New Life Feb 10 issue 192 by New Life Publishing Co

NEW LIFE FEBRUARY 2010 • Issue 192

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CORRIE PLOT SEES SOPHIE BAPTISM

AMERICAN IDOL STAR FORGIVES SIMON COWELL OVER BULLYING

SEE PAGE 5

FULL STORY – PAGE 4

Faith helps me to stay calm...

AMERICAN President Barack Obama says his faith keeps him calm during tough times. Speaking to 300 people at Vermont Avenue Baptist Church last month, he said he wasn’t always calm. The regular churchgoer said: “There are times when I am not so calm. There are times when progress seems too slow. There are times when the words spoken about me hurt. “There are times when the barbs sting. There are times when it feels like all these efforts are for not, that change is so painfully slow in coming and I have to confront my own doubt. During those times it is faith that keeps me calm.”

Church trust grants £25k ORGANISATIONS that help people in need, hardship or distress have the chance to secure a slice of grant funding. The St James Trust in Trowbridge, Wilts, has a total of £25,000 in grants for groups in their area. The trust, set up by the parish church of St James, has awarded more than £400,000 since it was set up 13 years ago.

DaD solD my boDy ...But I’ve a loving Father now TRUE LOVE... Maria Landon

A WOMAN whose father forced her into prostitution as a child says she has finally found true love. Maria Landon was just nine when her father started the abuse. He would sell her to men for sex – even holding her down while she was raped on one occasion – and regarded his daughter as his “nice little earner”. The horrific abuse and depraved lifestyle Maria was forced to lead left her struggling to find an escape.

marriages But when she did break free at the age of 15, she ended up running away with a man who turned out to be a pimp. After three failed marriages, Maria started to write a book about her life as a child prostitute. Then, while studying for a

by Becky Barlow degree, Maria bumped into a couple of Christians, and she started a two-year journey of discovery about the faith. Last April, Maria was baptised a nd sa id she’d fi na l ly found love, and that her relationship with God gave her the fatherly love she’d missed as a child. She said: “I cried for a week. I’d never felt a love like it. I knew then why my three marriages hadn’t worked because I’d never known real love. “When I read that God loves me and created me for a purpose, I realised I was meant to be here and I’m not an accident. “It wasn’t until I met Jesus that I felt clean, because it’s only Jesus who can wash all that away.” ● Read Maria’s full story in an exclusive interview... Centre Pages

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Efforts for FOODBANK STAFF BATTLE IN SNOW homeless win praise CHURCHES and Christian groups have been praised for their commitment to tackling homelessness. Homelessness charity Housing Justice commended the work carried out by churches at a recent event. At the meeting, London Mayor Boris Johnson encouraged Londoners to volunteer to tackle homelessness at a special event organised by charities Crisis and Housing Justice. Mr Johnson has made a commitment to end rough sleeping in the capital within two years. He said: “I am proud of the work we have done to end rough sleeping in the capital by 2012. We have made real progress in helping two thirds of rough sleepers off the street, but there is still more to be done.” A lasta i r Mu r ray, reg ion s co ordinator at Housing Justice, said: “Churches and other groups are showing their commitment to tackling rough sleeping by organising caring responses at the local level, like shelters and drop-in centres. “As well as being there for people in need, churches can mobilise people and resources in the community, helping to tackle factors that can cause homelessness.”

Net result!

The award-winning Christian community website Network Norwich & Norfol k has been selected to participate in a web archiving programme by the British Library as part of the wider UK Web Archiving Consortium Just over 5,000 websites are currently archived. Network Norfolk web editor, Keith Morris, said: “We are delighted.”

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RUSH TO HELP POOR DURING BIG FREEZE FOODBANKS across the country leapt into action to help those in poverty last month as extreme weather gripped the UK.

The foodbanks – run by Christian charity The Trussell Trust – rallied to reach those who struggle to meet the cost of food as the longest and coldest spell in 20 years left some people unable to leave their homes. The cost of additional heating as well as increases in illness saw many who were already struggling to get by being tipped over the edge by the cold snap. The number of clients doubled in December even before the wintry weather took hold. Meanwhile, foodbank volunteers battled through the weather to continue to deliver emergency supplies. Lorna Dempster, Manager of Highland Foodbank says: “One family with five children came to us because their boiler had burst, collapsing the ceiling and soaking all their possessions. “They have had to be rehoused and are struggling to cope. This family and others like them were so grateful for the food, they had nothing else.” The Trussell Trust’s network

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The dad, who did not want to be named, said: “I really don’t know what we would have done if The Trussell Trust hadn’t helped us today. We are so grateful.” Foodbank network manager Jeremy Ravn says: “Cold weather forces people already struggling to cope to make decisions between turning on the heating or buying food. “I ncreased cl ient nu mbers are straining our resources and we need more food donations to keep going, but we are doing our best to keep foodbank centres open. “Ti mes a re tough for many at the moment and it is so important SUBSCriBe that we, as Christians, are there to • Only £10 for 12 issues help.” FR-EEZE A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW... a foodbank volunteer works in the snow

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of 56 church-based foodbanks works with frontline care professionals such as doctors and social workers to provide people in crisis with three days of nonperishable emergency food. T he S a l i s b u r y fo o d b a n k helped a young couple with a baby who had no food in the cupboard. The dad was off work with flu but was not receiving sick pay and their benefits had been stopped altogether while the benefits office re-assessed their needs. With ice on the inside of the upstairs windows, the family was sleeping downstairs in their one heated room. The family had resorted to borrowing a can of soup from their neighbour to feed themselves.

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Bullies forgiven over Adams’ TV girl’s jump to death search for real Jesus A v ic a r whose adopted daughter was bullied into leaping to her death says he has forgiven her tormentors. A court heard that two te e n a ge d g i rl s p u n c h e d and slapped the Rev Simon Boxall’s 19-year-old adoptive daughter Rosi mei ri i n a n argument over a boy. Kem i Ajose a nd Hatice Can – then aged 17 and 13 – pulled her hair and sprayed air freshener in her face. It was said in court they even encouraged some boys to watch and film the attack on a mobile phone as

Rosimeiri tried to protect herself. When she could take no more, Rosi me i r i leapt to her death from a third-floor window in Blackheath, south London. After both girls were found guilty of causing Rosimeiri’s death, Mr Boxall and his wife Rachel released a statement outside the court. It said: “We want them to know that we forgive them. That does not mean that what they did ‘doesn’t matter’. Of course it does. A life is of such worth that only God can show us its value.”

