New Life April 2011 issue 206

NEW LIFE

APRIL 2011 • Issue 206

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My Sunday nights are full of beans SEE PAGE 3

GOOD NEWS STORIES

SEE CENTRE PAGES

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THE MAN WHO WILL LEAD CHURCH OF REFORMED JAILBIRDS THIS EASTER

WHAT IS THE REAL MEANING OF EASTER? TURN TO PAGE 9 TO FIND OUT

DOCS HAD PRONOUNCED MAN DEAD

NO YOLK... The Real Easter Egg

Unique egg is backed to hit shell-ves!

IT’S cracking news! A campaign to convince retailers to stock an Easter egg that includes the meaning behind the Christian festival has succeeded.

Morrisons, the Co-operative, Waitrose and Booths have agreed to stock The Real Easter Egg in a limited “trial listing”.

The Real Easter Egg is the UK’s first and only Fairtrade charity egg to mention Jesus on the box.

Despite selling more than 80m Easter eggs a year, supermarkets initially turned down The Real Easter Egg because they said they were unsure if there was place for a charityfaith egg.

But after the Bishop of Manchester launched a campaign last September, superstores have changed their minds.

The campaign won backing from churches and Christians around the UK and more than 70,000 eggs were ordered via direct mail order in the first few weeks of the campaign.

Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, said: “It is great news that for the first time people will be able to buy an Easter egg from a shop that explains the significance of the festival on the box.

“Through the charitable donation and its Fairtrade chocolate the egg brings to light the Easter theme of hope.”

A number of independent shops and several cathedrals are also stocking the egg.

I died for 25 mins and saw heaven... and hell!

UNFORGETTABLE... Des Sinclair

by Becky Barlow

WHEN Des Sinclair dies he knows where he’s going – because he’s already been.

At the age of 18 he died for 25 minutes, and was taken to heaven, before shocking doctors by coming back to life.

What he saw changed him forever, and for the last 23 years he has been telling people that hell is real.

And as Christians prepare for Easter – the annual festival that remembers the death and resurrection of Jesus – Des wants to tell people that he heard Christ speak to him about the blood he shed on the cross of Calvary.

Des, a pastor and founder of Life Evangelism International, said: “Every day I ask myself, why do I stand up to preach the gospel, why do I do what I do, and that is ● Continued on Page 3

Life changed forever after amazing experience

2

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• Issue 206

Church in raid to stay open

Easter will be brought to life

A DETERMINED vicar whose church has been targeted by petty criminals has vowed to continue to keep it open 365 days a year so visitors can still enjoy it and use it for prayer.

There has been a spate of incidents at St Michael’s Church in Framlingham, Suffolk, in recent months – including one where a firework was let off inside the historic building But the Rev Graham Owen has said he will not allow the mindless vandals and thieves stop him from keeping the church doors open.

He said: “We try to keep it open 365 days a year so people can come in and have a look around. It’s amazing the number of people who just pop in. We are resolved to keep the church open.”

Prayer summit call to leaders

THE organisers of Global Day of Prayer in London are calling all leaders across the UK to a strategic prayer summit in the capital city in advance of the 2012 Olympics.

GDOP London ch ief Jonathan Oloyede said: “Ahead of the 2012 Olympics and the massive ‘More Than Gold’ mission, it is time for leaders to come together as the body of Christ and rise up in unprecedented prayer for the nation.”

It is hoped the prayer event will be held in September. For more information about the plans, visit www. gdoplondon.com

It’s a sell-out...

A 3,000-year-old drama about a poor girl from the Bible has been playing to sell-out crowds in Cambridge.

Called Redemption Song, the play focuses on the Old Testament character Ruth, who was homeless and penniless before God saved her.

Give your neighbours a

A SOUTHAMPTON pastor will be bringing Easter to life this Good Friday, when his production of the passion of Christ hits the streets.

Three years ago, Neil Maddock started to think about putting something on to reach the people of his city – and this year that vision will happen.

He said: “Here we are in 2011 and the Southampton Passion is a reality that will hit the centre of the city on Good Friday, and put Jesus back at the heart of Easter.”

The script was written by Neil – but when casting for Jesus, there was an unexpected turn of events.

Neil said: “I am a performer and had said to a few of the team that if we didn’t find the right Jesus through the audition process then I would like to be considered. Well, to cut a long story short, after an audition and much prayer for discernment, I was cast as Jesus!”

For details, visit www.southamptonpassion.org.uk

ON STAGE...

