NEW LIFE JUNE 2010 • Issue 196 40p
GOOD NEWS STORIES
NEW LIFE WORLD CUP FOCUS IN SPORT
KIWI GIVES PRAISE FOR CUP ROLE Faith helped me ‘survive’ says actress TOP British film and TV actress Samantha Morton has revealed that she “would not have survived” without her faith. The Golden Globe winner said that her childhood in care homes, an abortion at 16 and drug taking were tough, but such times brought her closer to God. Morton (pictured below) was made a ward of court at the age of seven and lived in foster and care homes after her parents divorced. But she said a lt houg h she was angry, she was never angry with God. “I would not have s u r v i ve d w it h o ut my faith. I suppose what I’m trying to say is that I felt watched over,” she revealed. “I was angry but not at God. I feel that you are closer to God when you are messed up. Definitely. That’s when you most need God, and God cannot control what man does.” Morton added: “I have a wonderful joy in my life and that is that I have always believed in God. I just have. “Some people question that faith but, when you are little, and you find something as powerful as that, you do not question it. It’s what got me through it all.”
Kind solicitor forgives thief A CHRISTIAN solicitor has forgiven a homeless man he gave a job to who later stole thousands of pounds worth of goods. Richard Rawsthorn gave James McConnell a job as a cleaner at his cottage after taking pity on the drug addict, who was living on the streets in Manchester. McConnell, 35, took advantage of Mr Rawsthorn’s generosity by stealing musical instruments, two cameras and two laptops worth £6,000. A court heard McConnell took the goods after letting himself in to Mr Rawsthorn’s home while he was at work. Speaking after McConnell was jailed for nine months, Mr Rawsthorn said: “I should never have put him in that position. I have forgiven him and I almost feel guilty myself.”
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FAME ISN’T THAT IMPORTANT IN MY LIFE SAYS STAR MILEY PAGE 3
THE BATTLE TO STOP TRAFFICKING IN WORLD CUP NATION by Becky Barlow AS World Cup fever grips South Africa, New Life discloses the work of the Christians who fight to give hope to people whose lives are sold there. While underworld gangsters sell girls into prostitution, a charity is battling to highlight and halt human trafficking. Just like William Wilberforce 200 years ago, these brave people want to end the cruelty of modern slavery. Charity Justice Acts was set up by Christian mum Tonya Stanfield to change lives. As well as rescuing those who have been sold, the charity tells the girls about the love of Jesus. l Turn to the Centre
Pages for a New Life special investigation
Picture: Matt Hensley/ Justice Acts
Bringing hope to South Africa
2
NEW LIFE NEW LIFE
• Issue 196
Church can ‘boost lives’
Praying is inspiration
KNEES HE DOES IT... Mark Wahlberg
R ESI DE N TS i n one of L ondon’s toug hest boroug h s be l ieve t he churches have a key role in improving their lives. A su r vey of householders i n Barnet showed 50 per cent of local cited the churches as an “effective institution”. Ayo Adedoyin head of community at Jesus House, one of the churches behind the survey, said: “We are particularly pleased that local residents recognised the major contribution the Church plays in peoples lives.
HOLLYWOOD actor and rapper Mark Wahlberg says he gets h is i n spi rat ion from praying. The top Billboard star also revealed how escaping the 9/11 disaster helped him focus on God. The devout Christian — who was jailed at 16 for drug use — confessed: “I just get on my hands and knees every day, starting my day by saying my prayers.” Mark, 38, added how he was booked on one of the planes that crashed into the Twin Towers on 9/11 but cancelled at the last minute. “I know a lot of people who a re e x t remely successf u l, have everything in the world except God. It’s a dark, cold, lonely world without God.” He stressed his family are his priority: “I did a lot of bad things in my past. All I can do is ask for forgiveness. “My priorities are my faith, being a father, a husband, a son and a friend.”
DONATING “We are pleased that we have been recognised as giving support to the elderly, youth, ethnic minorities and the unemployed.” Last Christmas, local churches backed a number of i n itiatives, including donating 2,500 food hampers to some of the areas poorest families.
Top cop prays for attackers A TOP cop has revealed he prays for people who attack his officers. The Chief Constable of the PSNI, Matt Baggott, said he asked God to “take the scales from the eyes” of dissident Republicans engaged in violence.
MURDERED Two soldiers and a PSNI constable have been murdered and another seriously injured by the Real IRA and the Continuity IRA in the past year. Mr Baggott, president of the Christian Police Association dismissed claims he led a political police force, adding: “We’ve got to stop this nonsense about the war machine.”
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Double life almost drove Lady healed wealthy boss to suicide after prayer BUSINESSMAN Mike Collins was living the dream.
he explained. “Eventually my wife found out all about this.” Depressed and worn out by He ran a successful com- his double life, Mike planned pany and earned a six figure to commit suicide. He got in salary all before he was 30. his car determined to find a Mike, from Nottingham, quiet spot. drove a top-of-the-range car “I was driv ing round a and was a respected member corner a nd the ca r fi l led of the local busiwith this brilliant ness community. light. I heard the But behind the words ‘follow me, boardroom smiles, trust me’. h i s l i fe w a s a “I k new th is mess. was God telling me H i s m a r r i a ge not to give up and was falling apart waste my life.” as he had numerNow at the helm ous a ffa i rs w it h of a highly successother women. He TRUSTING GOD... ful financial servhad turned into a Mike Collins ices business, Mike workaholic but was says the Lord Jesus spending more than he was never gave up on him. earning. “Somehow God got a mesFinally, Mike decided the sage through to me and I only way to get out of the knew I couldn’t go through mess was to kill himself. with it. “O n t he su r face I wa s “Without him, I would be doing a reasonable job of dead by now. Never give up running the business but my because Jesus never gives up private life was in tatters,” on you.”
Bible goes mobile for kids The Bible is going mobile to reach the text generation. A comic book-style children’s Bible has been released for users of iPhone and iPod Touch. Called Children’s Bible 1.2, it will re-tell some of the bestknown stories from the Old and New Testaments. It is available worldwide on the App Store, and is a free download.
at pub event A pastor’s wife has described how she saw a woman healed from osteoporosis. The healing happened at a church breakfast in a pub in Hedon, near Hull, after the woman was prayed for by speaker David Littlewood. Sue Mackenzie, 61, whose husband Jim, 62, is pastor of Christian Life Church in Hedon said: “When the lady was prayed for, her back arched a long way backwards. I was stood behind her and I saw it. It was amazing.” Her healing was later confirmed by doctors. Sue said: “The lady had suffered with osteoporosis which was a hereditary condition, for 13 years. She was prescribed bone strengthening medication plus an exercise routine. “She has had a bone scan every two years, which has shown a slow deterioration. When she was prayed for she said she felt what she could only describe as strength going through her body. “Soon after that, it was time for her two-yearly scan and the results astounded her. The doctor said her condition was improved for the first time in 13 years and she could stop taking her medication. She’s a different woman now and is very active and she just shines.”