Churches provide shelter

Two Nottingham churches have taken practical action to help the homeless this winter by opening a night shelter which has run in the coldest weeks of the year.    The temporary Nottingham Night Shelter, organised in partnership with Emmanuel House and Thomas Helwys Baptist Church, expanded its resources to work with St Saviour’s in the Meadows area, enabling it to keep homeless people out of the cold for an even longer period than before.

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams is to go on a journey “to discover the real Jesus” as part of a new television series for Channel 4. M r A d a m s , b e l o w, w i l l present one episode of the seven-part documentary series called The Bible: A History. He is one of seven commentators from “very different backgrounds” who will explore the Bible “from their own, very personal, perspective”. Mr Adams is to examine Jesus’ teachings on “love, forgiveness, and repentance”. In a statement, Channel 4 said the Sinn Fein leader would “explore different perspectives on Jesus and how he is presented in the Bible”.

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Issue 192 • NEW LIFE 3

J-Lo: Why I wouldn’t use IVF... NEW LIFE

HOME TERROR... Magortu Margai

The soldier looked at me, I’d cheated death TEEN SAYS NIGHT OF TERROR WAS FOR A REASON

A FINALIST for the title of Miss Black Britain 2009 cheated death as a child during a bitter civil war in her home country.

Magortu Margai said she believed God saved her life when a soldier smashed his way into her house in Sierra Leone. The 19-year-old explained: “While other people’s houses were being burnt, ransacked and the people were being maimed or murdered, a soldier came into my house and looked straight at me – and then simply carried on walking. I’ll never forget the way he looked straight at me.” Another time, Margotu was hiding under the bed when the soldiers came and, again, her house was left untouched. When she was six years old, the war, which started in 1991, died down and Magortu moved to live with her mum in London. But it was at the age of 15 that she became a Christian and her life changed forever. She said: “I think it was New Year’s Eve and we went to church at Elim Barking, in London, and all of a sudden, I was just crying. Everything was just flashing before me – the man driving past our house with a gun. And I realised I was

FINALIST... Magortu meets Miss Black Britain director Aneka Johnson still here, and I was here for a reason. And that reason is God.” Magortu admits that her school years haven’t always been easy: “I’ve always known what I want to do with my life, I could’ve been shot dead but I wasn’t. Friends found that hard to

understand and I often found myself feeling alone. I really had to look to God to get me through those times.” And through her faith, Magortu’s hope was renewed. She said: “I believe that with God anything is possible. When I look back and see all that he has brought me through, the soldier letting me live, saving me from war – I know I am here for a reason.” In 2008 she successfully secured her place at the prestigious Italia Conti stage school, whose past pupils include supermodel Naomi Campbell and TV star Sharon Osbourne. She is now in her second year of her performing arts course. As a finalist in Miss Black Britain 09, Magortu hoped that she was a role model for young girls. She explained: “When they asked me why I wanted to be Miss Black Britain I was honest and said I wanted to influence other girls. “Young girls these days get a bad name for teenage pregnancy and I wanted to show that not every girl is like that, and if I can make one other girl see that then it’s worth it. Nothing’s impossible if you believe in God.”

Street Pastors go on TV On course for cash hints VOLUNTEErS in the Street Pastors scheme – which offers care and a listening ear to revellers around the UK – are to feature in a TV documentary. The efforts of Street Pastors in Basingstoke is the subject of BBC local current affairs programme Inside Out, which will be broadcast this month. The documentary team joined the patrol to find out what they encounter on a night patrolling the

streets. The Christian organisation was set up the town in 2008 by church members to offer care and a listening ear to those in need of help during a night out. Malcolm Murray, sen ior team leader for the Street Pastors, said: “The crew filmed on two evenings and they were interested to see how Street Pastors relate to the community. We did what we do every Friday and Saturday night. We help out where we can.”

PEOPLE living in Ealing, west London, are being given the opportunity to get their finances back on track w ith a free money management course this month. Christians Against Poverty (CAP), a debt counselling charity, is running the course to teach people good financial management skills, budgeting tips and overall advice on how to cut spending. It is part of the charity’s Money Month, which is seeking to combat

the blues brought on by the departure of Christmas and the current economic climate in the UK. The course, at the International Presbyterian Church in Drayton Green, starts on February 2 from 8pm–10pm. C A P is r u n n i ng 500 cou rses around the country th roughout February and March. For full details of those close to you, visit www.capmoney.org/ findacourse.

FILM and music star Jennifer Lopez says her Christian faith means she’d never consider IVF treatment. The mum-of-twins is currently playing the part of a woman who conceives twins through artificial insemination in her latest movie, The Back-Up Plan. But she says that while she sympathises with those who can’t conceive naturally, IVF is not for her. In an interview with Elle magazine she admits to being a traditionalist when it comes to family planning. “I just felt like you don’t mess with things like that,” said Lopez, above. “Because when it comes to family and relationships, I’m quite traditional. Just because of the way I was raised. “And I believe in God and I have a lot of faith, so I just felt like you don’t mess with things like that.” Lopez, who is married to Latin singer Marc Anthony, gave birth naturally to twins Max and Emme nearly two years ago. “I guess deep down I really felt like either this is not going to happen for me or it is. And, if it is, it will. And if it’s not, it’s not going to,” she added.

Blessings for the Blackberry LAPTOPS and Blackberry mobile phones have bee n blessed i n a church ceremony in the City of London. Canon David Parrott blessed the gadgets at the St Lawrence Jewry church in an updated version of a traditional “Plough Monday” backto-work ceremony. A number of parishioners held their mobile phones up as rev Parrott led the congregation in prayer. He said: “It’s the technology that is our daily working tool and it’s a technology we should bless.” Canon Parrott placed a number of laptops and phones on the altar during last month’s service. He sa id it wou ld rem i nd the capital’s busy office workers that God’s grace could reach them in many ways.

