul believes the holy spirit entered his life. “A strange feeling came over me that I should phone a Chris-

CHANGED... Paul Darbinson tian who’d helped me so much in the past. It was the early hours of the morning so I didn’t hold much hope of getting an answer, but I did. “the Christian wanted me to simply walk away, but realised this wasn’t possible and urged me to go easy on the guy, which I did.” Paul used his own money to pay the debt and told the men he was working for that he was going to quit. this is just one chapter among many in the life of the former rockabilly, who was bullied at

school because of his size and his speech problems. But he has now put it all behind him as he helps rescue children in thailand sold into prostitution to pay off family debts. he’s the founder of hand in hand Ministries, a UK charity operating in the heart of the sleaze capital of the Asian country. Girls are bought and sold in bars and are also put on show in Go Go Bars, where they are forced to dance and parade around half naked. hotels, massage parlours and fight bars also offer the service of girls, while pimps on the street sell girls from a very young age. Paul said: “this is by no means a lifestyle choice. these girls ultimately pay the huge price of abuse, isolation and rejection.” he confirmed some get hooked on drugs to deal with the pain and many even take their own life. “Our ministry is to help these girls, rescuing children and trying to reunite families or at least to find safe houses for them to live in. We help girls out of prostitution and into education or to find alternative jobs.”

Charity bags a kit full of help from stars K I ts wor n by P rem ier Leag ue superstars have been donated to support the Leprosy Mission’s World Leprosy Day. the day was in support of Kwara state, Nigeria, where kits were pre-

sented to children from families in the area affected by leprosy. Football is extremely popular in Nigeria, as are English football teams. Among the teams to show sup-

port to the day were Liverpool, West Bromwich, Arsenal and Peterborough United. the Leprosy Mission works with several church projects around the world.

For good in tent and purposes!

A ‘God tent’ that was set up at the V Festival has been labelled a big success. the tent was nestled among the music and revelry at the festival – which included top acts such as Lily Allen and Elbow. Organised by the local parish church of Widford, it was set up to provide hospitality and, for those who wanted to, the chance to talk about faith.

looking “First and foremost we’re hospitality, but we also want those kids out there to see a different face of the church,” said one of its volunteers, Lynne. “What we find is youngsters have got this huge God-shaped hole and they are dying to know something,” she added. “If they don’t go down our route, they go down the new age route or something like that, but they are looking for something. We get into some super conversations – quite often about dinosaurs and things.”

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Issue 188 •

MARRIAGE RESCUED AS COUPLE HEAR GOSPEL

Booze and brawls made our life hell A couple say their lives were ‘grasped from the pit of hell’ after finding faith.

Martyn and Sue Sullivan were on the verge of divorce after seeing their marriage wrecked through booze, drugs and brawls. Sue had suffered sexual abuse from her father for ten years and had begun to tamper with witchcraft. Meanwhile, Martyn was known for his violence, sometimes threatening people with loaded shotguns and being in regular trouble with the police. The former bad boy recalls: “I was in situations that I’m not proud of. I’d threaten to kill people and put shotguns to their head and in their mouths, and I spent a fortune on drink. I would trash houses, trash cars and trash people. I was crazy; it was as if I was determined to hurt whatever stood in my way.” Sue meanwhile, had developed rheumatoid arthritis, had a big lump on her spine and her feet were crooked. On her own admission, her life had become ‘a disaster’. After one particular bust-up, the couple knew it was time to call it a

BETTER LIFE... Martyn and Sue Sullivan day, mutually agreeing to separate. However, in a miraculous twist, the couples’ lifeline came in the form of a phone call from Martyn’s brother, a Christian who invited them to attend a Full Gospel Business Men’s International Fellowship outreach dinner at a hotel in Retford. They reluctantly agreed to attend, not telling anyone of their planned separation. And, as the guest speaker began to talk about God, they both independently found they were having

a change of heart. Martyn said: “My brother had given me Christian literature before and I had sworn at him and screwed it up in front of him. But I heard this man share the Gospel in a simple way and talk about the love of God. I thought that if God was real then I had to know him. But I also knew that the drink, drugs and violence would have to go. “nobody had to tell me that I had to be forgiven because I knew I had done wrong. I told God I’d give him

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An ex-Jehovah’s Witness has spoken of how his life was transformed when he became a Christian. Retired bus driver Jeff and his wife Margaret, from Tyldesley, Greater Manchester, had been Jehovah’s Witnesses for 18 years when they started to question their faith. Their questions led Margaret to some Christians preaching on the streets of Leigh, Lancashire, and Jeff, 59, was amazed at the change in his wife when she started going to church. He said: “I saw a total change in her and I thought, ‘I want some of that’!” So Jeff went along to the Church of God in Leigh where his questions were answered. He explained: “It’s like a load has been lifted off me. Everything is so open.

answers “I’ve found true answers through the real word of God. Before we were only allowed to read the Bible approved by the Watchtower society, which has been altered. “Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Jesus is the archangel Michael whereas in the scriptures it is clear that Jesus is the son of God. I also learned that salvation is through grace, not through works like the JW’s teach. And the greatest thing of all was finding out that salvation through Jesus Christ is for everyone, not just the 144 000 ‘anointed ones’. “now we’ve no fear and we have something to look forward to – going to heaven.”

where savings build churches

BIG BOOST... Kingdom Bank Chief Executive Guy Priestley, far right, with people from the projects that were shortlisted in the Faithworks Awards