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Issue 196 • NEW LIFE 3 NEW LIFE
FAMILY PRAISE... Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus
IT’S LIKE FATHER, LIKE DAUGHTER... CYRUS STARS AGREE THAT FAITH IS BETTER THAN FAME SHE is one of Hollywood’s hottest stars, a number one singer and a bestselling author. He is the king of country music’s Hall of Fame and the man who made line dancing respectable. But Billy Ray Cy rus and h is daughter, Miley, say it is faith and not fame that keeps them strong. “I count my blessings every single day,” explained Billy Ray who had a worldwide hit with Achy Breaky Heart. “Every day I pray God will show me the doors he wants me to walk through, the people he wants me to talk to, the songs he wants me to sing. I want to be the light he wants
me to be in this world.” Daughter Miley, best known for her role as Hannah Montana, agrees that Jesus is the ‘X factor’ who makes all the difference. “Let me make it clear, I am a Christian. Jesus saved me,” she explains. “He’s what keeps me full and whole. Hopefully, I can influence people and help them follow the same path I am on, but it is not my job to tell people what they are doing wrong.” Miley may be only 18, but that didn’t stop Time magazine listing her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. And according to Forbes magazine, she is also one of the richest
– eclipsing the earnings of her famous father. Miley added: “I know that some people don’t have a family to fall back on like I have. “That’s when something greater comes in and that’s faith and that’s what I have. “That’s what keeps me strong. I think a lot of people do have Christian families and they’re just not seeing that they’re so much greater than the materialistic things that are there right now like going out and parties and whatever.” Faith runs deep in the Cyrus family. Miley’s great grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher, and Billy Ray has spoken openly about the family’s beliefs – and the pressures
on them. “Raising a child in the Christian faith in Hollywood isn’t easy,” he said. “So you can imagine being Miley right now, let alone me. You just gotta know what the dark side wouldn’t give to put out that light and that positive hope and love and bring down anyone. “M i ley gets up a nd w i ns a n award and thanks Jesus, because it’s who she is and what she believes. “Can you imagine how much joy it would bring the devil to see Miley just do something really stupid and all these kids around the world that she’s represented such a positive force to just taint it with something stupid and ruin it?”
Brand new journey for TV comic! TV wildman Russell Brand might soon be known for his faith. The outrageous comic, who resigned from the BBC after an online foul-mouthed rant, is said to be reading the Bible. And it’s all thanks to his future father-in-law, Keith Hudson, an evangelical pastor. Russell, 34, is set to marry long-term girlfr iend Kat y Perry at a starstudded showbiz wedding in India later this year. Ke it h s a i d the funny-man, Russell Brand known for his womanising and X-rated humour, is “on a spiritual path.” “There has been such a change in him. We talk about God all the time, he’s been searching,” explained Keith. “We are discussing his journey together. I chat with him and help him to see things clearly.” He added: “My wife Mary and I are evangelists and have been for 38 years. He knows it’s about living a good life.”
NEW LIFE It’s easy to mistake a vague belief in God for true faith in Christ. And people often equate Christianity with living a good life. But nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus hung out with all the wrong people — in the eyes of the religious establishment at least. And when he was challenged, he explained it is only sick people who need a doctor. Our problem is not that we are too bad for God, but that we are too good! (Or think we are, at least). If we could see ourselves as we are, and understand how widely each one of us misses the mark, we’d run to the Saviour of our souls and give him no rest until we experienced the life-changing salvation of faith in Jesus Christ that so many we write about in New Life have experienced. We pray that Russell Brand finds Salvation through Christ. See the column on Page 6 for help.
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Charity nets real help A C H R I ST I A N hospita l charity has got staff safety covered thanks to a leading adventure firm. Mercy Ships provide free medical care and operations to people across Africa. Now volunteer doctors and nurses heading to Togo have been given 100 nets to protect them from mosquitoes carrying malaria. Pete Gostling, Marketing Manager at Lifemarque
One of Mercy Ships’ hospital ships
Limited said: “It is a great pleasure to be able to donate practical and useful equipment to Mercy Ships that will ensure the safety of the selfless volunteers and the patients they treat.” J udy Pol k i n hor n , E xecutive Director of Mercy Ships UK, added: “We are extremely grateful for the kind donation of mosquito nets from Lifemarque Limited.”
350k part of big meeting
COUPLE TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE DITCH DRINK AND DRUGS
WE SOLD EVERYTHING FOR AFRICAN MISSION by Ian White
SELLING UP... Greg and Renee Plunkett get set for their mission
A Canadian couple have sold their possessions to become missionaries in Africa. Greg and Renee Plunkett hope to steer youngsters away from drink and drugs at their newly established youth centre in Kisumu, West Kenya. Renee, 45, admits she doesn’t know when the couple will see their five children and eight grandchildren again. She said: “Although we both have a heart for Africa, I resisted the permanent move long after Greg knew we would be going. But one day last February I woke knowing God had spoken and I was ready.” Greg, 54, who became a Christian in 1993 after a sordid lifestyle, made his first trip to Kenya in 2001. Following a disastrous first marriage, he turned to God after being arrested for drug possession. He recalls: “I always knew there was a God but didn’t know how to find him. I simply thought he was supposed to solve all my problems, so I fell on my knees and told him I needed him to fix it. “That night it felt like the burden of all my perversions started to lift and I was able to resist things for the first time.” Greg said he and his wife, as well as running the youth centre, will be hosting other Christians to visit the mission field, exposing them to things they wouldn’t normal see in the West. He added: “It is during this practical training that the Lord will often reveal gifts and abilities they weren’t even aware they had. “We have testimonies from pastors who said how much these people have been affected and changed and how they contribute so much more in the church body after their experience in Africa.”