TV’s Brand ‘in search for God’ TV personality russell Brand is a spiritual person “looking for God”, says h is g i rlfriend Kate Perr y’s parents. Devout Christians Keith and Mary Hudson had their first meeting with the 34-year-old former heroin addict and recovering alcoholic, who has been dating their daughter for the last few months. Mary said: “russell must go towards the light and not towards the darkness.”

3k join church MOrE than 3,000 people have become Christians over the last two years at a church in London. Kensington Temple continues to hold nightly evangelistic services at their Notting Hill building. The meetings – held by evangelist William Lee – have attracted visitors from all parts of the UK.

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4 NEW LIFE • Issue 192

GROUPS RALLY TO HELP QUAKE-HIT HAITI CHURCHES and Christian aid agencies quickly rallied to provide physical and financial help after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Christian organisations from around the globe speedily responded to take part in rescue and humanitarian efforts after the 7.0 magnitude quake rocked the capital city of Port-au-Prince last month. Tearfund, Christian Aid and World Vision were among the UK-based Christian charities that launched appeals for help to raise funds for relief effort, as did The Methodist Church. More than 200,000 were feared dead after much of the city was razed to the ground in the country’s worst quake in its history. Outlying villages were also badly affected by the disaster. Dame Anne Owers, Christian Aid chairman, said: “This latest disaster is going to cause untold suffering and hardship, particularly in communities with very little to fall back on. “There is an urgent need for emergency supplies, including food, shelter and medicine.”

WORLD NEWS ROUND-UP

Crusade on sex industry

DEVASTATION... a search for survivors in the remains of a house in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

USA – Ch r ist ia ns i n A mer ica launched a spiritual “strike” against one of the most well-known symbols of the sex industry recently. Dozens of mostly young believers in the Los Angeles area marched while praying around a building owned by one of the world’s leading men’s magazines, the name of which has been withheld at the request of the organisers Strike LA. Over the last few years, the group says it has held about 30 so-called strikes, which involve participants fast i ng a nd pray i ng for God to intervene and save the city of Los Angeles. “The primary reason is that we want to deal with the spirit of perversion that has pervaded over our culture and our generation – specifically as it relates to the issue of pornography. “What is unacceptable in the eyes of God has become acceptable in the eyes of man,” said Jonathan Ngai, director of Strike LA.

amEriCaN idOL fiNaLiSt fOrGiVES OutSpOKEN JudGE $1bn plan to halt malaria

COWELL buLLiEd mE but i pray fOr him! How I was healed of back pain

AN American man says God healed him of a severe back injury. Jack Sullivan, 71, was told by doctors he could be paralysed after an operation on his back caused complications. But after receiving prayer from a local vicar, he said the pain vanished. “For some heavenly reason, I was selected. I don’t know why, because I’m not unusual in any way. I’m just an a v e r a g e g u y,” said Jack, above, in preparation of a tour of UK churches where he will share his story. He continued: “I had been in agony for days. The expectation was that I’d be unable to walk for a long time, if at all, but after I prayed I immediately felt an intense heat. I felt joy and confidence. “I said to the nurse that the pain had gone. I then walked up and down the corridors, with the nurse struggling to keep up with me.” Philosopher and author Alain de Botton spoke to The Guardian about the miracle, saying atheists shouldn’t doubt the claims.

by Matthew Murray

A former American Idol finalist who was bullied by Simon Cowell on the hit TV show regularly prays for the music mogul judge. Mandisa Hundley was the ninthplace finalist in the 2006 American Idol series, and is perhaps better known for becoming one of Cowell’s famous verbal victims after the multi-millionaire judge picked on her weight. But the devout Christian, who admitted she felt ‘angry and hurt’ by Cowell’s remarks, said she forgave the critic and still regularly prays for him. She said: “When my friends started to pray for me and they started to pray for Simon, that’s when I realised that this is so much bigger than my hurt feelings. I fasted and prayed for the three days leading up to me going to Hollywood to see him again. “When I got there, it was really easy. I was tempted to fall into the trap of being worried about whether or not I would make it into the top 24. But little things would happen and I would remember what I was going to say to him. Sure, I was tempted to tell him off. But I’d seen the show for several seasons, and I had seen Simon being told off before, and it didn’t really do anything. “It was more for me than anybody else that I forgave Simon. I really do believe that forgiveness is more for the forgiver than the person being forgiven. It eliminates bitterness, and it just helps us to move past

NIGerIA – Ch r ist ia n leaders i n Nigeria have launched an unprecedented $1bn effort to tackle malaria, which each year kills up to 300,000 Nigerians. The Faith United for Health campaign is hoping to deliver 63 million mosquito nets to 30 million households by the end of 2010 and train 30,000 church leaders to spread malaria prevention messages across the country. “Work i ng toget he r, Nige r ia’s faith leaders have the credibility, influence, and reach to carry the message that ‘bed nets save lives’ to their nation’s most distant villages,” commented UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Malaria, Ray Chambers, who attended the launch of the campaign in Abuja.

Prayer plea over famine

BUrmA – Gospel for Asia is calling for prayer for people affected by the severe famine in Burma’s Chin state brought on by a plague of rats. About 50 families have been affected by the “mautam” – or bamboo famine, as the rats continue to decimate crops and spread disease. Gospel for Asia is supporting missionaries in the country who are reaching out to the families with practical help and comfort. It has requested prayer for the Lord’s intervention and protection upon the people of Chin state and that “many will find lasting hope in the midst of their suffering”.