Community projects are given cash boost CH R I S T I A N c o m m u n i t y projects around the UK have been given a cash boost from Kingdom Bank as part of the Faithworks Awards. The annual awards ceremony – which this year took place at the House of Commons – is held to celebrate the country’s most professional and caring projects that are motivated by the Christian faith. Kingdom Bank was one of four organisations to sponsor the awards, which this year attracted entries from 250 schemes. The Bank gave cash awards of £100 to all 11 shortlisted projects and £500 to the three commended projects. Of those shortlisted, Kingdom Bank is involved with financing two of them. Chief Executive Guy Priestley, who attended the award ceremony in June, said that being involved in the Faithworks Awards high-

lighted the Bank’s ethos of stewardship. He said: “We were delighted to be able to give something to those shortlisted projects. “All of the projects work tirelessly for their communities, so it was a real honour to be giving something back to those that made it through to the finals. “Sponsoring the shortlisted projects was an excellent example of our ethos of stewardship. It was a pleasure to award those shortlisted organisations something for carrying out such sterling work in their communities.” Faithworks Team Leader Nancy Doyle said: “The Faithworks Awards are only made possible by the generosity and commitment of our sponsors, and we were delighted to partner with Kingdom Bank. The support of Kingdom Bank encourages Christian projects to continue their work.”

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We wanted to do more with our savings WHEN Steve and Jean Ashton were looking for a savings account, they wanted more than just a good rate of return. The couple were delighted when they found an account that not only paid good rates, but also shared their ethos of building the kingdom. Steve said: “We’ve been a customer for almost nine years now. When I joined, Kingdom Bank was still the Property Trust. I was looking for good returns and also liked the ethos of building churches. I wanted my money to do more than just pay dividends to shareholders.” Steve and Jean have been happy customers over the years and recommended Kingdom Bank when HAPPY SAVER... their church was look- Steve Ashton ing for a mortgage and insurance. “The way Kingdom Bank has grown has been fantastic. Its progress has been amazing,” he added. Steve said the Bank was part of God’s economy and not the world’s economy. He added: “With the way of modern banking, it’s good to see Kingdom Bank in a stewardship role. You can’t ask for more than that. “My church has a mortgage with Kingdom Bank and the way they did it was different to high street banks. They did it the way God’s people work and it illustrated the attitude of stewardship admirably.”

one chance – but I also told him that I would come with all my heart. This was no half-hearted decision.” Remarkably, at exactly the same time, Sue was having similar thoughts. She said: “I was listening to this man speak when suddenly I had a vision of Jesus. He was in front of me and I saw him on the cross with blood flowing down his body. He told me that he had died for me. “I went down to the front and couldn’t believe it when I saw Martyn there. The speaker prayed over us that God would join us together like never before and that we would serve God together. I then heard an audible voice saying, ‘Go and be healed’ but I didn’t know anything about healing. I looked around and realised that it must have been the audible voice of God. “I asked the man to pray for me and it was as if a thunderbolt hit me. My toes were straightened and the lump on my back disappeared. The whole place erupted [in praise] as God healed me.” And since that night, the couple haven’t looked back. After attending Bible College, they now lead St Luke’s Church in South Elmsall, West Yorkshire.

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NEW LIFE • Issue 188 NEW LIFE

Issue 188 •

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

NEW LIFE AFTER DECIDING TO DITCH THE OCCULT, ONE MAN FOUND THAT... www.newlife.co.uk

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 Admit that you have done wrong that Jesus died so that you can B Believe be forgiven, and ask God to forgive you The Bible says, ‘All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23).

‘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).

C 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

‘The devil didn’t want to let go’ W

HEN recording studio owner Kevin Wilson started dabbling with the occult, he thought it was harmless fun – but it turned out to be a spiritual battle for his soul. For the then young Kevin, buying a box of tarot cards had nothing to do with the spirits. Little did he know that he was unwittingly opening the doors of darkness. Kevin, who is now a music producer in Exeter, started becoming interested in psychic abilities at a young age. But, he says, he thought there was no harm in using his “talent”. “It started at about the age of 10, but I thought nothing of it. As I got older I used these psychic abilities to win bets with my school friends,” he remembers. “During my m id-teens these abilities faded, but then re-appeared in my early 20s at about the same time I had seen some tarot cards advertised.” The young Kevin didn’t think there was a nyth i ng mystica l about the ca rds a nd thought they would just help concentrate his thoughts to produce a “psychic but scientific ability”. He said: “I didn’t believe that tarot or anything similar had any mystical powers, so I bought some cards. “These worked very well and I soon built up a client base of people seeking regular readings. It was during one of these readings that the name of a company and a town kept coming to me, which was clearly nothing to do with the reading in hand.” After the reading, Kevin called Directory Enquiries to find out more about the firm in question, and when he called its number an answerphone clicked in. Little did Kevin realise that the firm was Europe’s biggest occult mail order company. “I left my details on the answerphone and a few days later a package arrived with leaflets selling occult paraphernalia,” he remembered. “I found the contents amusing and didn’t believe in that sort of thing, but curiosity got the better of me and I ordered a beginner’s guide and starter pack to certain areas of magic.”