Bible, while others meet in secret in huge underground caves. Mr Palau has been working with local churches and even organising courses to help new converts. Palau said: “I have been coming to China now for 10 years and I’m encouraged by the spiritual growth. “Many distinguished Bible teachers and pastors are emerging. They are open about their faith, very courageous and forward-looking
SOUTH AFRICA — More than 350,000 men gathered on a farm in South Africa in April for the seventh Mighty Men’s Con ference (M MC) led by farmer turned evangelist, Angus Buchan. It was one of the biggest Christian event ever to take place in South Africa. Looking at the crowd which had gathered to hear him for the last time on his 1,600 acre farm, Shalom, Angus Buchan said: “I have farmed maize. I’ve seen a lot of mielies (corn), but I’ve never seen a crop of people as big as this!” Buchan, 62, is a household name in South Africa, famous for his down to earth preaching which has packed stadiums across the nation. In March, he helped to fill Cape Town’s new stadium at the Cape Town for Jesus event. Built for the World Cup, it was the third time it had been used but the first time it had been filled to capacity
Parish gives away $2m...
USA — It’s the ultimate church offering. A Texas parish is giving away $2million worth of luxury goods to its congregation. The Sunday collection includes ca rs, f lat-screen T Vs, fu rn it u re and laptops. Thousands of people normally attend the Bay Area Fellowship in Corpus Christi although even more are expected to attend the Ultimate Giveaway service. Pastor Bi l Cornel ius sa id the church wanted to show that the best gift anyone can receive is the free gift of Jesus and heaven. “It is difficult to put a value on what can’t be seen,” he explained. “We hope to show people that while it is exciting to receive free stuff here on earth, the greatest free gift of all time is something we haven’t yet seen, but can enjoy for all eternity.”
Obama tells of inspiration
Hundreds of thousands become Christians in China HUNDREDS of thousands of people in China are giving their lives to Jesus – thanks to an Argentinean preacher. Luis Palau has spent over 40 years travelling the world as an evangelist. Now he is been holding mass rallies across China with the approval of the country’s leaders. China has traditionally cracked down on Christians. Thousands are in prison simply for owning a
WORLD NEWS ROUND-UP
with great dreams for China. “Christianity is no longer viewed as a foreign religion in China, The Chinese by the millions are saying Jesus Christ is for China and China is for Jesus Christ.”
BRAVED At one rally nearly ten thousand people braved a massive sandstorm north of the capital, Beijing, to hear the gospel. Mr Palau has also met senior
Ch inese officials including Mr Wang Zuo An, the new director of China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs. Mr Wang told the evangelist that the government was keen to focus on religion’s positive role in Chinese society and how religion contributes to China’s goal of a harmonious society. Mr Wang praised the charitable work of the Christian churches in China. He said: “A good Christian is a good citizen.”
USA – The world’s most powerful man says he is inspired by a man who lived 2,000 years ago. President Barack Obama told a gathering of church leaders that he “was thankful” for Jesus’ death and resurrection. He added: “I personally draw inspiration from his eternal story of pain, suffering and redemption. “I am thankful for the sacrifice he gave for the sins of humanity, and I glory in the promise of redemption in the resurrection. As I am continually learning, we are, each of us, imperfect. Each of us errs, by accident or design. Each of us falls short of how we ought to live.”
Violence bid
WORLD — A new Christian group to tackle violence against women has been launched. ‘Restored’ is made up of many leading charities including overseas aid agency Tearfund. Its former international director, Peter Grant, will head the new group.
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The people who give hope to the girls forced to sell themselves in South Africa
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SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AS A NATION GETS SET FOR THE WORLD CUP, WE UNCOVER THE WORK GOING ON THERE TO STOP TRAFFICKING
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Issue 196 •
F
IVE young girls cower inside a dark and dirty warehouse. They were transported to Cape Town with the promise of work. But the reality is very different.
These tee n age g i rls a re kept locked up, practically starved and desperate to go home, their futures uncertain. These five were lucky because the local vice squad rescued them. But not all will be rescued from their fate. This is the harrowing truth of the soaring human trafficking trade in South Africa, which has increased steadily with pimps bringing girls into the region ready for the huge influx of tourists that will descend on the region for this month’s football World Cup. But one mum-of-two decided to do something about it, and now, with the help of local Christians in Cape Town and beyond, South Africa’s women and children are being educated about the dangers of human trafficking in the face of the World Cup. Tonya Stanfield, 37, director of Justice Acts explained: “These girls were from the northern part of South Africa and were promised jobs as domestic workers. But when they got here, they were locked in the warehouse with no pay and little food. “When the law enforcement arrived, they were literally padlocked inside. They wanted to go home. On this occasion, the police were unable to arrest the trafficker as there is no law against trafficking in South Africa, but the girls were taken to a
Escaping a life of prostitution
PLUCKE D FROM DANGE R... Leticia
GIVING HELP AND HOPE... Justice Acts director Tonya Stanfield
Leticia was held captive in a brothel in Cape Town for a couple days before being put to work on the streets by her gangste r pimp. Miryam, the Justice Acts’ co-director, met Leticia on the streets during a regular outreac h. Tonya explained: “We call it night hunting. It’s our prostitution outreac h where we hunt for girls whose lives God is ready to set free and transform. Miryam saw God was at work in this precious woman and began meeting with her regularly. “Over time, they became friends, and Leticia accepted Jesus into her life. Leticia is now in an on-going battle to escape her pimp, who once arrived at a Bible study, physica lly dragged her out onto the street and began beating her. “Job skills are key to escaping a life of prostitution, so Leticia is working in a coffee shop ministr y under our supervision, gaining valuable experience. We have started a system of fundraising to support her work called Adopt-A-Girl. “As part of this program, we pay her coffee shop salary, and she receives ongoing counsel ling and discipleship. Now, Leticia feels ready to do a six-month intensive discipleship training school. This could give her the foundation and healing she needs to truly be set free from the ties and binds to her street life! When she graduates the lecture phase, Leticia can go with her team on an international outreach. A former prostitute can be transformed into a world-c hanger! Jesus believed it and lived it, so do we!”
