New Life Jan 10 issue 191

NEW LIFE JANUARY 2010 • Issue 191 40p

GOOD NEWS STORIES

I forgave the priest who abused me FULL AMAZING STORY – CENTRE PAGES

Archbishop in show of steely determination!

THE Archbishop of York travelled to a steel works to offer support to staff when it was announced the plant was to close.

Dr Joh n Senta mu made t he journey north to the Corus plant in Redcar, Teesside, to back the beleaguered workers the day after the shock announcement.

Some 1,700 staff were told they were to lose their jobs this month.

protect Wearing a Save Our Steel Tshirt, the Archbishop said: “In this country, manufacturing needs to be supported, just like every other industry.

“If you don’t support this industry, we are always going to be buying goods from other countries.

“Steel is a massive part of the community and the staff are committed to their work and are going to fight to the very end to protect their jobs.”

Docs stunned as girl grows new kidneys DOCTORS were left stunned when a toddler with severe kidney damaged grew replacements.

Angel Burton, now eight, was born with a condition that left her kidneys scarred.

Devastated mum Claire turned back to her childhood faith some time after hearing the news.

Claire visited a Christian conference a nd asked one of t he preachers to pray for Angel.

She said: “I took Angel to the front and told him what was wrong with her. He just looked at her and said, ‘New kidneys in the name of Jesus.’ And that was it. She was about nine months old.”

About a year later, doctors decided they would have to operate on Angel only to discover that she had grown new kidneys! ● Full story... Page 3

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Willie’s shock at meeting with PM

PAGE 2

i’m helping others get a new deal

ALL CHANGE...

Stacey Simpson, who meets some people he once sold drugs to and helps them rebuild their lives

Former druggie tells how he found God in back of police van

FORMER drug dealer Stacey Simpson has found himself face to face with his old ‘clients’.

But this time it’s to help them build a new life. The ex-nightclub

doorman served time after being found in possession of 50 pills and 40 wraps of amphetamines.

It was while Stacey, who now works at a community project in the Black Country town of Brierley Hill, was in the back of a police van

that he found himself changing. He told New Life: “I was in the back of the van with another guy who'd been caught with only one pill.

“In desperation, I deliberately spat my pills out on the floor after ● Continued on Page 4

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NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

• Issue 191

God makes sense: Prof

project leader’s ‘shock’ meeting with pm

Belief in God makes perfect sense, Professor Alister McGrath told the audience at the public Drawbridge Lecture at King’s College London recently.

Addressing the view expressed

by New Atheists such as Richard Dawkins that faith is a delusion, Professor McGrath said that Christianity makes sense not only in itself but also of the world.

He said: “The gospel is about salvation – the transformation of the human situation – not explanation.

Yet the gospel is an illuminating radiance which lights up the landscape of reality, allowing us to see things as they really are”.

NEW LIFE A Twitter-style Bible where each book of the Bible is outlined in just 100 words has been released.

The 100-word Bible – written

by Jonny Griffiths – presents a personal interpretation of the Bible’s themes and events.

NEWSFLASH

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Will I never... church pastor Willie Watt, second left, meets Prime Minister Gordon Brown with other Heroes in the Community award winners

A pastor has revealed his shock at meeting the Prime Minister after being nominated for an award for his church’s work in the community.

Willie Watt, 55, heads homeless project Heaven’s Kitchen as well as a counselling centre at his church, Dudley Christian Fellowship. And when the local MP went to one of the church’s family fun days, he was blown away by the work the church was doing.

Willie said: “The meeting with Gordon Brown came about when our local MP, Ian Austin, came to one of our community fun days. When we got word he was coming, my first thought was, ‘What if nobody comes!’

“But on the Saturday we had around 200 people there. It was just fantastic! So when the MP came, he had a look around and went to see Heaven’s Kitchen. He came up to me and said, ‘I’m totally blown away! I didn’t know this was going on my own patch.’

“Then, we got this letter inviting me to go and meet Gordon Brown. Because of the work that is being done in the community, Ian Austin had nominated the work of the church for a Heroes in the Community award.

“So, in October, we went to London, had a guided tour of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, then got taken to meet Gordon and Sarah Brown. It was so surreal.”

400 years of MAYOR ‘HAPPY’ FOR VOLUNTEERS TO EVANGELISE Bible marked The 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, or ‘Authorised Version’ will be marked in a brand new documentary on BBC Two in 2011.

The one-hour docu menta r y – which will form part of the BBC’s wider anniversary celebrations on TV, radio and online – will be presented by Melvyn Bragg, who will look at the Bible’s extraordinary legacy and how ultimately, as it spread to the new world and the colonies, it helped to shape the world.

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boris backing the street pastors NEW LIFE

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The Mayor of London has revealed that he is happy for Christians to evangelise and serve the community at the same time.

Boris Johnson addressed hu nd reds of Street Pastors and supporters who gathered in London for the ministry’s conference.

Street Pastors’ schemes are run in towns and cities across the UK and provide extra care and advice to the community.

Street Pastors aim to be on the streets at night when revellers leave pubs and club and offer care and a listening ear.

emergency Some even provide emergency footwear to people who can no longer walk in their high heels.

During their recent conference, Street Pastors shared their experiences and consider how they can reach out to the people out and about on Britain’s streets.

Mr Johnson told those at-

Happy... Boris Johnson tending that he was unhappy at the way some Christians got into trouble for sharing their faith.

He said believers should be free to preach while volunteering.

“Faith groups who want to slip in the odd coded message in favour of salvation, I have absolutely no problem with that and why not,” he added.

“That’s one of the things that I think has been going wrong in the last few years. We have got a slightly politically correct super-sensitiv ity to

anything that can be remotely classed as religious advocacy.

And frankly I’ve got no difficulty with it whatsoever.”

Mr Johnson has long been an admirer of the “extraordinary and inspiring movement” of Street Pastors, wh ich he sees as a key part of reducing violence on the streets. During his mayoral campaign he joined a team in Southgate, north London.

Recently, he was hailed for helping a woman who was being targeted by a gang, chasing them on his bike.

heroes But he told those attending the Street Pastors conference he shouldn’t have got so much credit and that they were the real heroes.

“I was doing nothing other than what you do, what the Street Pastors do, every night on the streets of London: people with the courage and the sense of public spirit to intervene with kids, on our streets, who may be about to do something stupid or possibly something fatal.”

COMMUNITY WORK COMMENDED BY MINISTER A senior Government minister has commended faith groups for their work to end poverty in their local communities.

Labour’s vice-chairman for faith groups, Stephen Timms, said faith was the driving force behind much of the work to tackle poverty at local level.

He said that the Government recognised

the “impressive” work of faith groups to end poverty.

“Faith is the motivation behind of a lot of impressive work in our communities and I’m pleased the Government is recognising this.

Faith not only inspires individuals to help those in need but provides a resource to help communities respond to challenges.”

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Foodbank’s rush to help after floods A CHARITY set up to deliver food to people in crises was called into action just three weeks after opening.

The North Lakes foodbank in Cockermouth, r u n by Ch ristia n charity The Trussell Trust, sprung into action to provide food boxes to those hit by the floods.

Foodbanks around the UK were called on to help because the Cockermouth foodbank supplies that had been collected in its first three weeks were ruined when its building was flooded by 8ft of water.

North Lakes foodbank now has 10 times the amount of food originally collected and has helped hundreds of flood-hit families.

Food boxes were received from Salisbury, Andover and Swindon foodbanks, helping North Lakes to keep up their work providing relief as families continued to struggle.

Andrew Robinson, North Lakes foodbank manager says: “It’s like the loaves and fishes, we had our small offering and the Lord has blessed it by giving us ten-fold what we had, and it keeps coming!”

North Lakes foodbank was one of the first relief agencies on the ground giving out emergency food in the worst hit areas of Cumbria.

The day after flooding started, the foodbank was handing out boxes.

Issue 191 • NEW LIFE 3 NEW LIFE

DOCS TELL GIRL’S MUM DISCOVERY STUNNED THEM

my miracle angel grew new kidneys

A mum has revealed how doctors were amazed when her daughter grew new kidneys after receiving prayer for healing.

Major plan to reach youths Frontier Youth Trust (FYT) has launched a project that will lead to a huge increase in Christian youth work on the streets alongside young people in the UK. They want to set up at least 36 new local StreetSpace projects in the next three years and develop a national network of Christians to work with young people in their own neighbourhoods.

FYT has secured £60,000 to start the project, but needs to raise a further £100,000.

Richard Passmore, StreetSpace Project Leader, said: “We have an amazing opportunity to help and support young people, especially those who may be at risk, by meeting them where they are at. We are at a critical point in this development and we want to mobilise Christian youth work as an expression of God’s love for young people on the streets.”

Band’s plea to young people Thousands of young people were challenged to live the Bible at six gigs around the country, which featured thebandwithnoname.

Hundreds turned out for the first night, an evening featuring worship, talks and a set from thebandwithnoname. They were challenged to look at what the Bible has to say to them.

Chip Kendall, frontman for the unusually named band, urged the crowd to live out the Bible’s message, saying, “It’s time for you to take the tandem skydive leap of faith and start living the dream – the way God designed you to live in the first place.

After all, you couldn’t possibly be strapped to a better instructor than Jesus himself.”

Cups floweth over... two of the organisers behind the Costa Coffee church

SKINNY LATTÉ AND A PRAYER TO GO PLEASE Cre ati v e worsh ippers are plan n ing to launch a new church – in a coffee shop.

Café Church will meet in the Waterlooville branch of Costa Coffee this month.

Worshippers from the Church of the Good Shepherd in Crookhorn launched a weekly Alpha course there in October.

It’s thought to be the first Alpha course in the UK to take place inside a Costa Coffee shop.

Organiser Gary Chapman, from Church of the Good Shepherd, had the idea after attending two separate training sessions

about Alpha and Café Church. Gary joined forces with fellow worshipper Justin Osmond and Barney Barron, who already runs a café church in Warren Park and helps to create new churches with the Incarnate network.

“It’s church, but not in a church building,” said Gary. “It’s taking the idea of church into the wider community.

“It removes that ba r r ier that people sometimes feel about walking into a church building, and helps those who want to find out more about their spiritual side in a place they already feel comfortable.”

Angel Burton, now eight, was born with bilateral reflux, a condition which left her kidneys scarred.

Her mother, Claire, 32 explained: “The valves going into her bladder weren’t working properly, and urine was getting into the kidneys, so she kept getting urinary tract infections. Doctors told us her kidneys were permanently damaged.”

And as Angel’s condition worsened, Claire turned back to God for help.

Claire, pictured below with Angel, said: “For the first time in years, I said ‘God I need you’.”

The mum-of-three started to think about her Christian upbringing.

She went to a Christian conference with her parents, and heard a preacher talk about healing.

“I took Angel to the front and told him what was wrong with her,” said Claire. “He just looked at her and said, ‘New kidneys in the name of Jesus.’ And that was it. She was about nine months old.”

When Angel was one-and-a-half, Claire was told that if her little girl had another urinary tract infection (UTI), doctors would have to operate.

“Everyone at church was pray ing and something seemed to shift,” said Claire. “She stopped getting the infections and there was no real explanation for it.”

Angel never had another UTI and at the age of three, she was given the all clear.

Cla i re e x pla i n s, “Once a year they would screen her kidneys with dye. We went back for her three-year check and they told us there was no scarring at all of the kidneys.

We couldn’t understand it.”

But Claire’s faith was put to the test when the next year, the scan revealed that the scarring was present again.