DELIVERED FROM EVIL... Kevin Wilson, who had dabbled in the occult

LIGHT RELIEF... a CD of Kevin’s musical Into the Light, which stars former The Bill star Russell Boulter

the problems I was suffering, but each time they came to our house, unpleasant spiritual activity followed, so I asked for the next meeting to take place at the church.” It was during that meeting that the most terrifying events took place as the demons that had controlled Kev in fought hard against his wishes to become a Christian. “The meeting was different and very serious praying and reading of scripture took place, which caused me to have very unpleasant reactions and visions,” says Kevin. “Then at one point I saw hundreds of black images coming towards me and grabbing at me; then for an instant I saw this person point at me in a commanding sort of way. “I just went flying backwards as I saw the black shapes pull something from me before they disappeared. I immediately knew it was over and I asked to be baptised right away.” Viv said that when Kevin returned home that night after accepting Christ, he looked a different man. She added: “He was more relaxed and had an amazing glow. I knew straight away that the living nightmare was over.” At the time, Kevin owned a successful recording studio producing music for adverts. While he composed the music, he never wrote a word to go with his tunes. But immediately after his terrifying ordeal and acceptance of Christ, he felt compelled to sit down and write words as well as music – and he produced a musical that follows the life of a woman who had gone through the same horrific experiences.

H

addicted After studying the literature, Kevin accepted there was a spiritual dimension to his life and he started building a library of occult books and a range of ceremonial equipment. He added: “I spent years developing my mystical skills and found myself addicted to the processes. Some years later, I realised that I was no longer practising for my own benefit, but for reasons beyond my understanding, so I decided to give it up.” Soon after the giving up the magic, Kevin started to have threatening and terrifying nightmares that suggested he should return to the occult. The more he fought against those messages, the more frightening the nightmares became. Even Kevin’s family started to lose sleep as petrifying nightmares affected the whole family, with strange noises, things moving and accidents taking place in the house. Almost straight after making his decision to quit tarot card reading and other occult activities, Kevin’s life took a turn for the worse and he started to lose thousands of pounds for various reasons beyond his control. Even his new car was wrecked by an uninsured drink-driver while parked outside his home. “It was unrecognisable. I heard this huge smash and the car had been pushed so far down the road I thought it had been taken,” he said. “Incredibly, the driver was

e remembers, “Over the next three days music, words and scriptural quotes just came to me continuously. I had never read the Bible or written lyrics before, but at the end of the three days the Into The Light musical was complete.” Following this, a stage musical of Into The Light was produced and several theatre performances took place along with one at London Bible College. “After this it seemed right that Into The Light should be put on hold, but I never imagined it would be for so long”. Then in 2006 Kevin believed it was time to resurrect the musical, and a new recording was commissioned. Using his connections, Kevin then contacted several people to star in the recording and, knowing about former The Bill star Russell Boulter’s commitment to Christian, he was approached. Kevin says, “He agreed to voice the part of the devil and we put the musical together on CD. We’ve just relaunched the CD for the UK because I was horrified to read in the papers that Halloween is the second most celebrated event after Christmas. “It’s easy to think the occult is harmless fun, but it isn’t. It’s an awful thing to get involved with and if I hadn’t become a Christian, I don’t know how I’d have got through it.” Kevin was invited to talk about his experiences on TV talk show Vanessa a few years ago, and the spirits caused havoc. He says, “The cameras kept packing up and equipment was breaking down. It was clear there was spiritual warfare going on. One of the staff members said they’d seen nothing like it in all their years working in television, and they would think very hard before making any more programmes concerning the subject.”

When Kevin returned home that night after accepting Christ, he looked a different man, says wife Viv. “He was more relaxed and had an amazing glow. I knew straight away that the living nightmare was over...” unhurt!” Due to an insurance company administration error, when making the claim it turned out that he was only third party insured so couldn’t claim a penny of thousands he’d spent.

K

evin and wife Viv were seconds from disaster while out driving one day when Kevin turned to talk to answer his child in the back seat – but he found his son wasn’t there and Viv had to grab the wheel to avert an accident with another car. However, despite how bad things became, Kevin wanted to resist a return to the occult. “I certainly didn’t want to go back to it,” remarked Kevin, “and the only thing that was keeping me alive was the thought that if I could be affected this badly now, what would it be like on the other

side? The devil just didn’t want to let me go.” Wife Viv suffered some of the most horrifying nightmares and visions. She said: “I’d wake up and see skulls on top of the curtains. It was horrible. One night I woke up and looked at Kevin and his face was just a skull. “We also had paralysing dreams where we’d wake up and just couldn’t move or even breath for quite a while. The occult was a horrible thing.”

terrified Even their sons suffered at the hands of the demons that plagued Kevin’s life. Viv remembered: “The boys would wake up terrified and would say a nasty man was in the room. Our eldest, Luke, would see black shapes that scared him. It was awful.”

After several months of suffering the petrifying events, Kevin and wife Viv were asked if they would be godparents to a friend’s new baby. The then dad-of-two had never been christened and had only stepped into a church for weddings. “During the service it suddenly dawned on me that spiritual activities took place in churches that were very similar to what I had been taking part in with the occult,” says Kevin.

I

also recognised the water and cross on the forehead to be a type of protection ritual. So, immediately following this we contacted our local church to see about getting our sons christened, so they at least would be protected.” The only way that the Anglican church’s vicar

would accept people for christening was after attending a course about Christianity. Kevin began turning up to meetings and it was then he began to talk about his involvement with the occult. “I was surprised when the vicar started showing me biblical references to it, and in particular scriptures that say it shouldn’t be done,” Kevin remembers.

different “After finding out how heavily involved I had been and how our family was being affected he contacted the bishop and then another minister was brought along to meet me who was more experienced in the subject matter. “They arranged to meet with me to help overcome

l Into the Light is available on CD or download through Amazon, HMV and Christian bookshops priced £12.99 (Cat: MMPLITL1 Universal Music). For information, visit www.into-the-light.info

7

6

LOG ON NOW: www.newlife.co.uk

NEW LIFE • Issue 188 NEW LIFE

Issue 188 •

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

NEW LIFE AFTER DECIDING TO DITCH THE OCCULT, ONE MAN FOUND THAT... www.newlife.co.uk

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 Admit that you have done wrong that Jesus died so that you can B Believe be forgiven, and ask God to forgive you The Bible says, ‘All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23).