20,000 Souls to be converted and Discipled in 2010 in Great Britain
Melvin Banks Crusades
Millions of football fans will flock to South Africa to cheer on their teams in the World Cup this month. But in this investigation, Becky Barlow discovers the terrifying truth about prostitution in the nation, and what Christians are doing to combat it safe house, where they were given a hot meal and a bed to sleep in. Neighbours said the girls had been brought in for the World Cup and this wasn’t the first batch. We don’t see results like that very often, where we get a happy ending.” Tonya came to South Africa in 2007 with Christian Charity, Youth With A Mission. “I spent the first year just learning the people and country – learning what the issues were in South Africa and getting educated on human trafficking and the World Cup,” she said. “One of the main issues was the increased risk of human trafficking and the sex trade the World Cup brought with it. I really felt the Lord say to focus in on this one issue. But I thought, ‘I’m just one person. What can one person do?’”
victims Three years later, Tonya’s educational campaign, Traffick Proof has already reached 30,000 people and has now even been adopted by some government officials in the country to educate people about the dangers of human trafficking. She explained: “The aim of the 2010 Justice Acts project is to prevent human trafficking by empowering those most at risk from it and training the average person to combat it in their communities, minister to prostitutes and male sex tourists, pray and actively search for victims
of human trafficking who may be more visible during the World Cup time, as prostitution will be more out in the open. “Through this information, manpowe r a nd contacts ga i ned, we intend to support local, long-term ministries, already on the ground and also to start new ministries provided there is sufficient interest and resources. “A lot of the girls are trafficked from within the country from the rural areas into the cities with the promise of domestic work. Some South African women are trafficked to the US and Asia. “We realised there needed to be an accessible campaign that could be understood by everyone, so we sat down and wrote Traffick Proof. I had a team headed out to the Eastern Cape, and so they brought Traffick Proof to the locals there. It’s about teaching them to protect themselves from human trafficking and learning how to report it.
T
hey had open doors into the schools, the police and community leaders. As a result of Traffick Proof, the community leaders realised there was an organ trafficking ring right in the middle of their town. Young girls were dying and their organs were being used for witchcraft. “So we started one of the biggest prevention campaigns in South Africa without even wanting to! We’ve
now reached over 30,000 people with Traffic Proof. We aim to empower the at risk and equip the average person to be able to answer that question, ‘What can one person do?’” With experts suggesting the World Cup would cause a rise in human trafficking, Tonya realised she could use Traffick Proof to help those who might be affected by the event. “In Germany the sex industry just sky rocketed during the World Cup. We expect that to happen in South Africa. The World Cup will inevitably bring sex tourists into the country. Local newspapers have reported that new brothels have sprung up in the stadium cities.” So to combat this problem, Christians will be out amongst the people to try to make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.
PREVENTION “We’re sending out our Justice Acts team to five of the stadium cities where we’ve been invited to train the local people, local churches, other community organisations, social workers and even FIFA officials to show them how to reach the most vulnerable. We’ll be in Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Bloemfontein “The Christian teams will also be doing prayer and outreach to the prostitutes, using Traffick Proof to start a prevention campaign. It’s been amazing to see this thing grow. In the month of March alone, over 3,000
people either heard or were trained in Traffick Proof.” Tonya and the team at Justice Acts will also be working with children who are being given a five week holiday to coincide with the World Cup. “Their parents have to work, so there is the added problem of these unsupervised kids in the city with a massive influx of people,” said Tonya. “The government has taken steps to combat this as have Christian organisations, like Youth With a Mission, setting up soccer camps.” Tonya is hoping that tourists who come to the country can enjoy the football but also be aware of what is happening behind the scenes.
S
he said: “I think the majority of people coming to the World Cup can just enjoy the games, have a great time and enjoy this beautiful country. But fans need to be aware when they come to the official party streets, there will be illegal brothels and sex workers about. “They need to realise that their private acts in South Africa will have global consequences.” Now chu rches a l l over Sout h Africa are taking the Traffick Proof tool, ready to roll it out when the tourists arrive in June. Tonya said: “Traffick Proof is a prevention prog ra m me wh ich is basically a 45-minute presentation. We now have churches all over South Africa rolling out Traffick Proof. “We have a team that’s started a
24/7 prayer house inside a church on one of the official party streets, and they’ve set up a replica brothel and township shack inside it.” Tonya is hoping that her campaign will be part of what God is doing in South Africa. She said: “It’s not uncom mon when believers pray in South Africa, even if they’ve just arrived, to see a picture in their mind of God’s spirit saturating South Africa and then spreading up the continent of Africa as a whole. South Africa is the birthplace of the Global Day of Prayer, a movement that has swept the world. I believe this is the role of this nation, to be a model nation, a mentoring nation for all of Africa.
PROTECTIon “Fi fteen yea rs ago, apa rtheid ended, and the black Africans won the right to vote. Today, I work hand in hand with one such black African who is overseeing the empowerment of women and children for the Western Cape. “While far from perfect, the new South Africa has created a beautiful constitution protecting the weak and vulnerable. I’ve watched the government build houses for my friends who live in shacks. “At Justice Acts, we believe we are part of helping God’s heart be established on earth by doing his will, by doing justice. Justice is an action.” To find out more visit www.justiceacts.org
That’s the number Melvin is believing for.
Every Church can share a part of the vast harvest in 2010! Now is the time to reap the Harvest Melvin believes he is the Man called for such a time as this to tell the world Jesus is coming Soon! Book Melvin now and witness first hand as he brings God’s word in Power. Size of church doesn’t matter. Melvin will come whether you’re large or small. No fee is charged. Book this ministry for your church soon. This is your opportunity to have an evangelist in your neighbourhood. His Christianity is 100% miraculous – biblical – supernatural Melvin Banks full page ad.indd 1
For Ministers and Church Leaders I would like a crusade with Melvin Banks I want a revival and to experience this miracle ministy in my fellowship I want Melvin Banks to come to my church this year. Please send details This is a serious, prayerful, earnest request I know Melvin makes no charge! Church name: ��������������������������������� Minister / Elder’s name: ������������������������ Address: ������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������� Postcode: ���������� Telephone: ��������������� Post this form to: Crusade Office, 44 Monks Way, Chippenham, Wilts, SN15 3TT, England or telephone: 01249
655712
Small and large churches welcome to apply.
14/04/2010 11:42:32
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NEW LIFE • Issue 196 NEW LIFE
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The people who give hope to the girls forced to sell themselves in South Africa
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SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AS A NATION GETS SET FOR THE WORLD CUP, WE UNCOVER THE WORK GOING ON THERE TO STOP TRAFFICKING
www.newlife.co.uk
the BIBLE MATTERS
Issue 196 •
F
IVE young girls cower inside a dark and dirty warehouse. They were transported to Cape Town with the promise of work. But the reality is very different.