Doctors decided to operate on Angel in October 2007. After just over an hour the surgeon came to speak to Claire.

Claire said: “He said, ‘We’ve found something very, very strange considering the amount of scans Angel’s had since her birth.’

“He went on to explain they’d repaired the two valves but then they’d found two more openings.

These openings led up to two more perfectly healthy kidneys, just sitting on top of the other ones.

“He said, ‘They are totally independent. We are just stunned that these have never been picked up on a scan. It looks like the healthy ones have taken over.’

“This explained why one of the scans had come back showing perfectly healthy kidneys and one showing scarred kidneys,” said Claire.

“It was just amazing and the result of years of prayer. I didn’t expect to give my life to God and for everything to go perfectly. I’m just really blessed that he chose to heal her.”

RHYDIAN TELLS OF FIRST LOVE Bad news girls – superstar singer Rhydian Roberts says a woman will never take number one place in his life.

The devout Christian, below, said: “I’ve never had a one-night stand, never abused the practice of sexual intercourse. I don’t think it’s in my best interest, and I think it’s disrespecting the girl as well. I love dating.

I like going to a nice restaurant or the opera, but when they’re like, “I love you. Let’s get married.” I’m like, “Darling, I don’t need this. You’re not the most important thing in my life. It’s God, work, family and then you. Hopefully, over time, you’ll achieve second place, but not after only a few weeks.”

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4 NEW LIFE • Issue 191

DOCS CONFIRM THAT TESTS PROVED NEGATIVE Ex-druggie:

i was healed of HIV after church visit A former millionaire businessman has told how he was miraculously healed from the HIV virus.

American Eric Gonyon thought life couldn’t get better just a month before his wedding.

He had recently converted to Christianity, was running a multimillion pound sales firm and was preparing to marry the love of his life, Jennifer.

But when the couple went for a routine blood test about six weeks before their big day, life was about to come crashing down on Eric.

When the results were returned a fortnight later, the doctor told him he was HIV positive.

He said: “My wife Jennifer got her results and was fine, no problems, but when I got my result there was a big problem. When the doctor is nervous you become nervous!

“He told me I was HIV positive.

When that news hit me it was the most terrible news I could have heard. My first reaction was to ask for a shot or a pill to fix this, but then he told me there was no shot or pill and there was nothing that could be done.

crying “I started crying like a baby and didn’t know what to tell my wife.

What if she got infected? I thought the wedding was off. I had a lot of questions to ask God but had no theological background. I just didn’t understand why this would happen.”

Th ree days after hearing the news, Jennifer told Eric she would rather die than not marry him, and declared the wedding was still to go ahead. Life was instantly tough for the newly-weds though, as Eric had to take special care not to spread the virus.

Howeve r, t he couple’s blea k future was about to take a miraculous turn for the better, when they attended a healing service at a local Lutheran church.

Eric says: “The vicar came out in his big robe and asked anyone who was sick to come forward. He then took a little tub of oil and started

Eric Gonyon and wife Jennifer to pray for people. I was a Christian but I was unchurched, so didn’t have a clue what was going on. To me, oil was something you put in your car!

“He then put some oil on my forehead and said, ‘In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.’

“I felt an amazing peace, like a peace that passes all understanding.

“I then went to see my doctor and asked for another AIDS test. He was surprised and asked why I wanted one, but I just had this peace and felt I had been healed.

“It took two weeks for the results to come back and he said it was the craziest thing he’d ever seen.

“He said you are no longer HIV positive; you are HIV negative! I nearly dropped to my knees and I started yelling, ‘Thank you Jesus.’

“The doctor tried to calm me down, but I just ran outside with excitement! He tried saying that the first test could have been wrong but I know I had been healed. I got another test and then another one and three tests showed that I was no longer HIV positive. God had healed me!”

Eric – who now travels the world telling his story – wasn’t raised in church, and says the HIV diagnosis was an obvious consequence of sin before his conversion to Christ.

He u sed to d r i n k e xcessive amounts of alcohol most days of his life and lived a lifestyle of women, partying and nightclubs.

Graham and Palin meet for dinner and prayers Sarah Palin met evangelist Billy Graham for dinner and prayer at his home on Montreat, North Carolina.

During their meeting, the former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee spoke of her spiritual journey and her life in Alaska. Meanwhile, the famed evangelist, who has counselled numerous presidents and politicians, shared his memories of preaching in Anchorage, Sarah Palin and Billy Graham Alabama, in 1984.

“It was an honour having Governor Palin and her family in our home this evening,” said Billy Graham in a statement. “I, like many people, have been impressed with her strong commitment to her faith.”

Franklin Graham said his father had followed Palin’s career. “Dad feels God was using her to wake America up,” Graham said.

Palin also felt privileged to meet Billy Graham, calling it “a once-ina-lifetime honour”.

ON A MISSION... John and Sue Whitehouse

COUPLE TO REACH AFRICA’S POOREST A British couple have answered t he ca l l to help some of t he world’s poorest people in Africa.

One-time atheist John Whitehouse and his reformed alcoholic wife, Sue, will visit slums in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, during a Richard Roberts Healing Crusade from January 27-31.

John, 57, a trustee of the American evangelist’s ministry team, told New Life that they were the only people from outside the US among hundreds already ‘signed up’ to take part.

He said: “The rest are American doctors, nurses and dentists, but we’ve had a personal invitation from Richard to be part of the prayer ministry section.

“Not every big ministry holding a crusade does anything on the humanitarian side – it’s such a privilege to be part of a trip that blesses people in such a practical way.”

Although John and Sue, now living in the West Midlands, are involved in the ‘spiritual’ input, they have been ‘hands-on’ i n

encouraging fellow Brits to donate cash towards the food and shoes.

John added: “The people of Nairobi are desperately in need of help. Due to the worst drought in many years, their crops have been ruined leaving countless individuals to wonder where their next meal will come from.”

More than 1.5 million meals have already been sent to the country, along with 8,000 pairs of shoes to help prevent the invasion of diseases that enter through the feet.

It’s not unusual for residents to pay exorbitant rent for ramshackle one-room homes precariously built on mounds of rubbish. They suffer illness from poor nutrition, lack of sanitation and exposure to HIV/AIDS, he explained.

So, while evangelistic rallies will be held at night, medics will be on hand during the day to offer appropriate help, including possible minor operations, while the food parcels and shoes will also be distributed.

I’m helping give people a new deal

● Continued from Page 1 trying to swallow them as it would then be impossible to prove whose they were.

“Normally I didn’t care about anyone but me, but when the policeman asked if the pills were mine I saw this incredible fear on his face.

“For some strange reason I owned up. I now firmly believe God was at work in me then.”

Stacey, who at the age of 36 is a grandfather, started his life of drugs, drunkenness, violence and sex in the early 90s.

But his life is completely different these days, as he has found himself in a full-time job encouraging people develop their self-worth and build their confidence.

“It’s a weird experience on both sides when someone I know from my past life walks in for help. But in a strange way it helps to build bridges and shows we are real people,” the married father-of-three said.

He reca l led: “Wh i le I worked in clubs, everything that went on became part of me. Seeing people getting glassed and stabbed was the norm, you just numb to it. I saw some really horrific things to say the least.

“But I had no interest in drugs until I started work at the rave.

“A friend finally wore me down and I tried it once to shut him up.

It didn’t do anything for me, but the next day I found myself buying about 20 acids. I tried again and this time I enjoyed it.”

Stacey soon prog ressed from a pills ‘runner’ to a fully-fledged dealer, a crime which finally caught up with him on attending a massive rave at The Sanctuary in Milton Keynes.

The date of January 21 1995 is etched in Stacey’s memory as he keeps the £16 ticket in his wallet to this day. It was a night that saw him arrested for possession of illegal substances.

CHALLENGING After Stacey’s release from jail in Bedford, his brother Peter Edwards, who had become a Christian, got him to visit church.

“Whenever it went quiet I would always make a kerfuffle just to embarrass him, but after being led to the front at the end of one meeting, the question I was asked, ‘are you going to accept the Lord as your Saviour,’ kept ringing in my ear and I remember challenging God to prove himself.

“On leaving church, the words I was left with at my first meeting also hit me: ‘It takes a man to stand by the decision of living for Christ.’

“Next day was an horrendous day for me and I blamed God. On the Monday night I remember smoking my usual spliff, which I always needed.

“But instead of waking up groggy and horrible next morning, I shot up out of bed.

“Then I thought my mum was in the room but as I looked round the door was still shut. I gradually realised that what I could feel was not a human presence but the presence of God. “I grabbed my clothes and ran out to my brother’s house. I banged on Peter’s door and shouted ‘God’s real!’

He smiled and said he knew, but I said: ‘no, you don’t understand, I really mean God’s real.’ He said: ‘That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.’”

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Issue 191 •

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

canon has a ball on trek to raise cash for charity

Star trekkers... Canon Roger Royle, fourth from left, with the team that followed in Moses’ footsteps

Tutu’s bid to bring hope during visit Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu visited Sheffield recently to bring hope to young people in the city.

He was there to launch a cutting edge new evangelistic program at the Wilson Carlile Centre for the Church Army in Sheffield, called Xplore, a global gap-year program for young people aged 18-25.

Archbishop Tutu said: “I am passionate about helpi ng you ng people rea l i se how important they are to God and how he can Bringing hope... u s e t h e m t o Archbishop make the world Desmond Tutu a better place.

As Church Army’s President I'm excited to be in Sheffield to launch Xplore as I believe it is a wonderful program. I encourage young people to join Xplore!

“Young people are some of the greatest of God’s workers. They really believe that we should make poverty history.”

Prayer-walk in the capital National church leaders took to the streets of London to prayer-walk the city recently.

Steve Clifford, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, joined with Matthew Frost of Tearfund, Roger Forster of Ichthus, Dr Richard Vautrey of the Methodist Church and David Reed of the Salvation Army to walk part of the route that thousands of campaigners marched at climate change demonstration march The Wave in December.

Steve Clifford said: “It’s vital that as Christians we recognise our responsibility to speak up for justice and unite on the big issues that we believe are on God’s heart.”

82k go back ALMOST 82,000 people returned to churches across the UK on Back to Church Sunday last year, according to figures just released.

Most returned to the Church of England, which said they welcomed 53,000 former churchgoers back.

Their head of research, Rev Lynda Barley, said: “New attendees enjoy the Back to Church experience.”

BBC Radio 2 presenter, Canon Roger Royle has completed a challenge to ‘follow the footsteps of Moses’ by reaching the peak of Mount Sinai, Egypt, to raise vital funds for disability charity Livability.

Ten Livability supporters joined Roger on the trek, which has raised more than £18,000 for the charity.

The funds donated will be used to help provide services to more than 8,000 disabled people across the UK, helping them to lead full, independent lives and maximise their own potential.

The team hiked through the picturesque Sinai Valley, and visited St Catherine’s Monastery, which is the oldest continuously inhabited monastery in the world, before trekking the 2,285m to the top of the mountain.

Revd Canon Roger Royle, who has supported Livability for a number of years, said: “I was delighted to join Livability for this very special event.

“The trek was challenging for everyone, but it was a wonderful experience. I hope the money raised will make a positive difference to the charity’s work.”

OLDHAM RACE RIOT INSTIGATOR GIVING BACK TO COMMUNITY

Rap’s the way to do it... Gary Needham

I’VE LEFT DAYS OF STREET FIGHTS BEHIND

A main instigator of the Oldham race riots has revealed how becoming a Christian has turned his life around.