‘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).

C 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

‘The devil didn’t want to let go’ W

HEN recording studio owner Kevin Wilson started dabbling with the occult, he thought it was harmless fun – but it turned out to be a spiritual battle for his soul. For the then young Kevin, buying a box of tarot cards had nothing to do with the spirits. Little did he know that he was unwittingly opening the doors of darkness. Kevin, who is now a music producer in Exeter, started becoming interested in psychic abilities at a young age. But, he says, he thought there was no harm in using his “talent”. “It started at about the age of 10, but I thought nothing of it. As I got older I used these psychic abilities to win bets with my school friends,” he remembers. “During my m id-teens these abilities faded, but then re-appeared in my early 20s at about the same time I had seen some tarot cards advertised.” The young Kevin didn’t think there was a nyth i ng mystica l about the ca rds a nd thought they would just help concentrate his thoughts to produce a “psychic but scientific ability”. He said: “I didn’t believe that tarot or anything similar had any mystical powers, so I bought some cards. “These worked very well and I soon built up a client base of people seeking regular readings. It was during one of these readings that the name of a company and a town kept coming to me, which was clearly nothing to do with the reading in hand.” After the reading, Kevin called Directory Enquiries to find out more about the firm in question, and when he called its number an answerphone clicked in. Little did Kevin realise that the firm was Europe’s biggest occult mail order company. “I left my details on the answerphone and a few days later a package arrived with leaflets selling occult paraphernalia,” he remembered. “I found the contents amusing and didn’t believe in that sort of thing, but curiosity got the better of me and I ordered a beginner’s guide and starter pack to certain areas of magic.”

DELIVERED FROM EVIL... Kevin Wilson, who had dabbled in the occult

LIGHT RELIEF... a CD of Kevin’s musical Into the Light, which stars former The Bill star Russell Boulter

the problems I was suffering, but each time they came to our house, unpleasant spiritual activity followed, so I asked for the next meeting to take place at the church.” It was during that meeting that the most terrifying events took place as the demons that had controlled Kev in fought hard against his wishes to become a Christian. “The meeting was different and very serious praying and reading of scripture took place, which caused me to have very unpleasant reactions and visions,” says Kevin. “Then at one point I saw hundreds of black images coming towards me and grabbing at me; then for an instant I saw this person point at me in a commanding sort of way. “I just went flying backwards as I saw the black shapes pull something from me before they disappeared. I immediately knew it was over and I asked to be baptised right away.” Viv said that when Kevin returned home that night after accepting Christ, he looked a different man. She added: “He was more relaxed and had an amazing glow. I knew straight away that the living nightmare was over.” At the time, Kevin owned a successful recording studio producing music for adverts. While he composed the music, he never wrote a word to go with his tunes. But immediately after his terrifying ordeal and acceptance of Christ, he felt compelled to sit down and write words as well as music – and he produced a musical that follows the life of a woman who had gone through the same horrific experiences.

H

addicted After studying the literature, Kevin accepted there was a spiritual dimension to his life and he started building a library of occult books and a range of ceremonial equipment. He added: “I spent years developing my mystical skills and found myself addicted to the processes. Some years later, I realised that I was no longer practising for my own benefit, but for reasons beyond my understanding, so I decided to give it up.” Soon after the giving up the magic, Kevin started to have threatening and terrifying nightmares that suggested he should return to the occult. The more he fought against those messages, the more frightening the nightmares became. Even Kevin’s family started to lose sleep as petrifying nightmares affected the whole family, with strange noises, things moving and accidents taking place in the house. Almost straight after making his decision to quit tarot card reading and other occult activities, Kevin’s life took a turn for the worse and he started to lose thousands of pounds for various reasons beyond his control. Even his new car was wrecked by an uninsured drink-driver while parked outside his home. “It was unrecognisable. I heard this huge smash and the car had been pushed so far down the road I thought it had been taken,” he said. “Incredibly, the driver was

e remembers, “Over the next three days music, words and scriptural quotes just came to me continuously. I had never read the Bible or written lyrics before, but at the end of the three days the Into The Light musical was complete.” Following this, a stage musical of Into The Light was produced and several theatre performances took place along with one at London Bible College. “After this it seemed right that Into The Light should be put on hold, but I never imagined it would be for so long”. Then in 2006 Kevin believed it was time to resurrect the musical, and a new recording was commissioned. Using his connections, Kevin then contacted several people to star in the recording and, knowing about former The Bill star Russell Boulter’s commitment to Christian, he was approached. Kevin says, “He agreed to voice the part of the devil and we put the musical together on CD. We’ve just relaunched the CD for the UK because I was horrified to read in the papers that Halloween is the second most celebrated event after Christmas. “It’s easy to think the occult is harmless fun, but it isn’t. It’s an awful thing to get involved with and if I hadn’t become a Christian, I don’t know how I’d have got through it.” Kevin was invited to talk about his experiences on TV talk show Vanessa a few years ago, and the spirits caused havoc. He says, “The cameras kept packing up and equipment was breaking down. It was clear there was spiritual warfare going on. One of the staff members said they’d seen nothing like it in all their years working in television, and they would think very hard before making any more programmes concerning the subject.”