STILL PRAYING... Mandisa Hundley, right, who has forgiven Simon Cowell, above

just the phase of being in a dark place. And I just believe holding on to unforgiveness really hinders a lot of people’s walk.” When asked if she still prayed for Cowell, Mandisa said: “Absolutely. All the time. I do. I don’t think it’s a coincidence there have been so many Christians on American Idol. I think that’s for America to see, but I also do think that it’s for the judges as well.” Since her American

Idol exit, Mandisa has gone on to release two albums, and is fast becoming one of the better-known Christian artists in America. She believes God will use her music to influence many lives. She admits she doesn’t know what is next, but says her future is very much in God’s hands. “I’m holding on to him. He’s got a bigger dream for me than I ever had for myself,” she added.

Online worship USA – A church in Las Vegas has become the first in the world to launch a Facebook campus. The Central Christian Church is holding live church services six times per week via the social networking site. It features interactive church services with live lobby chat, personal chat, tithing, teaching and worship.

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Chance to talk of faith at the local People in Portsmouth can now find out about the Christian faith – at their local. The Rev Mark Rodel, Portsmouth’s city centre pioneer minister, has a brief to help those who don’t ‘do church’ to engage with their spirituality. So he’s created a chance for people to meet on Sunday nights in his local Wetherspoon’s. He gives them a chance to talk about faith, spirituality and life over a drink in the Isambard Kingdom Brunel pub from 8pm–10pm every Sunday. “This isn’t a church in a pub,” said Mark, pictured below. “There’s no worship or preaching involved. It’s just a chance for people who would feel uncomfortable in church to talk and think a bit more deeply about what they do believe. “My aim isn’t to get them into church, but simply to give them space to explore these issues. “The pub has kindly set aside the table in front of the bookshelf for me, and I’ve chosen some fairly broad discussion topics, like life after death, or what things we might regret. “The people who have come so far have plunged into those discussions really happily. Some of those who come do go to church, but are on the fringes, while some may never go to church.”

NEW LIFE POP virgin Kevin Jonas – who vowed not to have sex before marriage – has tied the knot. The Jonas Brothers star, 22 – a devout Christian – wed former hairdresser Danielle Deleasa, 23, in a fairytale ceremony at a French-style chateau. Brothers Joe, 20, and Nick, 17, served as his best men.

NEWSFLASH

Beliefs help with cancer Terminally ill cancer patients who receive spiritual support from their medical team are, on average, in a better state about their condition than those who don’t. Researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute also found that among patients relying on their Christian faith to cope with their illness, spiritual support reduced their risk of receiving aggressive medical interventions at the end of life. “Our findings suggest that spiritual care from the medical system has important ramifications for patients at the end of life, including helping them transition to comfort-focused care and improving their wellbeing near death,” said the study’s senior author, Dr Tracy Balboni of Dana-Farber.

Issue 192 •

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

CORRIE PLOT PUTS CHURCH IN LIMELIGHT

SOAP STAR IN WATER... Sophie Webster, played by Brooke Vincent, during the Corrie baptism scene

A church in Manchester was the scene for a Coronation Street character’s baptism into the Christian faith. Producers of the TV soap thought the baptism pool at Chorlton Central Baptist and United Reformed Church (URC) was just right for the on-screen baptism of Sophie Webster. Sophie, a teenage character played by actress Brooke Vincent, resolved to live a Christian life earlier this year, renouncing her previously rebellious behaviour. Chorlton’s minister, the Rev Sarah Brewerton, said she was delighted the church had provided the facilities. “This is the first time I’ve seen an adult baptism being portrayed in a soap,” she said. “I think that’s a really interesting development. “It shows something of someone’s faith journey perhaps more than the other rites. “It’ll help us to talk about adult baptism,” she added. “And it’s been a really good use of the building for a community TV show.” The church, which has both a URC and Baptist congregation, has had a baptism pool since it was refurbished in 1975.

MAN WAS SET TO JUMP FROM M-WAY BRIDGE

FRIEND SAVED DAD FROM SUICIDE BID A DEPRESSED father-of-five climbed on to a motorway bridge to hurl himself from it – until a friend shouted that Jesus loved him.

WORKING FOR THE COMMUNITY... Lee Marsland and Gary Needham

Lee Marsland, 32, from Oldham, said that a life of gangs and addiction to alcohol had left him at rock bottom. But the intervention of a pal during a suicide attempt led him to a changed life. He said: “I was in and out of prison and care homes. Then one of the lads in my gang became a Christian. He told me one day that Jesus loved me.” But at the age of 21, with a small baby and an addiction to alcohol, it all seemed too much for Lee and he decided to take his own life. “I remember climbing on to a motorway bridge and was just about to jump off when I heard my mate’s voice saying that Jesus loved me. “I got down and went to his house and just felt the presence of love. I asked him, ‘Is this Jesus real? Will he save me?’ He answered, ‘Yes’.”

GANGS So Lee decided to go to church the next day. He said: “There was a preacher there from Canada and he spoke about turning your life around for God. I became a Christian that day. “I was 21 and radically saved and was even trying to preach the gospel that same day to my mates in the pub.” Lee joined New Life Church in Failsworth and now, 11 years later, heads a community project taking the good news of Jesus to the gangs he was once part of. “I’ve always had a passion about telling people about Jesus, so when I got asked to head up Street Link, it felt right,” he explained. “Street Link is a community project where we take church out on to the streets, and build rela-

tionships with young people and families. We show God’s love through what we say and what we do. We’re seeing salvation and it’s a fantastic project to be part of.” And even the local authorities are starting to notice the church’s affect in the surrounding areas. Lee explained. “The police are even recognising that the answer is God and the church. “I attend a lot of meetings where they look to the

church all the time. Where the statutory body ends, Street Link takes over. We’re there just because we want to love people the way God loves them. “We put on events like Failsworth’s Got Talent because we never know when God’s going to move. We have to shake off this image of religion. “We have Sunday night live where we invite different partnerships for feedback and we are having an impact. We’re giving the message of hope.”

Tube station! New book’s rave reviews Beat cold with sing-along The Church of Ireland is using the power of the Internet to spread its message. A YouTube channel has been set up in Londonderry to engage with the community on diocesan matters. It features an address by Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Right Rev Ken Good.