Neil Maddock as Jesus during rehearsals

FAITH HELPED WOMAN AFTER DEVASTATION OF LOSINg bAby

How I came to terms with my stillborn son A WOMAN who lost her baby has told how her Christian faith helped her through her grief.

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Hazel Ba r ratt was newly married when she discovered she was pregnant. But her joy was short lived when at her 19-week scan she was given the devastating news that her little boy had died in the womb.

Speak ing of how she felt after losing her baby, she said: “Yes I shed silent tears, and yes I cried out to God, ‘Where are you in all of this?’ As I asked this question I thought of the Scripture about how David overcame Goliath who was a giant, and that this time in my life was a giant to be dealt with.”

In November 1996, after a 15-hour lab our, Hazel gave birth to her stillborn son who she named Ryan Luke, meaning small king. Going through the motions of burying her son was too much for Hazel and she drew closer to God. She said: “I felt like I was holding on to God by a fine thread and that I was about to let go and just fall into oblivion.

But when you feel like that,

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God holds on tighter because he never leaves us or forsakes us.”

Then, six years after Ryan’s death, Hazel’s world was torn apart again when a letter arrived through the post from the hospital where Ryan’s body had been taken for a post mortem. It informed them that the hospital had kept some of his organs but that, because of the Alder Hey enquiry, by law they

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GRIEF... Hazel Barratt

had to let the parents know. She said: “We held a second graveside funeral, officiated at by my pastor. I wrote a poem which I don’t know how I read out.

By opening up Ryan’s grave it opened up all the wounds, and grief came flooding back worse than at the time he died.”

It was only four years later at a Christian conference that Hazel’s heart was finally healed.

She explained: “On the last night of the conference the pastor got up and introduced us to a lady called Jan Holt. He explained how God had laid it on his heart that Jan should sing a song she had written in memory of her baby that had died.

“The floodgates just opened in me. I sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. I felt an overwhelming sense of the Holy Spirit surround me. I felt completely at peace, and I received a healing that night.”

Now, Hazel uses her own experiences to help others who have lost a baby.

She said: “I am running Burton SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) and I really do feel that God is in it. There is a need for this ministry.”

A 400-year-old Bible translation could help people see the ‘big picture’ at a time of financial or job pressures, the Archbishop of Canterbury has said.

In a sermon recorded for the BBC, Dr Rowan Williams called on people of all faiths – or even none – to rediscover the King James Bible. He said the edition still had the power to surprise

and shock its readers, and provided a context for their lives.

Dr Williams said: “Whether you’re a Christian or belong to another religion – or whether you have nothing you’d want to call a religion at all – some sort of big picture matters.”

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible’s publication.

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PEOPLE SHARE FAITH OVER A COFFEE

WHY SUNDAY NIGHTS ARE FULL OF BEANS! COFFEE shops across the country are being taken over by Christians on Sunday nights for fantastic evenings of music and entertainment.

Addict-turned-radio presenter Johnny Kinch is running the national project, called Sunday Night Live (SNL).

He said: “My wife and I set up Sunday Night Live in 2009 because we wanted to introduce people to God and inspire them to live better.

But the format is not preachy.

“We’re not a café church – we’re Christians in a café which is a big difference. We are Christians which makes us the Church, with great entertainment and live music.”

Johnny battled drug, alcohol a nd ga mbl i ng add ict ions, a nd had even served time in prison for violence, before his dramatic encounter with Jesus.

Today, he is a happily married man, a proud father and a committed Christian.

CAFE CULTURE... Johnny Kinch whose idea has seen a boom in Sunday Night Live events across the UK. Far right, Johnny speaks to people in a Costa Coffee outlet. Below right, a leaflet advertising Sunday Night Live

NEW LIFE SAYS thE dramatic transformation NEW LIFE in Johnny Kinch’s life is the Easter story in action. the Bible says that everyone who comes to Jesus passes from death to life. ● see Page 9 for the real meaning of Easter

atmosphErE He reca l led the fi rst ti me a friend took him to church.

“When they opened the doors it was like when they open the doors of the plane when you’re on holiday,” he said. “The change in atmosphere was that noticeable.

The preacher spoke on freedom and Jesus.

“I was blow n away but was sca red. I we nt home a nd just cried.”

After more persuasion from his friend, Johnny went back to church and ended up giving God an ultimatum.

“I gave God ten days to change my life and that’s what he did,” he says. “I was able to stop drinking, taking drugs and gambling.”

The date was October 10, 2004, and Johnny’s life has changed beyond recognition since he accepted Christ.