Now a Christian rap artist, Gary Needham, 27, spent his teenage years drinking and taking drugs.

Grow ing up on the streets of Oldham, Lancashire, Gary became involved with racist groups.

The now dad-of-one said: “I started hanging around with a few guys who were part of the BNP. We were one of the main causes of the Oldham riots in 2001. A couple of guys started arguing with a lot of Asians and it just spiralled.”

But when Gary started to date a girl at the age of 19, he began to question his beliefs.

“I found out that she was mixed race after I’d asked her out. It really got to me when I discovered she was Asian,” said Gary. “I found out she was a Christian and I started going to church. I used to wear really baggy clothes and when I got out of the car I took my hat off and tucked my shirt in, but she told me I could go in as I was. I thought you needed to be a certain type of person.”

By the end of the year, Gary had become a Christian.

“A guy where I worked gave me a tract and I said the prayer for forgiveness at the end about 30 times,” he said. “Then my girlfriend told me I only needed to say it once.”

Gary started 2001 as part of some of the worst race riots to take place in Britain and

Trouble spot... riot police on the streets during the Oldham race riots of 2001 ended it a committed Christian. He said: “I went had this vision of doing an outreach using the to church and it made me cry. The whole service gifts and talents that God’s given me. We do was about prayer and I just broke out crying.” hip-hop workshops, where we teach the kids Feeling fully forgiven, Gary wanted everyone some tips on how to rap. We’ve even been into to know about God’s love and he did this the the schools working with Years Nine and Ten. only way he knew how – through his music.

“It’s a ten-week course with ten or more “I’ve been rapping since I was 15,” he said. hard-to-reach kids. We get them in once a “I used to do it in the schoolyard and outside week and try to bring out any musical skills. the shops, and then from there I used to go into There are a lot of kids out there who are into the pubs in Oldham and Manchester. When I rap and MCing.” became a Christian, I started writing my own Gary has recently released a CD ‘Found’, Christian lyrics.” featuring three singles from his up and comGary now works on a community project ing third studio album, which will be available Backflip, where he does hip-hop workshops from March. For more information, contact with the kids from the local estate. He said: “I g2k@live.co.uk

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NEW LIFE • Issue 191 NEW LIFE

NEW LIFE

Issue 191 •

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

MAN REVEALS HOW GOD HAS HEALED HIM AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE OF HELL

I suffered years of abuse at hands of priest... but I have forgiven him

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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

A changed man... Noel leads worship at his church, above, and, below, when he was extradited to Ireland to face criminal charges

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.

T

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.

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

Family man... Noel with his wife Claire and his two daughters when his second daughter was born eight years ago

he biblical quote that Satan shall be defeated by the word of the testimony is boldly declared on the homepage of Noel Pattern’s website.

Noel Pattern was raped and abused by a priest. The years of hurt that followed led him to a life of crime and he fled to London and changed his name to forget the past. He tells Matthew Murray how faith has helped him to forgive and face the past

And after spending a few moments talking to the 37-year-old, you quickly realise that is exactly what he wants to achieve following the launch of his book, Forgiving Ferns.

The book is a personal account of how God healed years of hurt and pain following horrific sexual abuse and rape.

Growing up in a church-going family in the Diocese of Ferns in County Wexford in the Republic of Ireland, Noel endured three years of abuse and rape by a Catholic priest well known to the family.

At the age of 12, Noel was made to believe he was homosexual and was told there would be ‘severe consequences’ if he told anyone what the priest was doing to him.

But when the priest, who has since died, moved to a parish in England, Noel told his dad that he thought he was gay and described his relationship with the priest.

Tragically, his dad had a heart attack and died just six hours later, and 13 days on, his mum, who was apparently in good health, also died. The priest’s threat of ‘severe consequences’ had seemed to come true, and for many years Noel was too scared to speak out again.

Orphaned and in turmoil, he dropped out of school and turned to crime, involving himself in armed robberies and continuing his secret gay lifestyle.

By the time he had reached 21, Noel

had reported the incident to another local priest and the residing bishop of the area, as well as the police, but no action had been taken.

His life of crime continued to escalate, and, when an armed Post Office robbery went wrong, Noel knew he had to escape Ireland, and moved to London, changing his name by deed poll in an effort to rid himself of his past life.

In England his life took a turn for the better, and he came to faith in Christ at an evangelical church in London, where he met wife Claire. The couple married, and life was great, although Noel’s stories of abuse, homosexuality and crime remained secret, even to his wife.

However, when Noel fended off a wouldbe car thief outside their home, his life was about to take another terrifying twist.

As a result of the incident, armed police from New Scotland Yard’s Organised Crime Squad and MI5 swooped on him to arrest him, and he was soon back in Ireland facing a long sentence for the various crimes he had committed.

With the story splashed all over the newspapers, Noel faced months on remand, but the extensive array of criminal charges against him were finally dropped for political reasons. He was given a 14-year suspended sentence and was released.

His wife Claire stood by him, showing

Big day... Noel and Claire on their wedding day a great example of Christian love and grace, and in 1998, Noel returned home.

More battles were to follow, however, as he had to endure a two-year battle against a malignant melanoma skin cancer.

Then, in 2002, the sexual abuse Noel had reported years earlier finally came to light when the Irish Police, the Catholic Church and the South Eastern Health Board were obliged to surrender their files pertaining to cleric sexual abuse.

As a result, the well-publicised Ferns Inquiry was launched; and in 2005, it concluded that 21 priests had abused more than 100 children over a 40-year period in County Wexford.

Financial settlements were offered to

the abused on the condition that they remained silent. However, Noel and numerous other victims chose not to accept the settlements and gagging order, and pursued private litigation to ensure the Catholic Church was called to account for its actions and to ensure that child protection was put firmly on their agenda.

Noel’s abuser died in 1996 on the Wirral in a HIV care centre. He never stood trial for his crimes.

Noel, however, is a committed Christian who leads worship at Elim’s Ipswich International Church, and he has forgiven the priest, although he admits it was a long process to do so.

Now, Noel and Claire live in Suffolk with their two daughters, aged eight and ten.

Claire works alongside an organisation set up to help women trapped in prostitution, and Noel works as a mental health worker supporting the abused and bereaved.

His book Forgiving Ferns, which was launched last year, sold almost 1,500 copies on the launch night.

Noel said: “About 740 people attended the launch, and we saw three people become Christians on the night and seven signed up to receive Christian counselling.

I want the book to get into the prisons and into places where people need help and freedom.

“More and more people are coming to terms with what happened to them. We have to face facts and learn to forgive. For me it wasn’t overnight, it was a process. But if I don’t forgive my abuser, how can God forgive me for all I’ve done wrong?”

For more information on the book, which Noel has co-written with Don Egan, visit www.fernsemeraldpublications.org

Looking back... Noel Pattern looks out across to the Ferns, where his abuse ordeal took place

7

www.christianholidaysandconferences.co.uk

New Life Holidays & Conferences Guide 2010 – 1

YOUR GUIDE TO GREAT BREAKS IN THE UK AND ABROAD

BOOK YOUR K A E R B

Y A D TO

2010

WELCOME to the 2010 edition of Christian Holidays and Conferences Guide. Throughout the following eight pages you should find something that suits your requirements, from the energetic activity holiday to the quiet retreat. Somewhere in this country or somewhere abroad there is a treat waiting just for you. To further help you in your choice don’t forget to check out our website www.christianholidaysandconferences.co.uk where you will find links to take you to the various destinations and see for yourself what is being offered. You might just find your dream holiday.

NEW LIFE www.christianholidaysandconferences.co.uk PUBLISHING

2 – New Life Holidays & Conferences Guide 2010

your guide to gre

at breaks in

BOOK YOUR BREAK

the uk and abr oad

2010

TODAY

£1 (where sold)

2010

UK and abroad holidays waiting to be discovered by you!

NEW LIFE www.christian PUBLISH ING

holidaysandco nferences.co. uk

NORTH ENGLAND A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN in the tranquil Eden Valley, Cumbria.

En-suite B&B in refurbished traditional farmhouse. 01768 362896 (GE49) www.broomcottage.co.uk APPLEBY – B&B “The Limes” Colby, Cumbria. Quiet village , wonderful views, abundance of wildlife and walks, 20mins to Lakes & Dales. Contact Penny 01768351605 www.orangesatthelimes.co.uk (GE87) BASSENFELL MANOR hosts Lake District walking, photography and other holiday weeks. Holiday apartment, group accommodation and conference facilities. www.bassenfell.org.uk 01768 (ED81) 776366 FILEY. Lovely holiday home to let.

In unspoilt seaside town. Lovely beaches. Ideal for touring. Moors and historic city of York. Available all year round. Early and Late season from only £240 per week. Tel: 0114 (FQ28) 234 6564 or 0114 233 2745

Conference Centre

GREEN GABLES SCARBOROUGH Group Accommodation, Self-catering, families’ welcome, indoor swimming pool, Licensed Bar, Games Room, Free Parking. Tel 01723 361 (GE75) 005 KESWICK, LAKE DISTRICT Primrose Cottage. Self catering. Well equipped. Sleeps 5. 2 double bedrooms and single bedroom. Cot and high chair if needed. 10 minutes walk on level ground to the town centre. For further details contact (CE93) Steve Jones 01768 774 463 LAKEWOOD COTTAGES, Ellel Lancaster 4 Self Catering Cottages, picturesque Lakeside / Woodland Setting, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the Lancashire countryside tel: 01524 751 053 www.lakewoodcottages.co.uk (FO72)

hold your next event at Malvern

     

All new conference facility 21 en-suite bedrooms (100 in Summer)

2010

Fully equipped meeting rooms 240 seat theatre Leisure facilities

SCARBOROUGH. BETHANY’S SPRING Ground and first floor. Ensuite. Own lounge/kitchen. Continental breakfast. £13.50-£15.00.

Close to Beach/Shops/cricket. Tel (GE77) 01723 379 145 SOUTH CUMBRIA: detached bungalow near Milnthorpe (Mid-way Lancaster/Kendal); sleeps 5, linen provided, pets welcome. Tel Hughes 0161 442 0901 (answerphone); email jmichaelhughes@btinternet.com (GE60)

RIPON AREA. West Leas Farm.

Self Catering Cottages Tel 01765 658 416 . Visit our web site (FO75) www.westleas.co.uk LANCASTER. “LITTLE ACORNS”.

Homely B&B in pretty riverside village. Close m6 junction 34. Ideal North/South stopover, or longer.

Lovely area. Alison Green, 16 Oak Drive, Halton, LA2 6QL 01524 811 (EJ33) 408 COSY COTTAGE. YORKSHIRE PENNINES. Close Dales/ Moors. Lovely views/walks. Quiet 01257 4252202 paul@roberts1066.fsnet.co.uk (GF04) WHITBY - FARMHOUSE – Intake Farm, Littlebeck, YO22 5HA. B&B and Evening meal in picturesque valley – “Heartbeat” country in North York Moors and near coast. Tel: 01947 810 273 email: (GD08) intakefarm@farming.co.uk WHITBY SLEIGHTS, White Rose Holiday Cottages, off Carhill Lane.

4 star rated. Quiet locations. Open all year. Sleeps 2 to 9. Great for couples, Familes and Groups. 2 Cottages and 2 Bungalows. Private Parking.

Garden area. Ideal for coast and country. Bus Stop 3 mins walk for Whitby travel. Railway 5 mins walk.