When Kevin returned home that night after accepting Christ, he looked a different man, says wife Viv. “He was more relaxed and had an amazing glow. I knew straight away that the living nightmare was over...” unhurt!” Due to an insurance company administration error, when making the claim it turned out that he was only third party insured so couldn’t claim a penny of thousands he’d spent.

K

evin and wife Viv were seconds from disaster while out driving one day when Kevin turned to talk to answer his child in the back seat – but he found his son wasn’t there and Viv had to grab the wheel to avert an accident with another car. However, despite how bad things became, Kevin wanted to resist a return to the occult. “I certainly didn’t want to go back to it,” remarked Kevin, “and the only thing that was keeping me alive was the thought that if I could be affected this badly now, what would it be like on the other

side? The devil just didn’t want to let me go.” Wife Viv suffered some of the most horrifying nightmares and visions. She said: “I’d wake up and see skulls on top of the curtains. It was horrible. One night I woke up and looked at Kevin and his face was just a skull. “We also had paralysing dreams where we’d wake up and just couldn’t move or even breath for quite a while. The occult was a horrible thing.”

terrified Even their sons suffered at the hands of the demons that plagued Kevin’s life. Viv remembered: “The boys would wake up terrified and would say a nasty man was in the room. Our eldest, Luke, would see black shapes that scared him. It was awful.”

After several months of suffering the petrifying events, Kevin and wife Viv were asked if they would be godparents to a friend’s new baby. The then dad-of-two had never been christened and had only stepped into a church for weddings. “During the service it suddenly dawned on me that spiritual activities took place in churches that were very similar to what I had been taking part in with the occult,” says Kevin.

I

also recognised the water and cross on the forehead to be a type of protection ritual. So, immediately following this we contacted our local church to see about getting our sons christened, so they at least would be protected.” The only way that the Anglican church’s vicar

would accept people for christening was after attending a course about Christianity. Kevin began turning up to meetings and it was then he began to talk about his involvement with the occult. “I was surprised when the vicar started showing me biblical references to it, and in particular scriptures that say it shouldn’t be done,” Kevin remembers.

different “After finding out how heavily involved I had been and how our family was being affected he contacted the bishop and then another minister was brought along to meet me who was more experienced in the subject matter. “They arranged to meet with me to help overcome

l Into the Light is available on CD or download through Amazon, HMV and Christian bookshops priced £12.99 (Cat: MMPLITL1 Universal Music). For information, visit www.into-the-light.info

7

Issue 188

LOG ON NOW: www.newlife.co.uk

8

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VAT Consultant Les Howard - VAT Consultant, serving Churches and Christian organisations. I have over 25 years experience, and can advise on implications for property purchase and development, registration for VAT, etc.

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WHAT’S ON CONFE R E NCE ON POSITIVE R E S P O N S E S TO D E M E NT I A October 10th, Bradford, Sunbridge Road Mission. Tel 0300 300 1400 Email: info@pilgrimhomes.org.uk (EV50)

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NEW LIFE

Issue 188 • NEW LIFE 9

MUM’S HEARTACHE TURNS TO JOY by Becky Barlow

A professionAl singer turned gospel artist has revealed how she overcame losing eight babies – by turning to God.

I lost 8 babies, but found hope

M u m - of-t h r e e , B r id ie O’Brien, spent years singing professionally before tragedy led her to turn to Ch r ist ia n it y – a nd she’s now launching her gospel career. Bridie, 55, explained: “I was doing secular music because I needed money to put bread on the table. I would sing at weddings, corporate functions and funerals but my heart wasn’t in it.” When Bridie’s sisters beMIRACLE... Michael, who came Christians, she noticed came out of a change. She said: “Their a coma lives inspired me. They were so content and happy. “I was finding happiness in music and entertainment and relationships. Being in the spotlight was my happiness. They had none of that but were so content and I wanted that.” Bridie started her family aged 23, when her eldest daughter, Anita, was born. She and husband Michael plan ned to have another baby, but she went on to have four miscarriages. She said: “I lost confidence in the God that my sister was telling me about. I went into a deep depression and ended up seeing psychiatrists.” Then, aged 27, Bridie fell pregnant again, and her son, Michael, was born. But she faced further heartache over the next few years when she had four more miscarriages. As a result, doctors warned Bridie that another pregnancy could kill her. However, Bridie fell pregnant and 12 weeks into her pregnancy, she was rushed into hospital with bleeding. She said: “I cried out to God, ‘God this is a desperate time for me and if you’re real, let me keep this baby. I don’t want any more’. “I was bleeding heavily and when I went

Beating the odds with prayer... Bridie O’Brien

MIRACLE... Rachel, whose birth docs said could kill her mum

CH U RCH eS a nd schools a re bei ng called on to raise funds to help those affected by climate change. Christian Aid made the appeal after the european Commission agreed to give an additional £3 for every £1 donated. That support will mean that after

into the hospital they told me to expect the worst, but they found a heartbeat. I knew then that God was real,” said Bridie. Bridie had a healthy pregnancy and gave birth to a little girl, Rachel. Her experience had awoken something inside her. “I started to know that there was something else,’ remembered Bridie. But Bridie had more heartbreak to come, when her son Michael, then aged 11, was in a car accident that left him in a coma. “Doctors told us if he recovered he would have the mind of a two-year-old,” she said. “The doctors said that there was the rare chance that the brain could regenerate because he was a child and we had all our Christian family praying.”