A primary school teacher has penned a critically-acclaimed children’s book about “love and forgiveness” and the Christian faith. Karen Langtree wrote My Wicked Stepmother in her spare time while teaching part-time and raising two young children. Despite a hectic

work schedule, which included launching a new toddler group, the 40-year-old managed to complete the novel in just 12 months. The book tells the story of divorce through a child’s eyes. Karen has been likened to the bestselling children’s author Jacqueline Wilson.

A Norwich church is helping people beat the cold weather and get warm with a free sing-along event. People are invited to be part of the massed choir or join in and hum along to the well known bits. The celebration sing-along takes place at Holy Trinity Church in

Norwich on Saturday, February 20 at 7.30pm. The programme will include parts of Handel’s Messiah, Cantique de Jean Racine by Faure, The Heavens are Telling by Haydn, and everyone is encouraged to join in Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. The evening is free of charge.

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NEW LIFE • Issue 192 NEW LIFE

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WORKING TOGeTheR TO BRING you The GOOd NeWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

A 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).

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

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Issue 192 •

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MAN REVEALS HOW GOD HAS HEALED AFTERfound MORE THAN DECADE OFofHELL EXCLUSIVE: How a woman forced on toHIM the game true loveAafter a life hell

I was nine when the abuse started. Dad said I’d be a prostitute... the best girl on the block by Becky Barlow

finished. She said: “I looked up a ghost writer on the Internet and emailed him, and the next day I’d been offered a six figure sum for my book.” The book, Daddy’s Little Earner, was published in January 2008 and tells Maria’s story. The sequel, Escaping Daddy, was published in August 2009. Maria en rolled in un iversity in 2007 and is now in the third year of an English literature degree. It was while at university that she met some Christians. “I met a girl called Polly who invited me to a music festival,” she explained. “At the festival I met James, who Polly told me was a Christian. “He was 33, 6ft and covered in tattoos with a skinhead – he didn’t look like a Christian to me. But he had this presence about him. I can’t explain it but I could see Jesus in him. When I got back they invited me to church so I agreed but I was really nervous.” Maria was again questioning what life was all about. “When I walked into that church I got my answer. Proclaimer’s Church in Norwich is young and vibrant and just what I needed. I’ve never cried like I did that day,” she said. “As soon as I stepped inside, I just felt I belonged. The way people spoke about God, that he was part of their life, the most important part, deeply touched me. I knew I wanted Jesus in my life, so I asked him to come in, there and then. “I didn’t need any prompting or persuasion. It just seemed the most natural thing for me. “At last, I had found a loving father who loved me for just being me. It didn’t matter what I had done or what had been done to me. “For the first time in my life I felt clean. All the tricks, all the clients, all

aRia Landon was dreaming. She was 14 years old and putting her make-up on, ready for another night out.

But this wasn’t an innocent teenage night out with friends. Maria was going out on to the streets as a prostitute – sent there by her father, Terry Long, the man who was supposed to protect her. Now 43 and a single mum of two grown up boys, Maria’s story of her horrendous childhood and subsequent marriages has made The Times’ top ten bestsellers list. But among the pain and heartbreak, Maria met someone who turned her life around and healed her broken heart. That someone was Jesus Christ and with his help, Maria has finally dealt with her past. Maria’s dad lived in a world of thieves and street-walkers. Her mother, tiring of turning tricks for her husband, walked out, leaving the children in his chaotic, violent and sometimes cruel care. Maria said: “I was six years old. My t wo you nger brothers, Glen n, then 18 months old, and Chris were so neglected that they got taken into care and I didn’t see them again for a long time. “But me a nd my other brother stayed with dad because we were older and could look after ourselves. “Dad was an alcoholic and gam-

Maria Landon meets children in Africa during a mission trip for charity Grassroots last November. She was baptised last April after finding Christ. Right, the two books that tell Maria’s harrowing story as a child prostitute

‘one time he sold me to someone and held me down as i was raped’ bler. The house was full of that sort of people: prostitutes, alcoholics and gamblers. It was all we knew. He’d tell us that we were horrible kids and that’s why mum had left.” From the age of four she spent her time in and out of care, but Maria’s life was to get much worse. “I was nine years old when the sexual abuse started,” she said. “He would tell me I’d be a prostitute. He’d bring a woman round and dress me up in her make-up and tell me, ‘You’ll be just like your mum – you’ll be the best girl on the block.’ So I was brought up to believe that.” A young, naïve Maria believed her manipulative father when he told her he was the only one who loved her. She said: “Despite everything, I loved him! He was my father and he was all I had. He’d tell me that he was the only one who loved me and that I was his favourite. I totally believed him because he was the only one who was ever there for me.” Barely in her teens, Maria’s father made h is daughter go out on the streets and sell her body. “I remember

him taking me to show me what I had to do,” she said. “One awful time, he sold me to someone and he held me down while the man raped me.” At the age of 15, Maria met Brian, a man 20 years her senior, and ran away to London – only to find herself back on the streets working for him. She said: “I found myself working as a prostitute at Kings Cross for him and living in a squat.”

JAILED Furious at losing a “nice little earner”, her father involved the police but both he and the other man were then jailed for living off Maria’s immoral earnings. That was in 1981. “I waited for Brian because I loved him,” explained Maria. “By the time he came out, it was just after my 17th birthday. I got pregnant and had a miscarriage then got pregnant again. “But Brian was an alcoholic and into his drugs. I was living with no heating or water and six months pregnant, so I

left him. I was re-housed and Brendan, my son, was born when I was 18. I was a mess. I had so many problems but I knew I had to put Brendan first.” Not long after Brendan was born, Maria met Rodney, her first husband. She said: “We got together and within 18 months, I was married. I was with him for eight years, but it was a violent marriage. But I was transported into the gypsy community and finally felt like I had the family that I’d always wanted.

never thought that anyone would ever want to marry me but I was dead inside. I would go through all the functions but I was numb. “By the age of 26, I couldn’t stand it any more, so I left him and had a nervous breakdown.” Maria bravely tried to confront her past and went through 18 months of intense counselling. She also started going to church. She said: “There was a Church of