Tel June and Ian 01947 810763. www.whiterosecottages.co.uk (FU87) Fair Trade B&B. Local produce.

Good Vegetarian & Vegan menus.

Sea views. Ground floor room.

Close to beach, St Annes pier & shops.

Blackpool 4 miles. Lytham 2 miles.

Dogs by arrangement. BSL used here.

Paul & Sherilee Densham.

Tel: 01253 721897 Text: 07867 592686 www.adastra me.uk email: info@adastra.me.uk

SOUTH ENGLAND

Amazing scenery

Available for day conferences, week-end and full week events.

B&B EN-SUITE, Spacious comfortable bungalow. Sun lounge. Rural views. Good walks. Convenient for Salisbury. Stonehenge and South coast. ‘Emmaus’, White Hill, Pitton, Salisbury SP5 1DU 01722 712606 email: joan@cliffandjoan.co.uk (FT32)

THREE STAR RURAL B&B and small S/C stable conversion. Ideal retreat, walking, cycling and coast. 01323 841227. www.longleysfarmcottage.co.uk & www.eastsussexselfcatering.co.uk (FJ86)

Contact Karen Corfield, our Conference Centre Manager t: 01684 588967 e: karen.corfield@elimhq.net

SOUTHWEST ENGLAND Elim Conference Centre, Elim International Centre, De Walden Road, West Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 4DF

CENTRAL ENGLAND SELF-CATERING COTTAGE in the Peak District. Sleeps 2. Central heating, linen and towels provided. Pets (GE81) welcome. Tel 01298 83270

The Lodge Trust Main Street Market Overton Rutland LE15 7PL

Self Catering Log Cabins

   

Set in 10 acres of meadowland One double & one twin bedroom Wheelchair accessible throughout Rutland Water within easy reach

Tel: 01572 768073/767234

bookings@lodgetrust.org.uk www.lodgetrust.org.uk www.lodgecountrypark.org.uk

BOX ADVERT Single column width

EAST ENGLAND

EDGEMOUNT B&B in Victorian home, friendly host, good food, bathes. Ideal for exploring Derbyshire Dales, Stately homes. Contact O Allen 01629 584 787 16 Edge Road, (FB60) Matlock DE4 3NH

CENTRAL NORFOLK Splendid, peaceful B&B, 4 Star. Ideal for holidays, short breaks or business visits.

Disabled facilities. Children welcome. Open all year. 01362 860265 (GE58) www.walkers-norfolk.co.uk

LONDON REGION

NEAR CROMER North Norfolk 4/6 Berth Caravan. Quiet site.

Near to Beach. Lovely walks near to National Trust properties. Tel: Nigel 01502 560 457 or email: nigelofsuffolk@hotmail.co.uk. (FQ45)

THE HIGHBURY CENTRE, London. Christian guesthouse on quiet private road. Free on-street parking. Public transport nearby.

Conference facilities available. Reductions for full-time Christian workers. Tel: 0207 226 2663 www.thehighburycentre.org (FD60)

NORFOLK SHERRINGHAM Magnolia Cottage offers 4 stars AA B&B Accommodation in friendly Christian home. Ten Minutes Sea, shops and churches. Off road parking. Further details Telephone 01263 824 635(GE52)

NORTH NORFOLK Modern Bungalow. Sleeps 3/4. Near sea, bird reserves and other holiday attractions.

(FF86) Young. 07702-747218.

NORFOLK SHERRINGHAM Magnolia Cottage offers self-catering ground floor annex. 2 bedrooms.

Sleeps 4. No pets. Further details Tel(GE52) ephone 01263 824 635 SKEGNESS Newhaven Guest House. Ensuite rooms, excellent parking, a short drive from Spring Harvest. 01754 762618. www.guesthouseinskegness.co.uk (FT52) NEAR SOUTHWOLD Willow Cottage – Wangford, Suffolk. Sleeps up to 6. www.evelyn-brewer.co.uk Email: brewer.cottage@yahoo.co.uk or Tel; (FU84) 01621 891 361

3 BEDROOM HOLIDAY COTTAGE Bethel, St.Austell, ideal touring centre,2 miles from coast at Charles(FQ14) town. Details 01392 466084.

MID-DEVON Tiverton Two loverly log cabins set in beautiful countryside.Sleeps 4-6. Games room. From £195 per week. Please phone for bro(ED33) chure 01884 881 362

BED AND BREAKFAST in quiet countryside. Ideal for coast, moors, Eden project and more. Tel.01579 384197 or www.keadeen.co.uk. (GE68)

PAIGNTON “Deerslea” Self catering ground floor flat Offering holidays/ Short Breaks Sleeps 2/4, Close to sea.

(FP81) Tel: 01803 559 296

BRIXHAM. Discover a Self-Catering ‘Home from Home’ You’ll Love To Relax In. Amazing views across the harbour and whole of Torbay from these most comfortable and well equipped appartments. Open all year. Sleeps 2-11.

Phone for brochure 0114 2364761. www.harbourreachholidays.co.uk (GE53)

DUNSTER BEACH Minehead, Somerset. Luxury Timber Chalet on Coastal Path. Sea fifty metres. Breathtaking views. All modern conveniences.

Sleeps four. www.dunsterchalets. co.uk Brochure 01527 833 393 email (EW34) cjbeasley1@aol.com

SELF CATERING ANNEX Quiet Village. 6 miles east Devon Jurrasic coast. Sleeps 4-6 plus cot. Dogs welcome. £180 to £250. Quick 01297 (FP87) 33026 SOMERSET – Nr Taunton, Exmoor, Brendons, quiet rural cottage, well equipped, sleeps 4. Parking in rear garden. Pets considered. Phone Pul(ED34) len 01929 423 505 HAVEN HOUSE – Looe, Cornwall.

Detached self catering house, spectacular panoramic harbour views.

Sleeps 2-6. Close beach, SW coast path, shops & restaurants. 4 stars 01503 264 160 www.visitlooe.co.uk (GE86)

www.christianholidaysandconferences.co.uk

New Life Holidays & Conferences Guide 2010 – 3

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SOUTHWEST ENGLAND ST IVES. The Mustard Tree Guest House. Sea views, ensuite rooms, all year. Retreats. Tel. 01736 795677, email enquiries@mustard-tree.co.uk (FP00)

TOPSHAM, Devon 2-bedroom, newly-furnished maisonette overlooking Exe estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby. Tel: 029 20759314; (FQ23) dee.jones@virgin.net

HOLIDAY COTTAGES/ B&B Nr Dartmoor Devon. Large Grounds, Family friendly, Peaceful. www.devonbedandbreakfast.co.uk (FB36) Tel 01837 82626 COMFORTABLE ACCOMODATION Ensuite rooms. Wheelchair access. B&B from £25 PNpp sharing doubleroom.Single room from £35 PN.Tel 01275 874 477. Cavell House, 1 Elton Road, Clevedon, BS21 7RA (CQ69) www.cavellhouse.com BLUE ANCHOR, MINEHEAD, SOMERSET – peaceful 2-bedroom bungalow half mile from seafront, fully equipped. Exmoor, steam trains, Spring Harvest. £200-290 bnglws@ blueyonder.co.uk 01902 731713 (GF05)

Torr House Cottages Blisland, Cornwall Two lovely cottages (sleeping 2-6) set in three acres of peaceful, secluded gardens with outstanding views.

Situated in the picturesque village of Blisland, North Cornwall, and close to moorland, sandy beaches, coastal paths and numerous Houses & Gardens, including Eden & Heligan.

Enjoy England (ETC) 4*

Martin & Carolyn Wilson, (01208) 851601 www.torrhousecottages.co.uk

(EC61)

Our high quality accommodation, creatively varied menus and warm hospitality give outstanding value for money.

Although ‘far from the madding crowd’, many attractions are within easy reach (for those who can’t cope with too much tranquillity or the feeling of being spoilt!)

2010

  

Please ring



01579 370494

for a brochure – or visit our website at

www.hamptonmanor.co.uk

Splatt Farm Holidays    



Two Self Catering converted barns North Cornwall on working farm.

Shepherds Rest: Sleeps 12. Ideal for families & groups.

Buttermilk Cottage: Sleeps 4 on one level.



• Short breaks • Play area • Just 10 mins from coast • Ideal for sightseeing and attractions



Rachel Bate Tel: 01566 781429 www.splattfarm.co.uk



WALES COLWYN BAY High standard 3* Bed & Breakfast accommodation close to beach. Off-road parking. WIFI Internet. Hearty Welsh breakfasts.

Tel:01492-531779 www.thehavencolwynbay.co.uk (FB85) CARMARTHENSHIRE, near Llanelli. Beautifully appointed and equipped bungalow. Outstanding coastal views. 2 ensuite bedrooms.

Sleeps max 7. Tel 01554 758876.

(EI58) www.gowerview.co.uk

WALES

BED & BREAKFAST

Country cottage in the heart of Pembrokeshire near the Preseli Hills “Meadow Bank”, Clarbeston Road, Pembrokeshire SA63 4SL, Wales, UK Tel: 01437 731 724 (Nearest town HAVERFORDWEST)

FAIRHAVEN CHRISTIAN HOTEL (LLANDUDNO) Andrew & Paula offer you a warm Christian welcome, a relaxed atmosphere, Good home cooked food, diets catered for and a high standard of Cleanliness overlooking Llandudno bay.

All bedrooms are en-suite. Colour Brochure + info Phone 01492 878 447 email: Andrew-paula@ fairhaven -hotel.freeser ve.co.uk web: www.fairhavenhotel.com (CJ10) ABERYSTWYTH Self-Catering holiday accommodation. Beautiful country location 10 miles from coast. Caravan sleeps 4. Annexe sleeps 2. Tel. 01974 251344. www.nantlaisholidayaccommodation.co.uk (FT13)

CRICCIETH – NORTH WALES Seafront self-catering group accommodation.

Sleeps maximum 32 in single, twin and family rooms. Tel: 01223 561436 (FD76) www.theneptune.org.uk

SHORT HOTEL BREAKS for Single Christians of All Ages in Devon and The Lake District, etc. See w w w.har vesterstogether.org.uk Email harvesters@blueyonder.co.uk

SNOWDONIA: Brithdir, Dolgellau.

Peaceful 3-bedroom chalet bungalow by stream, beautiful scenery, beach 9mls, £200-290. bnglws@ blueyonder.co.uk 01902 731713 (GF05)

(FV58)

“KITES’ NEST COTTAGE” Brecon Beacons. WTB 4star. Self-catering for 2. Hilltop setting. N.T. Gardens. Coast.

Comfortable B&B also available.

Long or short breaks. 01558 824514.

(FU33) www.kitesnestcottage.co.uk LLANDUDNO Beth Eden Christian Guest house. With superb views overlooking sea and Snowdonia mountains. We welcome individuals, families and groups of up to 30.

Times of fellowship and Bible ministry. www.betheden.co.uk 01492 (CJ13) 877057 LOVELY WELSH BORDERS 2 miles from Monmouth, pretty garden cottage, sleeps 4. S.C. overlooking Monnow Valley. Easy Access to borders castles and mountains. Warm welcome. Tel 01600 714 677. Email (FU29) pentwyn@pobox.co.uk

RAINBOW COTTAGE HOLIDAYS Carmarthenshire Farmhouse and Cottages. Holidays - Retreats – Conferences. Log Fires, Hot Tubs, Warm Welcoming Church. www.rainbowcottageholidays.co.uk (GE84) Tel 07989851268

SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE – Light comfortable 6 birth caravan on farm.