These tee n age g i rls a re kept locked up, practically starved and desperate to go home, their futures uncertain. These five were lucky because the local vice squad rescued them. But not all will be rescued from their fate. This is the harrowing truth of the soaring human trafficking trade in South Africa, which has increased steadily with pimps bringing girls into the region ready for the huge influx of tourists that will descend on the region for this month’s football World Cup. But one mum-of-two decided to do something about it, and now, with the help of local Christians in Cape Town and beyond, South Africa’s women and children are being educated about the dangers of human trafficking in the face of the World Cup. Tonya Stanfield, 37, director of Justice Acts explained: “These girls were from the northern part of South Africa and were promised jobs as domestic workers. But when they got here, they were locked in the warehouse with no pay and little food. “When the law enforcement arrived, they were literally padlocked inside. They wanted to go home. On this occasion, the police were unable to arrest the trafficker as there is no law against trafficking in South Africa, but the girls were taken to a
Escaping a life of prostitution
PLUCKE D FROM DANGE R... Leticia
GIVING HELP AND HOPE... Justice Acts director Tonya Stanfield
Leticia was held captive in a brothel in Cape Town for a couple days before being put to work on the streets by her gangste r pimp. Miryam, the Justice Acts’ co-director, met Leticia on the streets during a regular outreac h. Tonya explained: “We call it night hunting. It’s our prostitution outreac h where we hunt for girls whose lives God is ready to set free and transform. Miryam saw God was at work in this precious woman and began meeting with her regularly. “Over time, they became friends, and Leticia accepted Jesus into her life. Leticia is now in an on-going battle to escape her pimp, who once arrived at a Bible study, physica lly dragged her out onto the street and began beating her. “Job skills are key to escaping a life of prostitution, so Leticia is working in a coffee shop ministr y under our supervision, gaining valuable experience. We have started a system of fundraising to support her work called Adopt-A-Girl. “As part of this program, we pay her coffee shop salary, and she receives ongoing counsel ling and discipleship. Now, Leticia feels ready to do a six-month intensive discipleship training school. This could give her the foundation and healing she needs to truly be set free from the ties and binds to her street life! When she graduates the lecture phase, Leticia can go with her team on an international outreach. A former prostitute can be transformed into a world-c hanger! Jesus believed it and lived it, so do we!”
20,000 Souls to be converted and Discipled in 2010 in Great Britain
Melvin Banks Crusades
Millions of football fans will flock to South Africa to cheer on their teams in the World Cup this month. But in this investigation, Becky Barlow discovers the terrifying truth about prostitution in the nation, and what Christians are doing to combat it safe house, where they were given a hot meal and a bed to sleep in. Neighbours said the girls had been brought in for the World Cup and this wasn’t the first batch. We don’t see results like that very often, where we get a happy ending.” Tonya came to South Africa in 2007 with Christian Charity, Youth With A Mission. “I spent the first year just learning the people and country – learning what the issues were in South Africa and getting educated on human trafficking and the World Cup,” she said. “One of the main issues was the increased risk of human trafficking and the sex trade the World Cup brought with it. I really felt the Lord say to focus in on this one issue. But I thought, ‘I’m just one person. What can one person do?’”
victims Three years later, Tonya’s educational campaign, Traffick Proof has already reached 30,000 people and has now even been adopted by some government officials in the country to educate people about the dangers of human trafficking. She explained: “The aim of the 2010 Justice Acts project is to prevent human trafficking by empowering those most at risk from it and training the average person to combat it in their communities, minister to prostitutes and male sex tourists, pray and actively search for victims
of human trafficking who may be more visible during the World Cup time, as prostitution will be more out in the open. “Through this information, manpowe r a nd contacts ga i ned, we intend to support local, long-term ministries, already on the ground and also to start new ministries provided there is sufficient interest and resources. “A lot of the girls are trafficked from within the country from the rural areas into the cities with the promise of domestic work. Some South African women are trafficked to the US and Asia. “We realised there needed to be an accessible campaign that could be understood by everyone, so we sat down and wrote Traffick Proof. I had a team headed out to the Eastern Cape, and so they brought Traffick Proof to the locals there. It’s about teaching them to protect themselves from human trafficking and learning how to report it.
T
hey had open doors into the schools, the police and community leaders. As a result of Traffick Proof, the community leaders realised there was an organ trafficking ring right in the middle of their town. Young girls were dying and their organs were being used for witchcraft. “So we started one of the biggest prevention campaigns in South Africa without even wanting to! We’ve
now reached over 30,000 people with Traffic Proof. We aim to empower the at risk and equip the average person to be able to answer that question, ‘What can one person do?’” With experts suggesting the World Cup would cause a rise in human trafficking, Tonya realised she could use Traffick Proof to help those who might be affected by the event. “In Germany the sex industry just sky rocketed during the World Cup. We expect that to happen in South Africa. The World Cup will inevitably bring sex tourists into the country. Local newspapers have reported that new brothels have sprung up in the stadium cities.” So to combat this problem, Christians will be out amongst the people to try to make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.
PREVENTION “We’re sending out our Justice Acts team to five of the stadium cities where we’ve been invited to train the local people, local churches, other community organisations, social workers and even FIFA officials to show them how to reach the most vulnerable. We’ll be in Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Bloemfontein “The Christian teams will also be doing prayer and outreach to the prostitutes, using Traffick Proof to start a prevention campaign. It’s been amazing to see this thing grow. In the month of March alone, over 3,000
people either heard or were trained in Traffick Proof.” Tonya and the team at Justice Acts will also be working with children who are being given a five week holiday to coincide with the World Cup. “Their parents have to work, so there is the added problem of these unsupervised kids in the city with a massive influx of people,” said Tonya. “The government has taken steps to combat this as have Christian organisations, like Youth With a Mission, setting up soccer camps.” Tonya is hoping that tourists who come to the country can enjoy the football but also be aware of what is happening behind the scenes.
S
he said: “I think the majority of people coming to the World Cup can just enjoy the games, have a great time and enjoy this beautiful country. But fans need to be aware when they come to the official party streets, there will be illegal brothels and sex workers about. “They need to realise that their private acts in South Africa will have global consequences.” Now chu rches a l l over Sout h Africa are taking the Traffick Proof tool, ready to roll it out when the tourists arrive in June. Tonya said: “Traffick Proof is a prevention prog ra m me wh ich is basically a 45-minute presentation. We now have churches all over South Africa rolling out Traffick Proof. “We have a team that’s started a
24/7 prayer house inside a church on one of the official party streets, and they’ve set up a replica brothel and township shack inside it.” Tonya is hoping that her campaign will be part of what God is doing in South Africa. She said: “It’s not uncom mon when believers pray in South Africa, even if they’ve just arrived, to see a picture in their mind of God’s spirit saturating South Africa and then spreading up the continent of Africa as a whole. South Africa is the birthplace of the Global Day of Prayer, a movement that has swept the world. I believe this is the role of this nation, to be a model nation, a mentoring nation for all of Africa.