years of hunger and drought, families in parts of Africa can escape the trap of poverty, grow the food they need and have some left over to sell or trade. To donate, call 0207 523 2015 or visit www.christian-aid.org/churchpartnerships

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COMMENT Miracle recovery CALUM GILLIES is a brave young man. At the age of 14 he was diagnosed with leukaemia. During treatment, he suf fered three strokes in 48 hours and spent ten months in hospital. Doctors told young Calum his chances of survival were just ten per cent. Basically, they didn’t expect him to survive. But next month, Calum celebrates his 21st birthday. And the young man believes his faith in Christ is the reason he’s alive today. For many people, it may seem unlikely that praying for sur vival actually does anything. They believe that miracles just don’t happen. However, it’s difficult to argue against when medical professionals are left amazed by the recovery of people such as Calum. Against the odds, he did survive – just like Bridie O’Brien on this page, who was told trying to have a third baby could kill her. In both cases, the people involved had faith that God would help, and they prayed for his intervention. In the Bible, Christ tells one woman that her ‘faith has made you well’. Healing miracles were happening 2,000 years ago – so why shouldn’t they happen today?

Dark side of ‘fun’ And after two years of rehabilitation, Michael fully recovered. “God did a miracle in my son,” said Bridie Bridie began to question her chosen profession. She said: “The lyrics in the music I was singing meant nothing to me – singing about heartbreak and people having affairs.” Bridie started going to her sister’s church where she became a Christian and did an Alpha course. “It was basic and easy and I totally enjoyed it,” she added. Bridie gave up professional singing and is now singing gospel music. She said: “Now the words I’m singing have got a message of hope in them.”

Help those hit by climate change Project’s the business!

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Across 1. Perspicacious (9) 6. Egg-shaped object (5) 7. Vacuous (5) 9. The night before (3) 10. Display of bad temper (7) 11. Get (7) 14. Large antelope (3) 16. Musical drama (5) 17. Melodies (5) 18. Rife (9)

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A CHRISTIAN organisation is hoping to find budding businessmen in a project in London. The HeBe Foundation is setting the volunteers a series of BBC Apprentice-style challenges. However, instead of selling Lamborghinis and over-priced chocolate, the 24 youngsters will be given tasks to help their communities.

HALLOWEEN is just a bit of harmless fun, right? Or is it? Most people these days are likely to think of it as just another excuse to party. However, there is a terrifying reality behind the fun and laughter. The occult is dark and dangerous. Kevin Wilson thought nothing of buying tarot cards because he didn’t recognise the spiritual warfare that he would later become involved in. His story is a stark reminder of just how important the gospel is and that the only spirit you need in your life is the Holy Spirit. If you’d like to know more, then find out where an Alpha course is near you and you’ll learn all about it. The details are on Page 6 of this newspaper.

BIBLE QUOTE OF THE MONTH “Be quick to listen, slow to speak”

James 1:19

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Issue 188

New LIfe cLAssIfIeds WANT TO EXPLORE CHRISTIANITY, BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO TURN? KEEP THIS PAGE TO HELP YOU FIND A NEW DIRECTION IN LIFE... ALTRINCHAM The Upper Room Christian Fellowship, The Downs. Sunday services 10.45am and 6.30pm. Enquiries: 0161 282 6676. (CA09) ASHFORD Ashford Christian Fellowship Worship Centre, 23 Tufton Street. Sundays: 9.30-11.30am (inc. children’s facilities) & 12.00-1.15pm (no children’s facilities). Enquiries: 01233 334007. (CF57)

BURY S T ED M U N D S , Su ffo lk. The Christian Resource Centre (a Pentecostal church). Oakes Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 6PX. www. crcministries.co.uk 01284 761000. Service times: Sunday 10.30am and 6.30pm. All the family will be made (EQ05) very welcome. CANTERBURY Trinity Community Church. Meetings Sundays 10.45am at St Stephen’s Junior School, Hales Place, Canterbury. Tel: 01227 459 785. (CA06)

CHATTERIS FenLife Christian Church. Sunday 10.30am and 6.30pm. King Edward Centre, Railway Lane, CHATTERIS. 01480 385001. www.fenlife.org.uk (EQ51)

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Meet every Sunday 10.30am A warm welcome awaits you For information on other meetings phone Allan Smith 01634 264410 (CF42)

HUDDERSFIELD Elim Pentecostal Church, Grace Centre, 23 St Johns Road, Huddersfield HD1 5BW welcomes you to their Sunday services 10.30am and 6.30pm. TE: 01484 535 554 Web Site: www.huddelim.org.uk

Lost in Faith

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Have you ever felt hopelesssly ‘lost’ in a time of need?

READING Assemblies of God Christian Centre (Mount Zion). Sundays 11am and 6.30pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays 7.30pm. Enquiries Tel: 01252 872 754.