Quiet and Peaceful, Saundersfoot beach 3 and half miles. Gas and Linen included. From £160 per week. Tel (GE26) 01834 860 546

SNOWDONIA: Dolgellau 1 mile.

Cottages (sleep 2,5), parts country house (2, 9). Mountain views, extensive grounds. Quiet, log fires, walk/bike guidesheets. www.holidaysinwales.fsnet.co.uk (GE94) 01341 423481

TRAWSFYNYDD, SNOWDONIA Ensuite B&B in delightful, converted farm buildings. Excellent garden railway; friendly animals; llamas!

Ideal for photographers, walkers, cyclists, families. 01766 540 397. www.oldmillfarmhouse.co.uk (FU01)

WALES – PORT EYNON

On the beautiful Gower Peninsula.

Holiday bungalow on quiet site behind the sand dunes and excellent beach.

Ideal for families of up to six people.

Weekly lets from April to October.

TEL: 01792 207 145 2010

www.holidaybungalow.co.uk

4 – New Life Holidays & Conferences Guide 2010

Ashburnham Place A

shburnham Place is set in the heart of East Sussex, surrounded by 220 acres including gardens, woodlands and lakes. Over the last 50 years many people have found it to be a haven of peace, a place of blessing and an oasis in the busyness of life.

We welcome residential groups up to 2000, people attending events run by us, those wanting to pray as well as day groups enjoying pre-booked visits to the grounds and gardens with a cream tea or a meal.

We offer six well equipped and beautiful conference rooms in the original house with all the ambience of a former stately home. These rooms can seat from 30 to 160 people and all are completely flexible in their layout.

There are over 290 beds available in single, twin, double and family rooms, of which 120 are in en-suite twin and family rooms. A variety of Dormitory, Budget, Standard and En suite accommodation is available.

Since May 2008 the Trustees and the team of permanent staff and volunteers at Ashburnham Place are responding to a call from God to create a place of continuous led prayer.

At the time of writing there are between 75 and 100 led prayer hours between Monday and Saturday. The pattern of prayer is varied in style and content and includes times of led worship and prayer as well as praying through the Bible. The timetable is on our website.

We look forward to welcoming you to Ashburnham Place.

See www.ashburnham.org.uk or telephone us 01424 892244 for more information SCOTLAND

NORTHERN IRELAND

FALL IN LOVE WITH ...GARTMORE HOUSE

Fair View, Co Londonderry. Scenic/ rural location. Facilities all rooms.

Handy for golf/ horse riding & watersports. From £20 pppn. Tel Yvonne (EW40) 028 295 58240 Primrose Cottage (Near Giants Causeway) 3 Bedroom immaculate s/c sleeps 5-6. Cottage-style interior throughout. Open log fire. Patio/barbeque. etc off street parking. Explore spectacular North coast from this central base. Excellent air/sea links. www.primrosecottagebushmills.co.uk Tel: 077905 146 942 (GE08) IRELAND - Mill Lodge situated in the peaceful area of Clogher Valley Co Tyrone. One hours drive will take you to either Belfast, Londonderry, Enniskillen lakes, the mountains of Mourne or to the north coast. Lots to see and do - www.milllodge.com info@milllodge.com Tel: 028 8556 (GD70) 8942

WALES THE PRETTY VILLAGE of DWYGYFYLCHI

Charity No. SC029484

nr. Conwy, North Wales.

SELF-CATERING COTTAGE located in lovely spacious grounds with stunning views - sea at front and mountains to rear. Two twin bedrooms, large lounge, kitchen and shower room.

SELF-CATERING BUNGALOW (larger than cottage) with added benefit of large sunny conservatory.

SELF-CATERING ANNEXE with four en-suite bedrooms (two single, a double and a twin), lounge, kitchen, etc.

Also two, two bedroomed CARAVANS & one, one bedroomed caravan.

Suggested donations: Cottage & Annexe: £295 per week, bungalow £320 per week, caravans £175 & £195 per week. Small Church groups/conferences up to maximum 28 persons catered for. Details on request.

Brochure for self-catering breaks available from: THE OASIS, Dwygyfylchi, North Wales LL34 6PS Tel: 0845 2267027 email: mail@igo.org.UK

SCOTLAND CENTRAL SCOTLAND – 5* award winning cottages sleeping 2-4. Overlooking Loch earn to mountains. Ideal for touring.

Open all year. Tel 01567 830 238.

(GE56) www. earnknowe.co.uk

IRELAND

Walking, painting and patchwork & quilting holidays in the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.

Ensuite accommodation in our eco-friendly 18th century mansion. ‘Thought for the Day’ and evening entertainment.

ULLAPOOL Wester Ross. First Floor self catering Flat. Episcopal Church Premises. Sleeps 6. Close to amenities and water front. £200 weekly.

Open all year round. Contact 01854 655 231 or 01854 655 301 web: http://beehive.thisisnorthscotland.

(GE78) co.uk/stmarysullapool FOUR COSY character cottages on lovely Kintyre peninsular. In lea of castle, beautiful coastline and beaches within 3 miles. www.kilchristcastlecottages.iowners.net Also Rivendell, North Yorkshire Moors, for 1-16. www.rivendellbreaks.iowners.net (ED73) 01751 475047

Borthaugh, Hawick, Scottish Border TD9 7LN Tel 01450 377477 Fax 01450 371080

Rest and be refreshed in the peaceful ambience of the house and grounds.

Enjoy the beauty of creation as you explore the lovely Border area.

3 rooms for those with disabilities.

(EV80)

Variety of tariffs available. www.whitchester.org.uk

Gartmore, nr. Stirling, FK8 3RS

www.gartmorehouse.com

IslE of ArrAn - contact Judy on 01770 700 424 Torbeg Cottage

Fully modernised farm cottage in lovely rural setting. Three bedrooms, sleeps 5. Lounge, kitchen with integrated appliances, family bathroom and upstairs cloakroom.

Elderpark

Ideal family holiday bungalow.

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps up to 8. Elevated position, magnificent sea views. Totally renovated to a high standard and well equipped.

Port Ban Holiday Park

Come apart from the everyday pressures of life.

Visitscotland 3star GTBS Silver

To request our brochure, call 01877 382 991 or email info@gartmorehouse.com

Kilberry, Tarbert, Argyll PA29 6YD Tel: 01880 770224 www.portban.com

Come and enjoy fellowship, sporting activities and organised events, or relax and roam at your leisure in unspoilt countryside. Quiet, secluded seaside park with amazing views of the paps of Jura. Caravans for hire and tent pitches available. Cafe, launderette and games hall. Discounts for full-time Christian workers.

(EW26)

IDYLLIC WEST CORK Beautiful S/C Properties Outstanding Beaches & Scenery. Discount Ferries. Under Occupancy reductions. Large groups Catered. Detailed Colour Brochures.

(FD72) Kathleen 01778 571 968

EUROPE Altea, Costa Blanca Modern two- bedroom, two- bathroom, heated apartment. Pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close. Golf, hill-walking, watersports. Area of warm winters. Discounts available. 029 20759314; dee.

(FQ23) jones@virgin.net LOVELY ARDENNES region of Belguim: Christian B&B (from £19) plus self catering apartment. www.pierresblanches.com email: info@pierresblanches.com Tel: 0032 (FC02) 843 87800 NORTHERN FRANCE Beautiful 19th C large house. Picturesque location. From £200 a week. Tel: 01685 881 909 or email: jeremy@tymorgan.freeserve.co.uk (FT12) MALTA CHRISTIAN GUEST HOUSE Henry & Mary Anne Tel: 00356 21 633 171 e-mail: hagrima@waldonet.net.mt web page: www.rleggat.com/malta Small family-run welcoming all Christians. En-suite twin/three-bedded airconditioned. Seaside resort, quiet and (FA52) SAFE! ANTIBES: FRENCH RIVIERA (NR. NICE). New one-bedroom apartment (sleeps 2+2) at edge of old town, within walking distance of beaches, marina, railway station (Monaco, Cannes, Menton, etc).

Secure parking. T: 028 9751 1070. www.antibesapartment.com (FC26) Paphos, Cyprus A beautiful villa comprising of three bedrooms, three bathrooms, roof terrace with BBQ & large pool. Call Steve or Angela on 01765 600933 / 07767 336 707 or see website www.iriscottages.net (EZ96)

EUROPE Spanish Chalet, Costal Blanca Quiet, private patio, seasonal pool, sleeps 4, from £100 p/wk. Visit: www.myorganiser.com/spain.htm Email: myorganiser@aol.com Call: (FP91) 07932-642884 France Brittany Pont Aven.

Charming historical town. Beautiful natural sandy beaches. Cliff walks.

Delightful apartments from £240.00 per week. Email pontavenholidays@yahoo.co.uk Tel. 0033 (0) 298 091 508 Web: www.pontavenholidays.talktalk.net

(FN12) Spain, Mojacar comfortable apartment 2bed/bath aircon, SATtv pools, sandy beach, mountains, golf from £140pw phone 01580 713653 (FQ27) www.sundays-elfaro.com

Spanish villa rental – Costa Del Sol Experience the real Andalucia. Retreat in quiet relaxed mountainous location. Within easy reach from airport, beaches, shops. Modern, comfortably furnished, sleeps 4/6. Brochure available on request. Contact: telephone 0115 840 8652 e-mail: steve.pam.hope@ntlworld.com (GE91)

Southern Spain and El Poblado Del Amanecer welcome you to get out of the rain and come explore our stunning new Christian holiday resort with spectacular views. We offer casitas, pool, restaurant, hikes and beaches to individuals or groups.

Contact Rafael@elpobladodelmanecer.es or 0034 958 103221 for details

Hospitality in the heart of Switzerland *** Family Hotel Alpina Adelboden Flecklistrasse 40, CH-3715 Adelboden phone +41 (0)33 673 75 75 info@alpina-adelboden.ch www.alpina-adelboden.ch

Cosy, child-friendly hotel. Remote from traffic noise in the Boden walking and ski area. Sophisticated hospitality for individual guests, groups and companies.

*** Hotel Artos Interlaken

Alpenstrasse 45, CH-3800 Interlaken phone +41 (0)33 828 88 44 mail@artos.ch, www.artos.ch Holiday and seminary-hotel, situated in a quiet location not far from the centre of Interlaken, menus with rich variety, cafeteria, library, playroom, wellness facilities with whirlpool, tepidarium, steam bath and sauna. Devotions in German.

Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof

Alpenstrasse 16, CH-3800 Interlaken phone +41 (0)33 826 71 71 mail@villa.ch, www.villa.ch Centrally located hostel in a villa with spacious garden. Rooms with 2 to 6 beds.

Ideal for backpacker travellers, families and groups. Free fully equipped kitchen for self caterers, free w-lan, free entry to public swimming pools & minigolf course.

3 x in the Bernese Oberland www.methodisthotels.org

(FU74)

www.christianholidaysandconferences.co.uk

New Life Holidays & Conferences Guide 2010 – 5

EUROPE Relaxation with fellowship in Germany’s beautiful

www.haus-barnabas.de Tel: 01227 363857 for brochure

(FL02)

Black Forest

Escape 2 Sweden

Modern s/c holiday cottage 30m from Sweden’s 3rd warmest lake & forest at the gardens edge. You have your own open canoe for holiday adventures. Large garden perfect for families, and great romantic escape for couples. Life at a different pace under 2hrs drive from Stockholm airports.