England church very close to where I lived, which had always been a focal point in my life. I’d walked past it so many times and it had always been there. “I fou nd mysel f sit t i ng i n t he grounds one day, sobbing my heart out

‘i sat sobbing. i looked up at a window, then this light shone on me’ when the curator came over. He asked me if I wanted to go in the church and I said I couldn’t because it was locked and it was a weekday. “He said: ‘We’ll open it for you. That’s your church.’ I was gobsmacked that he would do that for me. “I sat on the front row just sobbing and looked up at one of the stained glass windows then this light shone

down on me. The guy I was with at the time was an atheist so that made it hard for me. I did go to church a few more times but there was so much disagreement that I stopped going.” Maria got married for the second time but the marriage broke down. Still searching, she decided to go back to church. She said: “I tried to go to church again after we split but I just didn’t feel comfortable there.” But something had shifted in Maria and she started to pray. “I had this vision of God as a father figure – like a father should be but I didn’t really have any understanding,” she said.

quEstIons “I didn’t have this great relationship with God – I would pray and imagine this father figure in the sky. I had no idea who Jesus was except from the nativity at school. But I’d been praying and had started to ask questions

about what my life meant and all I seemed to get back was that I should write a book. “During my time in counselling, I’d had nightmares and my counsellor had told me to write them down so I had all these scraps of papers with memories in them. These memories became the book.” And when Maria’s younger brother Glenn died suddenly, Maria made a vow that she would tell their story. She said: “I went to see Glenn in his coffin, I held his hand and I promised him, ‘I won’t forget you and one day our story will be told.’”

aria started to gather her notes together, went to night school, where she successfully gained some GCSE’s, worked three jobs and bought her own home. She also became a personal development teacher, helping others to overcome their past. Life appeared to be on the up for

Maria, when something happened that turned her life upside down. “The boys were grown up and I was nearly 40 when I met my third husband,” she explained. “We married within 18 months then I lost everything. He was a conman and the marriage lasted six months.” Forced to sell the home she’d worked so hard for, Maria was left homeless and cried out to God. “I bought a caravan with the money I had left,” she said. “I put it on a caravan park and I remember one day just sitting crying. I was 40 years old, with three failed marriages behind me and I thought, ‘What am I going to do now?’ “Then I actually heard a voice say, ‘Write the book. Take six months and write the book.’ I had enough money from the house sale to keep the caravan on the park for six months so I did it.” That was in 2007 and things happened quick ly once the book was

‘My three marriages did not work because i had never known real love’ the disgusting things that had been done to me were washed away. It was like I was a new person. “I’d always had this vision of God in the sky with a big beard, but no idea of who Jesus was. But this service was all about cleansing and what Jesus did on the cross. “All I could see was this vision of Jesus and all this blood coming out of him. I just couldn’t believe that Jesus had done that for me. “I cried for a week. I’d never felt a love like it. I knew then why my three marriages hadn’t worked because I’d never known real love. “When I read that God loves me and created me for a purpose, I realised I was meant to be here and I’m not an accident. It wasn’t until I met Jesus that I felt clean, because it’s only Jesus who can wash all that away.”

Issue 192

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NEW LIFE

Issue 192 • NEW LIFE 9

Ministry’s COUPLE’S BABY JOY AFTER HEARTACHE founders COMMENT meet PM Truth about love THE founders of a Christian media ministry recently attended a special celebration tea hosted by Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Chris and Kerry Cole, who set up CrossRhythms, were invited to the event at No 10 Downing Street. It is the second time the ministry – which includes local radio stations in three areas of the UK – has been invited to join the PM in consecutive years. Kerry said: “From CrossRhythms’ point of view, it is very encouraging that our work with local radio is recognised at the highest levels of government, because we believe that we have something so good to influence our cities with, especially our youth.” During the event, the Prime Minister spoke about how the practice of Christian values can help improve society. He told the meeting: “Let us not forget that this is a country where the Christian values that were so important over all the centuries are still right at the centre of our national life.”

Radio boss goes gaga over licence C h r ist ian rad io stat ion United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) has begun broadcasting on DAB digital radio right across the UK. The media organisation, which had previously been broadcasting to most major cities in England, Wales and Northern I rela nd on DA B, has now signed contracts and been granted Ofcom approval to broadcast nationally across the UK, including Northern Ireland. “This is an extraordinary dream come true”, said Ian Mackie, CEO and founder of UCB UK. “We have had a 23-year old dream and vision to broadcast nationally across the UK and it’s a n over whel m i ng a nd hu mbl i ng day to see that dream come to fruition.”

Micah is our little miracle by Becky Barlow

A COUPLE who lost their baby girl to cot death syndrome have told how they never lost faith and believed God would give them a miracle. Martin and Sharon Bell were devastated when their daughter Savannah died at just nine weeks old. She was born with Down’s Syndrome and a rare intestinal condition that her elder brother, Samuel, also suffered from. He had stunned doctors by battling through the disease, which the couple say was thanks to persistent prayer. And the couple clung to their faith despite the tragedy three years ago and got back on their knees again to ask God for direction. And they recently celebrated the first birthday of their “miracle” son Micah, who was born at a healthy 7lb 7oz.

GIFT Sharon said: “We didn’t want to fill Savannah’s place but we’d waited so long for her that we decided to try again. “Just over a year later, Micah was born. He’s our gift from heaven, our miracle child. “Micah means in the image of God. We had his name before he was born because we knew that he would be perfect like God.” She explained that she and her family had prayed every day through the pregnancy for Micah to be healthy, and she said prayer was vital. “God does answer prayer,” said Sharon, 36. “He helps us through the bad times and I k now that we wouldn’t have made it if we didn’t believe.” It was through praying that the couple, from Glasgow, coped

GIFT FROM HEAVEN... Miach Bell. Left, mum Sharon hours after Savannah was born

with the death of Savannah, she added. “We realised that God had given us a special gift in Savannah. We were depending on God to get us through. I don’t know how we’d have coped if we weren’t Christians.” But tragedy hit the family

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when aged nine weeks, Savannah died of cot death. Sharon said: “We held on to the fact that we knew she’d gone to heaven. We knew she was at peace.” “I realised that you’re not a bad Christian for being sad because it’s natural to miss your baby. But I know that she’s in a better place.”