RETFORD Retford New Life Church Centre, 26-32 Bridgegate, Retford, Notts. Morning Meetings 9.30am & 11.30am. Children’s Church 9.30am & 11.30am. Sunday Evenings 6.30pm. Everyone welcome. Contact 01777 711377. (CA36) RUSHDEN Full Gospel Church. High Street South, Rushden. A family Church that loves God, each other and those in the community. Sundays 10.45am & 6pm. Enquiries telephone: 01933 418 002. (DC19)

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ISLE OF WIGHT – Manna Christian Fellowship. The Music Room, Bishop Lovett School, Appley Road, Ryde. Sundays 11am and 6.30pm Tel 01983 564 845 (CB48)

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LEICESTER Na r b o r o u g h R oad Christian Fellowship. Meet at Manor House, Neighbourhood Centre, Haddenham Road. Services: Sunday 10.30am. Tel: 0116 2891 395 or 0116 2897 804. All welcome. (AB25)

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LEICESTER Apostolic Church New Life Centre, Sanvey Lane, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8NF. Main services: Sunday 10.30am worship, Bible ministry and Communion. Wednesday 8pm Bible study and prayer. Pastor Richard Forman telephone 0116 275 2582 everyone welcome. (CW05)

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SAFFRON WALDEN, New Life Church. Shire Hill. Sundays 10.30am & 6.30pm. For details call Pastor R Ellalasingham on 01799 506045 email: mail@nlpc.co.uk (FR19)

SHANKLIN Isle of Wight, Living Waters Fellowship, 29, Victoria Avenue. Sundays 2.30pm (Service). Wednesday Home Group 10.30am (Bible Study). Thursdays 10.30am (Prayer) 7.30pm Monthly also Saturdays 7.30pm Monthly (Intercessory Praise & Worship). Enquiries & Newsletter (01983) 863683, livingwaters.iw@btinternet.com or livingwaters.iw@gmail.com. (CA52)

LONG EATON Oasis Christian Centre, Derby Road. 10am & 6pm. Come and enjoy the dynamic worship and a warm welcome. God centred, Purpose driven, People empowering. Enquiries: Church Office 0115 9460463

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Issue 188 •

Top title just the wicket for team! MOLESEY Community Church became the winners of the 10th National Christian Cricket Cup recently after beating St Thomas’ Church from Sheffield. Overnight rain made the pitch damp and outfield slow, and St Thomas’ were soon ruing their decision to bat first. After great bowling from Molesey, they were all out for a mere 80. MCC then took to the middle, and following good knocks from Vickesh Chauhan (21) and Steve Frise (21), they reached their target after losing just four wickets. Next year’s competition will be held from June 5 and 6. To enter, contact Mark Blythe on mark@mccfc.org.uk or call 07885 778501.

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

11

LINVOY PRIMUS

The inside track on faith in football

CELEBRATING... The Molesey Community Church cricket team

RETIRED WRESTLER STOPS LIVING FOR MONEY

life’s a million times better... He was the man who had everything – a million dollar wrestling career and lifestyle. But behind the famous laugh and wads of cash, Ted DiBiase’s ego and womanising were out of control. Then one phone call from his wife saved his marriage, changed his life and made Ted a role model for every aspiring wrestler in the business today. Surprisingly, that conversation involved his beloved Melanie confronting him over his cheating. Now a born-again Christian, The Million Dollar Man admitted: “I had everything I’d ever asked for, but what took over and consumed my life for 20 years was my pride. The ego. Life all became about me. It was very self-serving. “At the pinnacle of my success in the early 1990s, I really let the notoriety and money go to my head. “What finally broke that cycle was my adultery being caught out. “I called home the day after WrestleMania VIII from a payphone in the lobby of a Detroit hotel. That was when my wife confronted me about the fact that she had discovered that I’d been fooling around. “In a fraction of a second I realised I had put at risk the most valuable things in my life: the love and devotion of a committed wife and the stability, future, wellbeing and peace of mind of my three children. “And all for what? To stroke my ego? To be a big shot out there? It just hit me

and I took a long, hard, look in favourite things. Also when they’ve the mirror and realised in spite messed up and find themselves in of my success I didn’t like what jail, they can look at me and say, I saw. ‘Here’s a guy who had success. He’s had fame and made some “That’s what caused me to turn back to God and all of money and had the nicer things, those values that I had as a but he’s telling us that’s not what young man.” happiness is.’ The star’s legendary wrestler “I tell them the bottom father Mike DiBiase died in the line is that your life is the ring when Ted was just 15 years sum total of the choices of age. His mother then became that you ma ke a nd we an alcoholic and died a few can’t choose our circum circummonths after he turned stances in life. 30. “What I’ve told my The star’s faith helped boys is that if you take h im overcome those the talents that I believe problems and, after are God-given and use red iscover i ng G od them as a platform to and being ordained bring recogn ition to as a m i n ister, Ted him and not yourself, now helps others do the sky’s the limit. the same. “When I say that I don’t He sa id: “I go to mean my sons are going prisons, orphanages, to be walking around the youth detention centres dressing room thumping bibi and churches to speak to bles and preaching to guys, various groups. Usually I but I said to live your faith target men because I think in front of these guys. that most men can identify “By the grace of God with a lot of the struggles I’m still with this wonwon that I had. derful woman who was “Being The Million Dolwilling to give me a secsec lar Man definitely helps ond chance. Melanie and OLD DAYS... me. For g uys i n prison, I are closer now than we Ted DiBiase their outlet to the outside have ever been. She is as The Million world is television and I’m my best friend and we Dollar Man told wrestling is one of their share everything.”