2010

www.escape2sweden.t83.net

CONFERENCES & VENUES

Ashburnham CONFERENCES & VENUES

Ashburnham Place situated in extensive park land in East Sussex offers a peaceful place for those wanting to hold a conference or event.

Facilities include quality en suite or standard bedrooms and a range of meeting rooms in the former stately home. Whatever the size of your group (from 3 to 300), we can accommodate you.

KING’S PARK, PIONEER CENTRE & THE RANCH 2 contemporary, all en-suite, UK conference and holiday Centres sleeping 12 to 300 with full sports and adventure activities available. Both recently extended. 01604 499699 (HQ) Website: www.actioncentres.co.uk Email: en(CX61) quiries@pioneercentre.org.uk

Ringsfield Hall Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 8JR

01502 713020 An unforgettable venue for groups of 25-50 people, this lovely country house & 14 acres of grounds offers s/c & full board in single, twin, family rooms, & dormitories. Close to the Coast & Broads, 2hrs from the M25.

See website for full details

info@ringsfield-hall.co.uk www.ringsfield-hall.co.uk

Alongside our conference facilities individuals can come to pray alone, use remote prayer huts in the grounds or join our team in the Prayer Room.

Ashburnham also run a variety of courses, holidays and retreats.

Ashburnham Place Battle TN33 9NF

01424 892244 www.ashburnham.org.uk

2010

Barnabas Adventure Centres re-launches as Rock UK

‘A

fter explaining my new role at Barnabas to our fellowship recently, I quickly realised the extent of confusion between Barnabas Adventure Centres and Barnabas Fund within Christian circles’, recounts Rock UK chief executive Mark Heasman. And so began a major repositioning of Barnabas Adventure Centres, a key step of which was the unveiling of Rock UK on 1st October 2009.

As a long established Christian activity organisation, Rock UK provides exciting outdoor adventure and conference facilities in a safe environment. The four UK venues are situated in stunning countryside within easy access of major routes in the southern Home Counties, the Midlands and the beautiful Scottish Borders. Enclosed mature woodland and lakes provide an impressive location for the activities run by our highly-trained instructors.

A choice of exciting programmes is available for residential or day visitors, to suit any budget or group, whether you are a youth leader, teacher, office manager or conference organiser. All visitors have the option to take part in a wide range of exciting activities from climbing to abseiling to mountain-biking to archery to high-ropes to kayaking to... The centres are run by Christian staff who are passionate about young people and sharing their faith in an informal and appropriate way.

For more details of Rock UK please visit www.rockuk.org

A Christian Conference Centre situated in the heart of Norfolk.

Choice of accommodation on a full-board or selfcatering basis for groups from 28-115 people.

Special Events: Single parent and children/singles holiday weeks; Spring Retreat; Autumn Bible Focus; Foundation Christian Counselling Course.

School groups welcome. Full Schools programme available if required.

Please contact: Letton Hall, Shipdham, Thetford, Norfolk, IP25 7SA.

Tel: 01362 820717 Website: www.lettonhall.org

(CH38)

6 – New Life Holidays & Conferences Guide 2010

CONFERENCES & VENUES 11/11/09

10:40

Page 1

N O br EW RDE oc SU R t hu M he re M n o ER w!

christian hols & conf guide:Layout 1

Too busy...

Why not take a b r e a k at Lee Abbey?

Events in the programme for 2010 include: Combined with teaching: Activity weeks for all the family in The Beacon Outdoor Activity Centre art, performing arts, music and writing retreats women’s events Band of brothers: men’s retreats relational walking

Call us now to book in the 2011 guide.

youth Camp:

2010

We cater for Schools, Church Groups

Youth Organisations, mid week or weekends-catered, self catering or part catering- The choice is yours.

Diary Dates

28th - 30th May

Set in 15 acres of woodland and meadows overlooking the River Parrot Estuary, the tranquility allows you time to reflect . Enjoy an activity or two or just relax.

31st July - 6th august

with special guest speakers including richard taylor - formerly of renewal Centre solihul Johnathan Dunning - sheffield (formerly Hollybush) Contact us for more information: The Administrator, Hollybush Fellowship, Newsham, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 4DH. Tel: 01845 587386 Fax: 01845 587103 Email: HollybushCF@aol.com www.hollybushchristianfellowship.co.uk

Wales

A Life Changing Experience

extra special super Celebration Weekend: 18th - 20th June Family Camp:

01598 752621

Cefn Lea Park

Hollybush Pastors Jim & Cynthia Wilkinson warmly welcome you.

www.leeabbey.org.uk relax@leeabbey.org.uk

ORDER the NEW 2010 brochure now!

0115 824 0777

2010

Conference, Retreat and Holiday centre in beautiful North Devon

Hill House Christian Centre Otterhampton, Bridgwater TA5 2PT Tel: 01278 652289 Web: www.hillhouse.org.uk Email: hillhouse@hillhouse.org.uk

New Schools programme Call for brochure

Registered Charity 1039704

CZ43

Christian Conference Centre One of the largest conference centres in the UK

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

• • • •

Facilities catering for groups of 5 up to 500 16 Conference Rooms Full board, half board or self-catering On site facilities;

NEW FOR 2009

• Ensuite chalets • Dining hall for 400

Dolby Surround Sound Cinema Leisure & Sporting facilities Souvenir / bookshop Indoor & outdoor children play areas

WANT EXCITEMENT AND FUN? CREATE THOSE MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES BY GIVING US A CALL TODAY

OPEN ALL YEAR AROUND

FOR MORE INFORMATION 0844 8000 222 OR VISIT www.rockuk.org

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CENTRES CARROTY WOOD | South East FRONTIER CENTRE | Midlands HALLS GREEN | South East WHITHAUGH PARK | Scottish Borders

Call for your free brochure 01686 625275 www.cefnlea.co.uk Email: enquiries@cefnlea.co.uk Cefn Lea Park, Dolfor, Newtown, Powys SY16 4AJ, Mid-Wales

Rock_UK 86 x 109.indd 1

9/11/09 16:50:49

www.christianholidaysandconferences.co.uk

New Life Holidays & Conferences Guide 2010 – 7

CONFERENCES & VENUES

retreats

green pastures resources for life

Green Pastures

CONFERENCE CENTRES

THE HAYES

HIGH LEIGH

BELSEY BRIDGE

Swanwick, Derbyshire

Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire

Ditchingham, East Anglia

01773 526000

01992 463016

01986 892133

HIGH QUALITY AFFORDABLE CONFERENCE CENTRES

Bournemouth Beach

www.cct.org.uk

Green Pastures is one mile from the sandy beach at Branksome Chine, on the borders of Bournemouth and Poole;, a perfect holiday base to explore this beautiful part of Dorset.

We pride ourselves on our friendly service and comfortable rooms.

FAMILY & CHURCH HOLIDAYS • CONFERENCES COACH HOLIDAYS HOME & ABROAD • SPECIAL INTEREST

THE

Poole Quay

CHRISTIAN HOLIDAY PEOPLE

CONWY, North Wales

SALTBURN, North Yorkshire

01492 593 405

01287 622 329

Beechwood Court

Heated pool

20 bedrooms, mostly ensuite seasonal heated pool a mile from sandy beach twice daily prayer times wholesome food.

So why not press the PAUSE button on life and take some time out.

Come whenever you like or join a led retreat - see our web site for more details.

Green Pastures Christian Retreat Centre, 17 Burton Road, Poole, Dorset BH13 6DT email admin@green-pastures.org

01202 764776 www.green-pastures.org

Brockley Hall

beechwoodcourt@cehc.org.uk

brockleyhall@cehc.org.uk

RHOS ON SEA, North Wales

OVERSTRAND, Norfolk

01492 544 128

01263 579 212

St Winifreds

MISCELLANEOUS TRAVELSHIELD UK AD:TRAVELSHIEL UK Looking fornc e? travel insura

The Pleasaunce

stwinifreds@cehc.org.uk

thepleasaunce@cehc.org.uk

ST LAWRENCE, Isle of Wight

SELF CATERING BUNGALOW

01983 852 160

01263 579 212

St Rhadagunds

The Pleasaunce, Norfolk

strhadagunds@cehc.org.uk

thepleasaunce@cehc.org.uk

Details and brochure: 31 Westminster Drive, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire SK8 7QX

0161 440 7204

PROVIDING CHRISTIAN HOLIDAYS FOR OVER 100 YEARS

NEW BRUNEL 2009 AD_Brunel Adwww.christianholidays.co.uk (CHC) 109x86 16/11/2009 14:12 Page Visit our website:

B

Relax in st yle

In majestic surroundings overlooking the English Riviera to the sea, Brunel Manor offers that balance of peace, fun and friendship with excellent food for truly wholesome spiritual and physical rest and relaxation.

MISCELLANEOUS SPAIN east coast Self-catering by the sea. Sunny all seasons. Special rates couples and long term.

Bus/tram service. Christian fellowship nearby. Special rates for large families. Couples winter specials. Contact 028427 38 559.

Contact 028427 38559. Also accommodation in USA/N. Ireland. See www.christiancoastalapartments.com

(EJ10)

Christian Rambling Club www.crc-net.org.uk

• Special Breaks and activities •

programme Ideal for church conferences, family holidays and weekend retreats

Come and join us for Hill and Lowland Walking Christian Fellowship

• Beautiful gardens • Woodland walks • Heated swimming pool

Events held throughout the UK Contact - CRC (CH/C10) 23 Hillside Rd, Winchester, Hants, SO22 5NW

Call 01803 329333 for details

www.brunelmanor.com

www.goldhillholidays.co.uk

01 753 880 753 Teignmouth Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 4SF

MISCELLANEOUS An exciting way to holiday…

WALKING Swiss – Spring Summer Alps Adventure Lakes – Sept & Oct weeks

Instead of paying for accommodation and then leaving your house empty, you can simply swap homes with other Christians. UK and abroad.

Multi-Activity Bank holiday weekends & Sept. week

Information ‘phone

01728 663 298

www.christianhouseandchurchswap.co.uk EV93.indd 1

SKIING Four Swiss resorts Dec to Apr. Unbeatable value, fully inclusive with lift pass, etc.

‘Christian House and Church Swap UK’

(EV93)

Call today for information about our Travel Shield Insurance policy.

BIBLE TOURS OF ISRAEL with Chris & Lindy Hill. April, May, October 2010. Phone 01473 311128 Email clministries@btinternet.com Web(FE01) site www.clministries.org.uk

05/12/2007 16:29:28

0845 60 61 331

CHRISTIAN CARAVANNERS and motor caravanners are invited to contact CHG Heath on 0752173544 for details of Baptist Caravan Fellowship events for 2009. www.thebcf.

(EW27) org.uk

Friendsfirst 0121 427 1286 www.friends1st.co.uk We provide a proven way to find new Christian friends and potential partners. Join us to find holiday companions, or come on one of our holidays (EG76)

Why Christian Conferences?

by Mark Wreford

H

olidays offer rest and relaxation for tired bodies, but there’s an opportunity to get so much more than that out of your holiday. Christian conferences are the perfect way to combine your season of rest with a little spiritual input.

I grew up attending conferences annually and every year, friends from far away 23/11/2007 11:52:28 would gather together for fun and fellowship. Over the years, I learnt much from the preachers, experienced God, but also made some great relationships and memories.

DATING ADVERT.indd 1

Perhaps my personal favourite finds itself on the football pitch! I remember vividly playing in goal and stopping everything the opposing team threw at me… and they were the youth leaders!