LOVE is in the air! Well, that’s what the card makers, florists and plush restaurant owners are hoping for in February. After we’ve all spent too much during Christmas, which has become heavily commercialised, there’s another chance to spend more of your hard-earned pennies through the custom of St Valentine’s Day. Valentine was a Christian martyr and had experienced God’s eternal love, but he can’t be blamed for giving husbands the headache of finding another present for their wives, because the tradition of swapping love notes – or Valentine’s – didn’t start until well after his death. Love features heavily in the Bible, particularly when Jesus tells us to “love our neighbour”. He’s not talking about romantic gestures or lust, but he wants us to care wholeheartedly for each other. This is the kind of love offered by God, except it’s a bigger love than any of us can imagine. When Jesus talks about love he means the type that never falters, no matter how much we hurt those who love us. He’s talking about giving our last penny to someone when they’re in need because we love them. He’s asking us to forgive and forget, and understand that God does just that every time we let him down by sinning. Of course the Christian faith says we must repent first, but when we do, the forgiveness God gives know no bounds; he will forget every mistake you make. And how did God show his love for us all? He didn’t send us a card or some cringe-worthy heart-shaped gift. He gave up his son, Jesus, and allowed him to die on a cross to pay the price for every sin we were to commit. Forget those cards and presents, God’s gift of his son was the most breathtaking show of love that has ever been made.

BIBLE QUOTE OF THE MONTH “Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 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

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Issue 192

NEW LIFE CLASSIFIEDS WANT TO EXPLORE CHRISTIANITY, BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO TURN? KEEP THIS PAGE TO HELP YOU FIND A NEW DIRECTION IN LIFE... ALTRINCHAM The Upper Room Christian Fellowship, The Downs. Sunday services 10.45am and 6.30pm. Enquiries: 0161 282 6676. (CA09) CANTERBURY Trinity Community Church. Meetings Sundays 10.45am at St Stephen’s Junior School, Hales Place, Canterbury. Tel: 01227 459 785. (CA06)

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

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READING Assemblies of God Christian Centre (Mount Zion). Sundays 11am and 6.30pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays 7.30pm. Enquiries Tel: 01252 872 754. RETFORD Retford New Life Church Centre, 26-32 Bridgegate, Retford, Notts. Morning Meetings 9.30am & 11.30am. Children’s Church 9.30am & 11.30am. Sunday Evenings 6.30pm. Everyone welcome. Contact 01777 711377. (CA36)

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Issue 192 •

Decision I’ll never regret ‘no’ to sundays R ET I R E d r ugby ace Michael Jones says he’ll never regret putting God first. The New Zealand star famously lost his place on the Kiwi’s World Cup squad in 1995 because he refused to play on Sundays. The decision earned him criticism, but he has no regrets. He sa id: “When I stopped playing rugby, people soon forgot the

player and one thing I’d like to be remembered for is the person who put God before rugby. “I feel that people who would never have heard about God have done so because of my stand, because it’s brought attention to it. I’ve been able to show people that there obviously is a God who must exist or else someone wou ld n’t be prepared to do that.”

NO REGRETS... Jones

● Continued from Back Page of hours in church then playing rugby or going down the pub, it’s the full day.” Several sports stars have refused to play on Sundays because they see it as the sabbath. In rugby, a recent example was Michael Jones, left, the New Zealand flanker who could have earned many more caps had he been prepared to turn out on Sundays. And Scotland winger and Olympic sprinter Eric Liddell ruled himself out of the 100 metres at the Olympic Games in Paris in 1924 for the same reason. He won gold in the 400 metres, and was immortalised in the film Chariots of Fire.

MARATHON MAN REVEALS SECRET OF SUCCESS

WHY MY CAREER IS SO RUNDERFUL Cosmas Ndeti shocked the world and became Kenya’s No1 hero in 1993 when he won the Boston marathon.

It was just the second marathon the slight runner had ever competed in, but soon it was clear that he was the pre-eminent marathoner in the world. Written on his shoe that day were the words: With faith in Jesus, anything is possible. That makes Cosmas’ plan for running a marathon simple: “You trust in God. You have to put God first. Then you worry about the other things.” Ndeti was running on God’s power that day in Boston, and he hasn’t stopped yet. The 1994 Olympian, who named his son Gideon Boston Ndeti because he was born two days before that break-through race, says he always runs for Jesus Christ and by Christ’s power. Ndeti asked Jesus to guide his life a few months before first competing in Boston. “Before I got to give my life to Christ, I was following the things in this world,” he recently said. His family is so important to him that he regularly takes them with him to major events. His training consists of long runs at 6,500-feet above sea level on Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa. His spiritual training is just as intense, but in a different way. “The Bible tells us to grow spiritually,” Ndeti says. “You have to keep on praying. That’s our shield against the devil. “If you become weak in praying, the devil will attack you. Also, reading the Bible and having fellowship with other brothers and sisters together is important. Our duty is to keep on praying all the time.” Ndeti says he would like to be a Bible teacher when he finishes running. He says he wants to tell the world about Jesus. “Many people have turned their back to God,” he said. “Let people just try Jesus and see what a change he can bring in their lives. When someone has Jesus in their life, victory is sure.”