PROTECTIon “Fi fteen yea rs ago, apa rtheid ended, and the black Africans won the right to vote. Today, I work hand in hand with one such black African who is overseeing the empowerment of women and children for the Western Cape. “While far from perfect, the new South Africa has created a beautiful constitution protecting the weak and vulnerable. I’ve watched the government build houses for my friends who live in shacks. “At Justice Acts, we believe we are part of helping God’s heart be established on earth by doing his will, by doing justice. Justice is an action.” To find out more visit www.justiceacts.org
That’s the number Melvin is believing for.
Every Church can share a part of the vast harvest in 2010! Now is the time to reap the Harvest Melvin believes he is the Man called for such a time as this to tell the world Jesus is coming Soon! Book Melvin now and witness first hand as he brings God’s word in Power. Size of church doesn’t matter. Melvin will come whether you’re large or small. No fee is charged. Book this ministry for your church soon. This is your opportunity to have an evangelist in your neighbourhood. His Christianity is 100% miraculous – biblical – supernatural Melvin Banks full page ad.indd 1
For Ministers and Church Leaders I would like a crusade with Melvin Banks I want a revival and to experience this miracle ministy in my fellowship I want Melvin Banks to come to my church this year. Please send details This is a serious, prayerful, earnest request I know Melvin makes no charge! Church name: ��������������������������������� Minister / Elder’s name: ������������������������ Address: ������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������� Postcode: ���������� Telephone: ��������������� Post this form to: Crusade Office, 44 Monks Way, Chippenham, Wilts, SN15 3TT, England or telephone: 01249
655712
Small and large churches welcome to apply.
14/04/2010 11:42:32
Issue 196
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Issue 196 • NEW LIFE 9
Poet’s plea RAID ORDEAL ON FIRST DAY OF JOB over Bible COMMENT storytelling Modern heroes
Britain’s top poet has called for schools to teach Bible stories. A nd rew Motion, who is an atheist, says pupils are being robbed of their heritage because they don’t know “great” stories such as Adam and Eve. And he warned traditional tales like the siege of Jericho could disappear from public knowledge unless they are on the curriculum. The Poet L au reate sa id ma ny u n iversit y st udents have only a patchy understanding of Bible stories people once took for granted. “The Bible should be covered at school simply because it is full of terrific stories”, said Mr Motion who is also professor of creative writing at London University’s Royal Holloway College. “These stories speak to us about human nature and the recurring patterns of human behaviour. I do think there is a real problem with the education system that has allowed these great stories to disappear. It’s an essential piece of cultural luggage.”
Chaplain Steve Downe speaks to Community Safety Officers at Victoria station
Chaplain back on £16k boost track after shock for project
A church project to help party revellers get home safely has been given a £16,000 boost. Members of Canterbury Baptist Chu rch patrol the streets until 4am looking out for clubbers who are drunk or lost or just need help. Called Street Pastors, the nationwide scheme has been running in the city for several months. Now a cash injection will see it extended at weekends.
safe Team leader, Samuel Locke said: “We provide a safe place and help for people who have had too much to drink, or need a taxi or want to talk. “We also hand out f lipf lops to lad ies who h ave ditched their uncomfortable shoes for the wa l k home, anti-drink spiking devices, and blankets.” The church also runs a free stall serving tea, coffee and toast to clubbers.
IT proved a baptism of fire when railway chaplain Steve Downe went on his first visit to a station.
The 43-year-old found himself in the aftermath of a violent robbery at a South London station. The newly-appointed chaplain from London City Mission discovered busy police activity and staff anxiously talking from behind closed window blinds on his initial visit to Brockley station. A security guard had been attacked by two men as he attempted to leave with the takings. Steve told New Life: “It was certainly totally unexpected. I knew something must have hap-
by Ian White
pened, as it wasn’t normal daily activity with the blinds down and excited talk. “One of the ticket office staff said I must have been divinely sent, and I agreed with him saying I believed God was guiding me just as I asked him to.
CALMING “I certainly thank God for his protection and how he used me that day. I believe I was a calming influence.” Steve was able to pray with a woman needing comfort. She had been manning the ticket gates and narrowly missed being caught
Pedal power to raise cash for hols scheme A trip of a lifetime for a keen cyclist from Hambledon will raise money for struggling families to go on holiday. Pete Hubbard, 28, is c ycl i ng the length of South America from the
most southerly tip to the Caribbean, in a lowbudget trip in which he will carry everything he needs on his bike. Along the way, he will be using his skills as an acoustic engineer to record eve-
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up in the incident as she was on a break. “I showed her verses from the Psalms talking of the Lord’s protection, and told her I believed God protected her and he was in control, that we don’t always understand how he works, but nothing could happen outside of his allowing, will and control.” Enfield-born Steve, who previously spent more than 12 years working as an evangelist at West Croydon Christian Centre, took on the job last year. He visits 120 ma n ned stations, offices a nd depots w ith more tha n 4,000 workers and also offers support to members of the British Transport Police.
Across 1. Eternal (9) 6. Water barrier (3) 7. Precious gem (7) 9. Mistake (5) 10. One of the senses (5) 12. Expert (3) 13. Beer mug (5) 14. Score (5) 16. Very old (7) 18. Self (3) 19. Stage name (9)
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rything from music and birdsong to waterfalls and buskers. As well as combining his love of cycling, travel and music, Pete is raising cash for the Portsmouth diocesan branch of the
Mothers’ Union and their Away from it All family holiday scheme. The annual holiday is open to families under stress, on low income, who are disadvantaged or just need a break.
HUMAN trafficking is on of the scourges of society. More than 200 years after the slave trade was abolished in this country, the horrendous selling of lives still goes on today across the world. No nation can say traffickers are not involved in their land. Even in the UK, trafficking is an underground and daily activity. In South Africa the sale of people is a huge problem – and it’s big business. It is, of course, a moral outrage that there are those who believe it is their right to make vast sums of money out of the misery they inflict on other people. Those victims who end up being sold are usually weak and believe the promises that are given to them by pimps and traffickers are real – and it will lead to a brighter future. The truth is the conditions where they were “escaping” from were a much better place than the disgusting brothels they are brutally forced to work in. Stopping the traffic in human lives is a massive task. But despite that there are those, such as the people who work for Justice Acts, who want to give hope to the sex slaves. They work tirelessly to bring the matter to the attention of the wider population of the world. God hates to see the abuse and has placed these modern-day heroes in South Africa to provide not only escape from prostitution, but to help people find true spiritual freedom. That freedom is that their guilt and sins are washed away by the love of God through the death of his Son. This is the true freedom that every single person on the planet needs.