How my Man Utd move boosted uncle’s church ● Continued from Back Page them to church as long as they get there to learn from my uncle and so he can have a full congregation.” Berbatov explained that one of his driving forces was his mum Margarita – who gave him the Bible he now carries everywhere he goes. He said: “Nothing I can ever do can repay all she does for me and all the support she has given me. “She is a fantastic woman, and I know a lot of people say this but every time I score

a great goal, I think of my phone going off in the dressing room because I can be sure when I go and check at half time their is a text saying ‘great goal my boy, I am so proud of you.” Berbatov lives out the Christian ethic of caring for others by being deeply involved in charitable works. He said: “It is up to the people with a degree of power and wealth to try and change things, and I just do what I feel I should and don’t want any credit for it. “A lot of children in Bulgaria don’t have

a good life, and there are a lot of orphans. Most children in Europe worry about material things, but for Bulgarian children it can still be about having enough to eat or shoes on their feet.” While Berbatov’s mum and family is important to him, he’s sure of who gave him the talent to play football at the highest level. “I am enjoying my football so much at the moment, God gave me a talent to play football, and there is not a better club in the world than Manchester United to showcase that talent,” he added.

True sadness of losing a life is now so real I DON’T want to depress anyone but the loss of a family pet has really got me thinking! Until we lost our dog – who was very precious to the entire family – death had never entered my world. I had never lost anyone. OK, I know an animal’s life is nothing like as important as a human being’s, but the terrible sadness we all felt was quite shocking. To be honest, I couldn’t get things together at all – his loss was on my mind and all the family’s. It was a very distressing time and we’re still not over it. But while I was feeling all at sea, I suddenly realised how God must feel when someone dies and doesn’t know him. Why that should pop into my mind I don’t know, but it did. I hope we are going to see our beloved pet again when we get to heaven, but how much worse will it be for God the Father and us if we get there and fail to meet many of our friends. In times like these we have been passing t h roug h t he re’s on ly one t h i ng to do – keep praising God because as we do so he comes rushing to our aid. He lifts us up and t u r n s mou r n i n g i nto ce lebrat ion . It’s quite wonderful because he becomes our strength and lifts us out of the worst circumstances. The whole point about being a follower of Jesus is to ensure that the plan he has for our life – as spoken of in the Bible – becomes a reality. What is his plan? That we follow him in order for him to show us exactly what it is he has for us. It’s not rocket science. Give him your life, follow him and watch his marvellous plan unfold in your life. He is with those who have given their lives over to him ALL THE TIME because he promised never to leave us or forsake us. He guides us through problems and I thank him all the time because I know I really get his attention when I do. I also thank him for all the things he has kept me from... the things I will never know about until I get to heaven and he tells me about them… HOPEFULLY! That’s the fantastic thing about being a Christian. Not only are you never alone, but you have the King of Heaven, the Creator, the Almighty God on your side, loving you and holding you up. He wants to share in all your triumphs and all your joys, but equally he wants to be there when the going gets tough and you don’t know which way to turn. My son Nathan has an expression which he uses all the time and puts it all perfectly: Don’t tell God how big your problem is, tell your problem how big God is! If you haven’t given your life to Jesus Christ, do it today and it won’t be very long before you realise the truth of every word of that. Bless you all and see you next month!

❛

It’s not rocket science. Give him your life... watch his marvellous plan unfold... ❜

Linvoy was talking to Hugh Southon

DON’T MISS LINVOY NEXT MONTH ...ONLY IN YOUR NEW LIFE

Issue 188 • NEW LIFE 12

NEW LIFE

SPORT

We’re always leading the way with big names

how life’s now a millions times better for retired wrestlin star wrestlinG pa 11 – see paGe

NEW LIFE

don’t miss pompey star linvoy primus’ Great Column – turn to paGe 11

JOINING TOV OF UTD MAN THE bOOsTeD DAY UNCLe’s ChUrCh! ...but he didn’t want me to be a ‘Red Devil’, says Berbatov DiDier BerBatov has revealed that his uncle’s church has seen a rise in attendance since he moved to Man Utd. The £30m striker said football-mad people in his home country of Bulgaria have been turning up to hear the gospel after Berbatov publicly spoke of his Christian faith. But his uncle, Stoyan Berbatov, had at first warned against him joining the Premier League champions – because their nickname is The Red Devils! In an exclusive interview Berbatov revealed: “I know when

2012 will be a great way to reach out

The London 2012 Olympics will be a great opportunity to reach people with the message of Jesus, Christians in Sport director Keith Proctor said. Keith, pictured below, described the Games as a “golden opportunity” and the biggest thing that would ever happen in his lifetime. He said: “It’s our big chance to join the nations’ conversation and make sport our mission. If we miss this one, we miss a massive Godgiven open door to see our team mates saved. Reaching the sporting world with the Christian message has been our reason to get out of bed for the past 25 years. 2012 just makes this mission more strategic.” Keith urged believers throughout the nation to get on board and take this opportunity. He added: “It’s excellent news for Christians who cox at the local rowing club, train at the school running track or play in the Arsenal first team. The excitement for the London Games began the minute Britain won the bid.” Several Christians in Sport initiatives will be taking place for the Games. See www.christiansinsport. org.uk for details.

Prayer plea

The distraught family of cancer-stricken football star John Hartson, pictured right, begged fans to pray for him. The former Arsenal and Celtic striker, 34, is clinging to life after an emergency op to relieve pressure on his brain. Hartson’s sister Hayley, 25, told one fans’ website: “I ask every one of you to pray for John.”

LocaL contact detaiLs:

eXClusive By Ben Fairthorne I moved to Manchester united he had a problem with their nickname. “As a godly man he does not like the name The Red Devils, but I know he is also pleased that I joined the biggest club in the world. “He has told me that since I have joined his church has grown a lot bigger. People are football crazy in Bulgaria, and if his church is fuller because I now play for Manchester United then that is great. “It doesn’t matter what gets ● Continued on Page 11

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