A NFI E L d defender Ja m ie Ca rragher knows it will need divine intervention to turn around Liverpool’s season. After a shaky start to the season, which saw them knocked out of the Champions League, Carragher admitted he’s been on his knees asking God to help the struggling side. He added: “Statistics can change quickly and we’ve got to

LINVOY PRIMUS

The inside track on faith in football

I never pray for success on the field I’M OFTEN asked if I pray for success on the football field and the answer is NO! It’s not that God is too busy to worry about such things, but it doesn’t feel right to be asking for that sort of material success. And after all, God says in the Bible that he has no favourites, thus it would be daft to start asking him to favour one team over another. Since I became a Christian, however, I have always prayed before games and the focus of those prayers is very simple. I have always asked that God be glorified through everything that happens while I am out there – that the way I play and approach the game brings glory to him There’s a lot of misunderstanding from people who aren’t Christians about how we believers should behave and another is about playing on a Sunday! I’m asked if I have a problem with that and of course the answer is ‘no’. What’s right for me may not be for ot he r C h r i s tian sportsmen or women but Sunday foot ie h a s neve r bothered me. Ch ristian it y doesn’t begin and end on a Su nday – it’s an every day t h i n g a nd , t hu s , there is absolutely no problem. C h r i st i a n s be having one way on a Sunday and another on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday is not the way it should be at all in reality. The Bible says that we are to live for him every minute of every day. We fail, of course, because we’re not perfect, just forgiven, but the idea that playing football on a Sunday is a big sin is daft. God knew before the beginning of time what my life was going to be about and wouldn’t have put me in a position where I couldn’t follow the profession he’d mapped out for me. The truth is we are not into religion, but a relationship with Jesus, and it’s important to stay in touch with him and have his blessing on what we do. We achieve that through prayer! In the Bible the religious leaders of that time – the Pharisees – were always on about not doing this, that or the other on the sabbath. Time and again Jesus rebuked them about their attitudes. He came to set us free from the rules and regulations and is still in the same business. All I want to do is serve my Lord, and were he to tell me not to play on a Sunday, I wouldn’t. But he never has done so, and I don’t expect him to because he’s a God who knows everything and understands each one of our situations.

❛ What’s right for

me may not be for other Christian sportsmen or women, but playing footie on Sunday has never bothered me... ❜

sPEaKInG uP Carragher on knees over poor season CRICKET commentator Henry Olonga says he hopes God will use h i m to i n f luence ma ny lives. Olonga is now retired, and is pursuing a career in commentary. He said: “I felt that God told me that through sport I would have the opportunity to speak to many people.”

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do that. It’s tough at the moment, but part of playing for Liverpool is having big character.

pray “We have got to stick together, get through it and, as I’m doing, pray to God that at the end of the season there will be something worthwhile for what we’ve gone through,” said Carragher, right.

Linvoy was talking to Hugh Southon

What do you think about playing sport on a Sunday? Send your letters to New Life Newspaper, PO Box 777, Nottingham, NG11 6ZZ. Or email editorial@newlife.co.uk

Issue 192 • NEW LIFE 12

NEW LIFE

SPORT NO SUNDAY SERVICE... Euan Murray says his strong faith is more important than playing rugby on Sundays

PORTSMOUTH’S LINVOy PRIMUS ON WHy HE WON’T PRAy FOR WINNING WAyS PAGE 11

MARATHON MAN REVEALS THE SECRET OF HIS CAREER SUCCESS PAGE 11

Euan not going to see me playing Sundays Ace explains why he’ll miss Six Nations game

SCOTLAND rugby ace Euan Murray has spoken about why his faith led him to quit playing on Sundays. And it means he’ll miss this month’s Six Nations game against France. The 29-year-old has told how he even snubs coffee or dinner invitations on the Lord’s Day as he does not want to “encourage other people to work”. Murray said: “it’s basically all or nothing following Jesus. i don’t believe in pick ’n’ mix Christianity. i believe the Bible is the word of God, so who am i to ignore something from it? “i might as well tear out that page, then keep tearing out pages as and when it suits me. if i started out like that there would soon be nothing left.” Murray’s recent decision to

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keep Sunday as a day of worship means he will miss Scotland’s opening Six Nations game against France on February 7 and, potentially, some key matches with his club, Northampton. Despite his religious stance, Murray has played for Scotland before on a Sunday – in the 2008 Six Nations against France. But he said turning out to play on a Sunday had grown increasingly painful. Murray, who has 28 caps, said: “i was going against my conscience and it became impossible to enjoy. “i realised it’s quite simple, really. Jesus said, ‘if you love me, keep my commandments’, and there are ten commandments – not nine.” it is understood that a clause in Murray’s new club contract, stating he does not have to play on Sundays, is unique in top-flight rugby.

Glasgow-born Murray turned to Christ while recovering from an injury in 2005, and since then his faith has grown stronger. While insisting he will continue to give his all for club and country, Murray – a qualified vet – said his faith comes first. He added: “i’ve talked about the ‘call to excellence’ i perceive in the Bible, being the best you can be, and i try to present myself as a living sacrifice to the Lord. “i want to excel in rugby because that’s where i’ve been given the opportunity to serve my God – but it has to fit with the way i want to live my life. “The most important thing in my life will always be serving Christ. “i want to live my life believing and doing the things he wants and the Sabbath day is a full day. “it’s not just a case of a couple ● Continued on Page 11

Fear of God has kept me from drugs FiLiPiNO boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has strongly denied any use of performance-enhancing drugs – saying he fears God too much to take them. The light welterweight world champion was set to fight Floyd Mayweather next month. But Mayweather called off the bout amid a drug dispute. Devout Christian Pacquiao reacted angrily, saying: “i maintain and assure everyone that i have not used any form or kind of steroids, and that my way to the top is a result of hard work, hard work, hard work and a lot of blood spilled from my past battles in the ring, not outside of it.” Many of the sport’s leading lights have backed Pacquiao, pictured, saying that he has always been clean after tests. They believe it was a ploy by Mayweather Jr to avoid fighting the Filipino, who distributes much of his title winnings to the poor in his home country. Pacquiao added: “i have no idea what steroids look like and my fear of God has kept me safe and victorious through all these years. “Because i love my country and i fight for our honour in all my fights in the ring, and my fear of God who is the source of my strength and power, i have made a firm decision to formally file a lawsuit against those people who have tarnished my reputation, name and dignity of my countrymen and my God. “You are witnesses that, from the beginning of my boxing career 15 years ago to this day, i have not tasted nor attempted to use these so-called PEDs or steroids in order to cheat my opponents. My destruction is the destruction of all of us and immeasurable shame to God who has bestowed on me all these blessings.”

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