BIBLE QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life in Christ has set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2 Editor: Peter Wreford Advertising: Barry Wilson
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Issue 196
NEW LIFE CLASSIFIEDS WANT TO EXPLORE CHRISTIANITY, BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO TURN?
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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)
DROITWICH SPA Emmanuel Church, Blake Avenue. Tel: 01905 797110. Sunday family service 10.30am–noon. Also healing rooms available, just ask.
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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BIRMINGHAM Bromford Bridge Church Centre (AoG), Bromford Drive. Sundays 10.45am and 6pm. Minister Ivor Davies. Tel: 0121 748 7081 Mobile 07745 100 942. (AG30)
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BURY ST E D MU N D S , Suffolk. The Christian Resource Centre (a Pentecostal church). Oakes Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 6PX. www. crcministries.co.uk 01284 761000. Service times: Sunday 10.30am and 6.30pm. All the family will be made (EQ05) very welcome. CANTERBURY Trinity Community Church. Meetings Sundays 10.45am at St Stephen’s Junior School, Hales Place, Canterbury. Tel: 01227 459 785. (CA06)
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CHATTERIS FenLife Christian Church. Sunday 10.30am and 6.30pm. King Edward Centre, Railway Lane, CHATTERIS. 01480 385001. www.fenlife.org.uk (EQ51)
(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)
LEICESTER Narborough Road Christian Fellowship. Meet at The Brite Centre, Braunstone Avenue. 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. (CW05)
RETFORD Retford New Life Church Centre, 26-32 Bridgegate, Retford, Notts. Morning Meetings 9.30am & 11.30am. Children’s Church 9.30am & 11.30am. Sunday Evenings 6.30pm. Everyone welcome. Contact 01777 711377. (CA36) RUSHDEN Full Gospel Church. High Street South, Rushden. A family Church that loves God, each other and those in the community. Sundays 10.45am & 6pm. Enquiries telephone: 01933 418 002. (DC19) SAFFRON WALDEN, New Life Church. Shire Hill. Sundays 10.30am & 6.30pm. For details call Pastor R Ellalasingham on 01799 506045 email: mail@nlpc.co.uk (FR19) SHANKLIN Isle of Wight, Living Waters Fellowship, 29, Victoria Avenue. Sundays 2.30pm (Service). Wednesday Home Group 10.30am (Bible Study). Thursdays 10.30am (Prayer) 7.30pm Monthly also Saturdays 7.30pm Monthly (Intercessory Praise & Worship). Enquiries & Newsletter (01983) 863683, livingwaters.iw@btinternet.com or livingwaters.iw@gmail.com. (CA52)
LONG EATON Oasis Christian Centre, Derby Road. 10am & 6pm. Come and enjoy the dynamic worship and a warm welcome. God centred, Purpose driven, People empowering. Enquiries: Church Office 0115 9460463
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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 (EB18)
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Issue 196 •
BBC PRESENTER TALKS JESUS, CAREER AND BECKS
FAITH FOCUS FOR FRONT MAN DAN
Dan Walker went from finding church boring to making faith an important part of his life
TOP TV sports presenter Dan Walker used to go to church to throw apples at the gravestones.
Now Dan, 32, would rather miss the FA Cup Final than the Sunday service at his local parish. The BBC Sport presenter has covered major events such as the Champions League, Wimbledon and the Open. He has interviewed players such as David Beckham and Olympic star Colin Jackson. Yet, Football Focus front man Dan refuses to work on Sundays – even if it means missing out on the chance to meet his childhood hero, Glenn Hoddle. “Many people have asked me why I feel so strongly about the Lord’s Day. For me it seems quite obvious. God, our Creator, has given it to us for our own good,” he explains. “What does it say about us if we would rather be on a football pitch than in the presence of God’s people hearing his Word? “Don’t get me wrong. I still get itchy feet when I drive past a game on a Sunday or see someone getting ready for a game of golf. But we live in a world where every corner of our Christian witness is being eaten away. By making Sunday special we show that God makes a difference to the way we live our lives. That’s important.” Dan did not always have such strong feelings about his faith. As
Interview by James Hastings a youngster, he only looked forward to church so he could throw apples at the gravestones outside. During the service, he would daydream – usually imagin ing himself scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup Final for his local team, Crawley Town. “Church for me was the height of boredom, broken only by the fun of seeing how many apples I could chuck at the gravestones before some adult told me off,” he smiles. “I knew the prayers and the Bible readings by heart but they were just words. They didn’t mean anything to me or have any effect on my life.” Then aged just 12, Dan had a life-changing faith experience. He was at a prayer service where the speaker somehow managed to grab his attention. He warned that people needed to get right with God or they would end up in hell forever. Dan was so struck by these words, he did something special that evening – he gave his life to Jesus. “I had to ask myself if I was right with God and the answer was clearly not,” he explains. “I could see myself going off the rails as I got older. I was certainly heading that way. I was in fear of God, not in a negative way, but simply knowing that however
hard I tried, I could not do enough to please him. “The man giving the sermon said God offered us a free gift of salvation through his Son, Jesus. All we had to do was accept it. That night, I did.” From that moment Dan’s life changed for ever. He felt a new joy and purpose. He felt at peace, yet full of life. It was also a time when he encountered new challenges. “When I was 12, and about two feet taller than all the other kids, I was asked by quite a few teams to play for them. The problem was all their games were on a Sunday. “I had only recently become a Christian and this was the first time in my life I was confronted with the issue of how I should be spending my Sundays. “I firmly believe that God was using that experience – even at an early age – to prepare me for situations in the future when I would need much stronger convictions.” After leaving university, Dan ran into more problems over his refusal to work on the Lord’s Day. The manager of a radio station could not believe he would turn down a job just because he opposed Sunday working. “I remember leaving the interview with the words of the manager ringing in my ears,” says Dan. “He shouted, ‘you will not get any where with an attitude like that.’” As he sits in the main BBC sports
studio planning his visit to cover the Grand National or the Six Nations, Dan can only smile. “I remember at ITV, I literally begged a producer to give me a three-month trial, promising her my beliefs would not interfere with my job. After six great months at ITV, the editor who had hired me moved to the BBC. “Her first job was to offer me a contract. It was another indication of God’s goodness in honouring those that were trying to honour him.” Adds Dan: “I’d love to meet that radio producer who told me I would never get anywhere and say, well I’m off to the Open now. Don’t you know God opens doors and provides for us?” Dan says God also provides opportunities for him to share his faith with some very high profile sports stars and celebrities. After one interview with David Beckham, the former England captain suggested they meet on Sunday morning for another chat. “I told him I’d be in church and anyway, I didn’t work on Sundays,” says Dan. “Becks was intrigued and asked me about my faith. It was the same another time when I met Oasis singer Noel Gallagher. “We are given these opportunities to plant seeds, in a nice way, and tell people about Jesus, whether it’s someone in the office or the England captain. I regard it as a great privilege.”