We can overlook these oases of time committed to God in favour of family holidays or the seclusion of a private break, but the Bible calls us to live in community and conferences can be a great experience of that.

Attending a conference can supercharge our faith, as we join with thousands of believers to sing God’s praises. It’s a fantastic feeling, being in the large meetings at these events, surrounded by believers who are solely there to worship. Something about this common purpose and hunger for God seems to ensure that unforgettable times are spent in God’s presence.

All in all, Christian conferences provide a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of life, but more than that, they build you up and help you draw closer to God.

8 – New Life Holidays & Conferences Guide 2010

www.christianholidaysandconferences.co.uk

Christian Guild hotels provide the very best in Christian hospitality in some of the most beautiful parts of England. Our six superb hotels offer a warm welcome and are perfect places to get away from it all.

Abbot Hall Hotel South Lakes 015395 32896 Lindors Country House Hotel Wye Valley 01594 530283 Moorlands Hotel Whitby, North Yorkshire 01947 603584 Sidholme Hotel Sidmouth, Devon 01395 515104 Treloyhan Manor Hotel St. Ives, Cornwall 01736 796240 Willersley Castle Hotel Derbyshire Dales 01629 582270

Visit our website or call for a brochure

www.christianguild.co.uk

01629 580550

Win a Holiday!

C 3 Great Titles from New Life Publishing Issue 178

40p

GOOD NEWS STORIES

price) ber 2008 Septem £1.75 (Introductory Issue 168

HOW I WENT THROUGH A LIVING HELL

BOYZONE’S SHANE LYNCH ON DABBLING WITH THE OCCULT – P3

WIN  CHILDREN’S GOODIES Page 3

 NIGEL BENN CAMPAIGN T-SHIRTS Page 11

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back to

BAC KIN

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Britai n

COMEDIAN WITH A SERIOUS MESSAGE Page 4

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND ADVERTISERS

DIRE CTIO N

WE ’RE

Bring ing hope

DECEMBER 2008

JANUARY 2009 Issue 88 £1.70

Sister ‘would VOLUNTEERS SET TO REACH OUT TO REVELLERS forgive killer’ AN aid worker who was shot dead in Afghanistan would not hold a grudge against her killers.

Speaking after the death of Gayle Williams, her sister Karen said she believed Gayle would have forgiven the murderers.  Full story - Page 2

A new of outr year each

turns Kristin Eden back to ber of top

JUMPING AT THE CHANCE THIS minister took a leap of faith when he swapped his West End dancing costumes for a dog collar!

The Rev Darren Middleton said he would be injecting some of his energy into services.  Read how he decided to jump at the chance of changing roles on Page 5

mem Former band ZOEgirl n Christia it alone goes

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dying Lucy’s of hope

in youen helps us Kay Warr of trouble make sense

text t brings of Chris love Vision e and reassuranc Watford

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from Muslims of Millions ng to Christ are turni rd AoG

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Carol service changed me!

ng in Followi steps dad’s foot rm

A PROFESSIONAL singer has told how her life changed when she walked into a Christmas carol service.

Cheshire-born Gerie Barber – now in the Canary Islands – said something stirred inside her after she heard the service above a pub.  Full story - Page 4

Hill

Looking out for you... a Street Pastor waits to offer help to revellers

Elim chu rches red efforts to get the ouble their Gospel Taking out

Giving reallthe city of Live y is the best way, rpool discovers Time to Dave Lath Mark Pugh get seriou am s abo raises the stakes for ut prayer!

What we’ the yout h re pra We ask Elim leade ying for in 2009 rs what they are Aspire seeking gro God for ws Elim’s mini north of stry for the Bor women der launches To tith in Scotland e Bruce Atkin or not to tithe? son asks ALSO the ques tion Plym

YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS

08 09:42:01

13/08/20

HUNDREDS of volunteers will give up their free time this Christmas to make sure revellers are safe.

Street Pastors will work du r i ng t he fest ive season throughout the UK. Founder the Rev Les Isaacs says it’s the most important time of the year.  Exclusive interview – P6&7

p01.indd

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hristian Guild offers some of the best Christian hotels in six stunning locations around the UK. And a family of four have the chance to win a fabulous two-night break in one of the hotels.

The Christian Guild hotels are situated in Whitby, the Peak District, the Lake District, the Wye Valley, Devon and Cornwall, and boast some of the most beautiful surroundings of any hotel group. Each hotel offers the chance to relax and do your own thing, or you can join in with the fellowship that’s available to everyone.

We have a two-night break up for grabs, including dinner and breakfast for up to two adults and two children. Just answer the question below, fill in the form and return it by 31st March 2010 to Holiday Competition, Christian Guild, Derwent House, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5JG. Which Christian Guild hotel is located in St. Ives?

(Tick the correct box)

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NEW LIFE • Issue 191 NEW LIFE

NEW LIFE

Issue 191 •

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

MAN REVEALS HOW GOD HAS HEALED HIM AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE OF HELL

I suffered years of abuse at hands of priest... but I have forgiven him

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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

A changed man... Noel leads worship at his church, above, and, below, when he was extradited to Ireland to face criminal charges

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.

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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).

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Jesus said, ‘Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’ (John 8:12).

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Family man... Noel with his wife Claire and his two daughters when his second daughter was born eight years ago

he biblical quote that Satan shall be defeated by the word of the testimony is boldly declared on the homepage of Noel Pattern’s website.

Noel Pattern was raped and abused by a priest. The years of hurt that followed led him to a life of crime and he fled to London and changed his name to forget the past. He tells Matthew Murray how faith has helped him to forgive and face the past

And after spending a few moments talking to the 37-year-old, you quickly realise that is exactly what he wants to achieve following the launch of his book, Forgiving Ferns.

The book is a personal account of how God healed years of hurt and pain following horrific sexual abuse and rape.

Growing up in a church-going family in the Diocese of Ferns in County Wexford in the Republic of Ireland, Noel endured three years of abuse and rape by a Catholic priest well known to the family.

At the age of 12, Noel was made to believe he was homosexual and was told there would be ‘severe consequences’ if he told anyone what the priest was doing to him.

But when the priest, who has since died, moved to a parish in England, Noel told his dad that he thought he was gay and described his relationship with the priest.

Tragically, his dad had a heart attack and died just six hours later, and 13 days on, his mum, who was apparently in good health, also died. The priest’s threat of ‘severe consequences’ had seemed to come true, and for many years Noel was too scared to speak out again.

Orphaned and in turmoil, he dropped out of school and turned to crime, involving himself in armed robberies and continuing his secret gay lifestyle.

By the time he had reached 21, Noel

had reported the incident to another local priest and the residing bishop of the area, as well as the police, but no action had been taken.

His life of crime continued to escalate, and, when an armed Post Office robbery went wrong, Noel knew he had to escape Ireland, and moved to London, changing his name by deed poll in an effort to rid himself of his past life.

In England his life took a turn for the better, and he came to faith in Christ at an evangelical church in London, where he met wife Claire. The couple married, and life was great, although Noel’s stories of abuse, homosexuality and crime remained secret, even to his wife.

However, when Noel fended off a wouldbe car thief outside their home, his life was about to take another terrifying twist.

As a result of the incident, armed police from New Scotland Yard’s Organised Crime Squad and MI5 swooped on him to arrest him, and he was soon back in Ireland facing a long sentence for the various crimes he had committed.

With the story splashed all over the newspapers, Noel faced months on remand, but the extensive array of criminal charges against him were finally dropped for political reasons. He was given a 14-year suspended sentence and was released.

His wife Claire stood by him, showing

Big day... Noel and Claire on their wedding day a great example of Christian love and grace, and in 1998, Noel returned home.

More battles were to follow, however, as he had to endure a two-year battle against a malignant melanoma skin cancer.

Then, in 2002, the sexual abuse Noel had reported years earlier finally came to light when the Irish Police, the Catholic Church and the South Eastern Health Board were obliged to surrender their files pertaining to cleric sexual abuse.

As a result, the well-publicised Ferns Inquiry was launched; and in 2005, it concluded that 21 priests had abused more than 100 children over a 40-year period in County Wexford.

Financial settlements were offered to

the abused on the condition that they remained silent. However, Noel and numerous other victims chose not to accept the settlements and gagging order, and pursued private litigation to ensure the Catholic Church was called to account for its actions and to ensure that child protection was put firmly on their agenda.

Noel’s abuser died in 1996 on the Wirral in a HIV care centre. He never stood trial for his crimes.

Noel, however, is a committed Christian who leads worship at Elim’s Ipswich International Church, and he has forgiven the priest, although he admits it was a long process to do so.

Now, Noel and Claire live in Suffolk with their two daughters, aged eight and ten.

Claire works alongside an organisation set up to help women trapped in prostitution, and Noel works as a mental health worker supporting the abused and bereaved.

His book Forgiving Ferns, which was launched last year, sold almost 1,500 copies on the launch night.

Noel said: “About 740 people attended the launch, and we saw three people become Christians on the night and seven signed up to receive Christian counselling.

I want the book to get into the prisons and into places where people need help and freedom.

“More and more people are coming to terms with what happened to them. We have to face facts and learn to forgive. For me it wasn’t overnight, it was a process. But if I don’t forgive my abuser, how can God forgive me for all I’ve done wrong?”

For more information on the book, which Noel has co-written with Don Egan, visit www.fernsemeraldpublications.org

Looking back... Noel Pattern looks out across to the Ferns, where his abuse ordeal took place

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NEW LIFE

Issue 191 • NEW LIFE 9

MEET THE GROUP OF WOMEN THAT KEEPS ON GROWING In this special news feature, Becky Barlow meets a group of women who have fun while sharing their faith

COMMENT Make a change

Vicky Taylor is a Free Range Chick!

It’s nothing to do with animals or farms, but everything to do with empowering women – so they lead their lives in a way that is pleasing to God. The mum of four set up the group after sharing stories in the playground about what God had done in her life. Four years on, Vicky, 45, is now organising conferences for women that are becoming more and more popular each year.

She said: “We started to put on conferences in very Chick it out... clockwise from top, the Free Range Chicks weekend allows women to relax, have fun and nice hotels for people who find out more about Jesus may be comfortable in a hotel but not in a church.

We share about what God has done in our lives in a very relaxed way.

“The weekends are all based on themes. We have a thought for the day and seminars that people can decide to go to or not.

They ’l l go to se m i na rs about renewing you mind and life coaching, but from a Christian perspective.

“In the evening, we have a party and dinner dance a nd we h ave a d i n ne r speaker where someone shares their story. Then we give women the relevant issues, such as balancing mothinspired, refreshed and committed. Having chance to find out more about Jesus.” erhood and career and dealing with your two children, a business and a husband Plans for this year’s conference are well finances. After dinner speakers included can take up all your time, but to get away under way, but last year’s was held at the Olivia Amartey, who appeared in Channel from all that and reconnect with yourself, four star Cotswolds Water Park Four Pillars 4’s Secret Millionaire. is amazing.”

Hotel. Each conference has a theme and last Vicky said: “We’re ordinary women who Joy Madeieros, chief executive of Oasis year it was set around Fragrance. believe that God can do extraordinary agreed. It was her second time at a Free Vicky, 45, explained: “Fragrance is about things.”