NEW LIFE NEW LIFE
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My place in Cup is sent from heaven
Brazil star Kaka says his World Cup is heaven sent. The sharp shooter, who plays for Real Madrid, is one of the big stars at this summer’s tournament. But while Kaka admits he loves his football, he adds that his faith is in a league of its own. “I truly cannot imagine my life without Christ,” Kaka (pictured below) told reporters. “Everything I’ve accomplished, everything that God has done in my life was because God has a plan and purpose for my life. “The Bible says that he will do more tha n we ever thought or i mag i ned, a nd this is truly how it has been. If God wasn’t in my life, then my life certainly would not be like this.” Kaka has won every major title and prize in a glorious career which has also seen him line up for Brazillian champs São Paulo and Italy’s AC Milan. Looking forward to this year’s World Cup, the man with the fancyfootwork admits Brazil have been drawn in one of the toughest groups: “It’s a very difficult group, perhaps the hardest in the whole first round,” he said. “Coming up against teams li ke Côte d’Ivoi re, Port ugal and Korea DPR is a great motivation for us because it means we have to go i nto t he World Cup at our very best.” But the players’ player is quick to reply when asked what motivates him: “In 2007 I was named best soccer player in the world. This for me was a great honour. But the greatest honour in my life is serving Jesus Christ, because he gives me hope.” Kaka’s faith was strengthened in October 2000 when he slipped on a swimming pool slide and broke a vertebrae. “The doctors said that I was lucky to be able to walk normally. They were talking about luck and my family was talking about God. We knew that it was his hand that had saved me.”
Kiwi’s praise for big goal
l Continued from Back Page Bible and about who Jesus was.” But despite taking an interest in Christianity, Fallon still continued his rebellious lifestyle. Th is changed, however, when he joined Swindon and started attending church, again through the persuasion of another player. Then, while on holiday in Tenerife with partner Carly, Fallon knew it was time to fully commit his life to the Lord. He added: “My life is now totally devoted to God. I’m always in prayer, I always read my Bible and the temptation for all those bad things just isn’t there any more. “I now know there’s more to life than football, and from a Christian point of view, I want to save as many souls as I can. “There is a heaven and there is a hell, and I’d like to ask people, where will you spend eternity? I don’t force things on people, but if people want to ask me a question then I will happily share my beliefs.”
Issue 196 • NEW LIFE 12
NEW LIFE UP FOR THE CUP THANKS TO THE LORD
SPORT
KAKA CAN’T IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT FAITH ... P11
NEW LIFE
bbc presenter DAN ON JESUS, WORK & BECKS! DON’T MISS THIS GREAT INTERVIEW ... PAGE 11
WORLD CUP: Fallon’S PRAISE FOR TOURNAMENT PLACE Howard: I’m
Kiwi’s polish down to God PRAISING GOD... BARNES Rory Fallon looks CONVERSION... to heaven after Baggiesthe winger scoring goal that New Gilestook Barnes, Zealand to the who is a believer World Cup
New Zealand World Cup hero Rory Fallon will be going to this month’s finals knowing that he has God on his side. The tall striker — who bagged the winner to book his nation’s place in the tournament for only the second time in their history — is well aware that the Kiwis are seen as underdogs. But the Plymouth front man is also sure that with God, all things are possible. In fact, the committed Christian says he wouldn’t even be on the plane to South Africa if it wasn’t for divine intervention. “I know for sure that God wanted me at this World Cup,” he said. “I played for England schoolboys which I thought had blown my chances of ever representing
EXCLUSIVE
by Matthew Murray New Zealand, but then the rules were changed, and I believe God worked that out for me to get me to this World Cup. “To score the winning goal to get us here was like no other goal I’d ever scored before. And then our ‘keeper saved a penalty, and it was as if it was meant to be. “We are underdogs at the World Cup but we have to go there and believe we can win games. We have been placed alongside Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia which are tough games, but with football, you never know.” Fallon, 28, started his professional career with Barnsley, and has also represented Swindon and Swansea. He converted to Christianity a couple of years ago, admitting he
had been “searching for God” for a long time. He recalled: “When I was younger I always felt there was a God, but I was just doing my own thing and was working hard at my football. I was around footballers a lot and we would go out and get wasted all the time. “I thought that was the norm, until I met Bruce Dyer, who was one of the first team players at Barnsley. I was just a youth so would clean his boots, but I noticed something different about him. He never got drunk and would never go out on Christmas parties, he just kept himself to himself and was very quiet and humble. “He began to share with me about Jesus and would invite me to Christian meetings, and I’d go there and start to learn about the l Continued on Page 11
taking faith to the Cup!
TOP stopper Tim Howard has revealed the soccer secret he is taking to the World Cup finals — his faith. The Everton keeper will be between the sticks for his native USA at the tournament in South Africa. Tim, who also had a spell at Manchester United, is a devout Christian who says faith has helped him on and off the park. “My faith in Jesus has always been something I’ve felt very strongly about,” he explains. “I had a void in my life which was only filled when I accepted Jesus Christ. He adds: “I rely on my faith knowing that I don’t know the outcome of the game and I don’t know exactly if I’m going to be awesome or if I’m going to be terrible. “You just kind of leave that in God’s hands, and I try my best Tim Howard to be calm and to be still and kind of let him have the reins.” The premiership keeper added that Jesus has also helped him overcome the often disabling Tourette Syndrome. He has won almost 50 international caps and a contract with Everton for the next four years. “Tourettes is something that I live with every day. For me now in my life, it’s like breathing for me. If I woke up and didn’t have Tourette syndrome, it would feel weird – not better or worse, just different. So I’m very happy and comfortable with it,” he said. Tim hopes the USA can build on recent great results which included a 2-0 win over European champions, Spain, and a narrow 3-2 defeat to the mighty Brazil. “I think the one thing that night against Spain taught us is that anything can happen,” he said.
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