Range Chicks conference. She said: “I think spreading the good news. Each woman has And those attending the conference were it’s a fantastic place for women to spend a unique fragrance and is also unique to encouraged by their time away. time thinking about who they are and God. We present Jesus in a way that makes Dee Allan, 36, a company director, had what their purpose in life is. This is time people want to have what you have.” never been to a Free Range Chicks confer- dedicated to that purpose that includes Over the two-day conference, guests can ence before. She said: “I came for a retreat time to have fun.” choose from attending the spa or life coachto see more about myself and my relationFor details, visit http://freerangechicks. ing sessions and seminars dealing with ship with God. I’ve come away feeling more net

The girls are loud about their faith...

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hanging in and around St Peter’s Square, Stockport.

The project now reg u la rly attracts up to 40 teenagers, revealed churchwarden Bernard Thompson.

OUT with the old, in with the new. That’s what they always say about the dawn of a new year.

But let’s be honest: you get to March and it can sometimes feel no different to the past few years. All that hoping for changes amounts to nothing!

If that’s the case for you, maybe it’s time to make a major change in your life and consider dedicating your life to God through Jesus Christ.

And if you are already a Christian, then maybe it’s time to recommit your life to God. According to Jesus, the main task God wants us to carry out is to love each other.

That’s a pretty good start to a new year, isn’t it?

Forget the old arguments, put the past disappointments behind you and turn your back on revenge. Instead, forgive and forget.

Jesus says that those without sin should cast the first stone.

What he means is that you can go ahead and point out others’ mistakes and refuse to forgive the sins people have committed against you quite freely, but only if you are 100 per cent perfect. None of us is, so you can’t stand in judgement.

Instead ask God to help you forgive and let bygones be bygones through prayer.

If something continues to haunt you, ask God in Jesus’ name to help you bury the past hurts or events that have led you to question the purpose and point of your life.

For some people, reading such a thing will make them shake their heads and question how intelligent people can possibly believe it will help.

Well, testimonies across the centuries have proved that when people really believe that God sent Jesus to die for their sins, and they pray in his name, change really does happen.

BIBLE QUOTE OF THE MONTH “Cast your cares upon the Lord, for he cares about you.”

I Peter 5:7 Editor: Peter Wreford Advertising: Barry Wilson

Editorial office: New Life Publishing Co, PO Box 777, Nottingham NG11 6ZZ, UK Email: editor@newlife.co.uk Telephone: 0115 824 0777 Website: www.newlife.co.uk

We welcome your letters and comments regarding any of the issues raised within these pages. Write to the Editor at the above address.

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Issue 191

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.

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(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) BIRMINGHAM Bromford Bridge Church Centre (AoG), Bromford Drive.

Sundays 10.45am and 6pm. Minister Ivor Davies. Tel: 0121 748 7081 Mobile 07745 100 942.

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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.

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Rainham School Girl’s (between Highfield Road & Derwent Way), Rainham

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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

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

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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.

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There is always a church near you.

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) LEICESTER Narborough Road 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) 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.

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Issue 191 •

LINVOY PRIMUS

The inside track on faith in football

Why those resolutions never work FIRST and foremost a happy New Year to all of you and I trust you are well and truly over Christmas.

I love this time of the year but, as a Christian, while I understand the importance of the Christmas period, Easter will always be more important to me.

But before getting into that one, I expect that many of you are considering making your New Year resolutions.

These are all well and good, but the likelihood is that before the end of the month most of them will lie in ruins... and there’s a good reason for that.

Most people decide that they are going to turn over a new leaf – in their own strength – and it’s in those four words that the reason for their failure can be found.

The minute you say “I’m going to do this or do that” you leave out the person who is most important to you achieving it – God. The popular resolutions are to give up smoking, drinking and so sadly in this day and age, drugs.

You can try and you may succeeded for a while, but the on ly person who can remove the bad stuff from your life on a permanent basis is the Lord Jesus Christ.

It s ay s i n t he Bible that he came to set you free, and by giving your life to him that is exactly what happens.

He – and he alone – can free you up from all the stuff that has upset your life for so long, and when you ask Christ into your life he will do just that and help you live the way he’s always wanted you to.

Saying “I will do this on my own” is in fact almost a sin because there’s a whole lot of arrogance and pride in there.

It leaves your Creator out – the person who knows you better than you know yourself and, therefore, knows better than anyone how to free you from your demons.

So the first resolution to make if you aren’t a Christian is to become one right now, and I’ll pray that you do it as you read this.

That will be the best decision (resolution) you have ever made in your life, because the first thing you have achieved is to give up your pride and put the person who should always have been at the centre of your life in his rightful place.

Now you have a real opportunity of beating all the other stuff you want rid of because it won’t be you doing the doing but the King of Heaven to whom nothing is impossible!

If you have made a real decision right from the heart he will come in straight away and help you put everything in your life to rights.

And why do I put Easter just ahead of Christmas? Because it was on the cross where he suffered and died and then rose again to give us the promise of heaven.

This was why he came to earth – for every one of us – and as the only founder of a faith to say he’s alive it follows he’s the only one who can answer prayer.

Jesus is as alive today as he was 2,000 years ago and desperate for you to give your life to him.

He is the truth you’ve been searching for!

11

WIN a signed copy of the great biography from Linvoy Primus NEW LIFE is offering readers the opportunity of winning a copy of the inspiring biography, Transformed, the story of columnist Linvoy Primus’ walk to faith in Jesus Christ!

It tells how, through his conversion, Linvoy overcame disillusionment, lack of confidence and numerous rejections to become one of the most successful and most admired figures in the national game.

The hardback has been a best-seller in the Christian market for months, but now an updated paperback has been released, and New Life has six signed copies to win.

Just answer the simple question, below, and you may be the winner of this marvellous read.

The question is: with which Premiership club is Linvoy currently signed?

Send your answers with your name and address to Linvoy Book Competition, New Life Publishing, PO Box 777, Nottingham, NG11 6ZZ. The first six names out of a hat win the fabulous prizes.

Closing date is February 6, 2010 and usual rules New Life Publishing competition rules apply.

INTERNATIONAL STAR’S PRIORITY IS FAITH

The thing that caps playing for Portugal Defensive midfielder Luis Vidigal has had a successful career – with 15 international caps for Portugal – but the star says his top priority is his faith in God.

DEFENDER OF THE FAITH... Luis Vidigal

❛ The popular

resolutions are to give up smoking, drinking and so sadly in this day and age, drugs ❜

Linvoy was talking to Hugh Southon

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

Now playing in the Portuguese Liga for Estrela Amadora, the star said: “I don’t believe that anyone has everything. I need Jesus because I believe that my life doesn’t finish here in the world. I have a very special place beside Jesus and he is waiting for me.”

He is equally clear about the change that becoming a Christian has made in his life.

“The change that Jesus made in my life was complete. Before that I believed that I could do everything by myself. I trusted in my own capabilities to reach my goals, whether social or professional, but in reality things did not happen as I wa nted them to.

“Starting from the moment that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour everything improved. Without a doubt my life has been transformed.”

Luis is one of five brothers who have all played professional football. One of the highlights of his career was playing for Portugal in Euro 2000, especially in the game where Portugal went 1-0 down to England, but came back to win 3-2 and progress to the semi-final. Another was to play on the Portuguese team that took fourth place in the 1996 Olympics.

National role for Charlton chaplain DO YOU HAVE A Charlton Athletic chaplain Matt Baker has “hung up his boots” after ten years to take on a much bigger congregation as pastoral support director in English football.

Work i n g a s pa r t of t he full-time staff of SCORE, the nationa l sports chapla i ncy charity, Mr Baker will seek to

develop the role and the range of chaplains within the game.

The post is being funded for the next two years by a partnership with the Professional Footballers’ Association, the Premier League and the Football League Trust.

“The stresses and pitfalls of professional footballers are of-

ten played out in a very public arena,” said Mr Baker, who has also been pastor of Blackheath Christian Fellowship.

“Chaplains can play an important role in the nurturing and mentoring of the young people enter i ng the sport, helping to create positive role models for the future.”

SPORTS STORY? Contact our sportsdesk on 0115 921 7285 or email editor@newlifepublishing.co.uk with your testimony and news

Issue 191 • NEW LIFE 12

NEW LIFE

SPORT

portugal star reveals what caps playing for his nation PAGE 11

NEW LIFE

WIN..WIN..WIN linvoy primus’ biography – SEE page 11

KIWI WORLD CUP STRIKER REVEALS SUCCESS My career

rory’s help is from on high!

KIWI POLISH...

Rory Fallon celebrates scoring the goal that put New Zealand through to the World Cup Finals.

Below, Rory receives a hero’s welcome

was saved by miracle

Knee bother... Barry Miller A former professional footballer has revealed how God healed him of a career-threatening knee injury.

Ex-Gillingham and Doncaster Rovers midfielder Barry Miller, 33, had five operations on his right knee and was told by medical experts that his football career was finished.

But after being prayed for by his pastor, he said all trace of pain vanished instantly.

He told New Life: “I was playing at Doncaster at the time and was told by a surgeon to look for another job because there was no way my knee was getting better.

“Then one day my pastor, Peter Amos, prayed for me and the knee was completely healed.

PAIN “I was running around his living room and the pain literally disappeared. I never missed a game from that day on because of my knee and there is no longer any pain there.”

Barry, who now works for Bentley Baptist Church near Doncaster, became a Christian in 1998.

He now helps those with drug and alcohol problems and runs a healing clinic at his church every Friday where he prays for the sick. He has also visited Africa to do missionary work.

World Cup hero Rory Fallon sent New Zealand into raptures when he won them a place at the World Cup finals.

The striker headed in the only goal of their play-off against Bahrain in the second leg in Wellington as they qualified for their first finals in 27 years.

And the Plymouth Argyle star has revealed the true reason behind his recent success – his faith in God. In fact, he reckons the Almighty even helped him bag the crucial winner.

“When I’m on the pitch I always talk to Jesus”, he said. “I said ‘Lord, give me one more chance’.”

And Fallon, 27, will undoubtedly be taking the message of Christ to the finals in South Africa this June. Despite his devout Christian lifestyle, Fallon hasn’t

always been a religious man. After making more than 50 appearances for Barnsley, the 27-year-old has played for Swindon, Swansea and now the Pilgrims. Fallon has also been on loan spells at Shrewsbury and Yeovil.

He was a player in danger of not fulfilling his potential in his younger years, of becoming the sort of person who in the twilight of their years wistfully reflects on a wasted opportunity.

It was perhaps the low point of his career but, looking back on it, Fallon knows why – he had lost direction.

“I did not take football as seriously as I should have,” he said. “I just thought ‘whatever’; I thought the game owed me whereas I actually owed it a lot.”

Fallon was living for the weekends and drinking too much. But even back when he was at Barnsley he had a suspicion that there was

something missing in his life.

“When I became a professional footballer I thought what next?

That got me thinking,” said the Gisborne-born striker.

“The first pro I cleaned boots for was Bruce Dyer at Barnsley and he was a born-again Christian.

I asked him what his faith was all about and it went from there, but it has been a gradual realisation over time.

“I used to live for the weekend but now I live to glorify God.” Fallon met wife Carly in his partying days in Swansea. Her mother Pearl was a practising Christian but Carly was not.

Rory and Carly discovered their faith together and were formally baptised in January 2008. Fallon, who has stopped drinking, now helps under-privileged children in Plymouth and is involved with his local branch of Faith and Football.

Local contact details:

Published by New Life Publishing Company, PO Box 777, Nottingham NG11 6ZZ. Tel 0115 824 0777. Printed by Yorkshire Web, Barnsley. Tel 01226 734410. New Life Newspaper is printed on 100% recycled paper.