Not on ly was he offered h is own radio show by the BBC, but he has chronicled his story in a book entitled Johnny Be Good, and appeared on numerous TV shows telling people about his miraculous conversion.

Sunday Night Live was launched

NEW LIFE

I died then I saw hell... and heaven ● Continued from Page 1 why – to save people from hell, because it is a real place.”

Des had been taken to hospital in his native New Zealand with a mystery illness which was causing his body to shut down.

When his heart stopped beating, doctors battled for his life for ten minutes before declaring him dead – all seen by Des. He remembered: “I was looking down on my body and saw my heart monitor flat lining and the doctor saying, ‘We need to call the time of death.’ Then they put the cover over my body.”

Des wa s i m med iate ly t ra n sported to a place, which he says was heaven.

Then Des was taken to what he describes as “the throne room of God”.

He said: “All of a sudden a door opened and two angels appeared.

They brought forward a man who fell on his face before God. “I heard the voice of God speak then the man started to plead, ‘But God I didn’t really know who you were.’ And the voice said, ‘I showed myself to you thousands of times.

You cried out to me and asked for help and I answered you.’

“What shocked me was that this man was a churchgoer.

“He pleaded, ‘But you’re a loving and merciful God. What do you expect? I’m only human.’”

“You only received the Jesus that was going to give you the needs of your flesh. Therefore I do not know you. Depart from me, you evildoer.”

Then Des was shown the fate that awaited this man.

darknEss

in 2009 and runs on the first Sunday of every month, but Johnny admitted that the first event was a hair-raising experience.

“We opened the doors at that Costa Coffee with no prior advertising and about four people walked through the door,” he remembered.

“Within 20 minutes we had 160 people.” The same thing happened

the next month and Johnny quickly realised that this was something that could be repeated across the country.

stadium At the time of print, SNL was running in 22 venues across the country and counting. With an iPhone app now available, the sky’s

the limit. Johnny said: “By 2013, the plan is to have 200 SNLs across the nation. Eventually we’re going to have a one-off event each year where we plan to fill a stadium with 40,000 people and we plan a best of SNL album featuring various artist who have appeared at our nights.”

For more i n format ion go to www.sundaynightlive.org.uk

Pastors helping cut crime Allen: Bishop’s right!

STREET Pastors have helped halve crime in one of London’s busiest boroughs.

More than 20,000 people flock to pubs, clubs and theatres every weekend in Kingston upon Thames.

A new report by the local councils shows that violent attacks in the area fell by 50 per cent in 2010, with overall crime dropping by around 25 per cent.

Supt Paul McGregor from Kingston police station said: “There has been tremendous work by the Street Pastors over the past five years and they have undoubtedly contributed

Issue 206 • NEW LIFE 3

to making Kingston a safer place.

“I am confident that Street Pastors will continue to play a vital role in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in future years.

“They have won the respect and gratitude of both myself and other police colleagues.”

Street Pastors – made up of volunteers from local churches – patrol city centre areas across the UK, mainly at weekends.

They offer help to clubbers and revellers, sometimes providing a drop-in centre which provides free food and soft drinks.

BACKING BISHOP...

Lily Allen

POP star Lily Allen has backed an unusual call made by the Bishop of Sheffield for people to listen to her song The Fear as part of a Bible study course.

The expletive-free version of the song was included in a fiveweek course aimed at churchgoers in the city in preparation for Easter on account of its theme of materialism in contemporary culture.

Writing on her Twitter page, Allen linked to the story with the message: “Quite right!”

He said: “It was just darkness.

There were many people screaming and wailing, ‘Have mercy’, and ‘Save us’.

“Then a guy came forward and said, ‘You must tell them, all the people on earth, that hell is real. Don’t allow them to come to this place.

Tell them that this is their destiny if they don’t repent and receive Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Go back and tell them.’

“I looked at Jesus who was standing at my side and saw tears streaming down his face. ‘Can’t you do something?’ I asked. ‘I have done all I could for them,’ Jesus replied, as the colour of his tears changed to a bright red, and blood started to flow from his eyes. ‘I shed my blood for them’.”

Des woke up i n the hospital, shocking doctors and nurses who told him that he’d been dead for 25 minutes. After returning home, Des began to act upon what he’d seen – telling people from all nations to turn to Jesus Christ.

He said: “The blood of Jesus still cries out today, offering the world the only escape from the horrors that face them if they choose to deny the one and only Saviour, and go their own way. Don’t reject this salvation.” ● Read Des’s full account in Life on the Line as told by Al Gibson. For details, go to www.lifeonthelinebook. com. Al has five books to give away to readers. E-mail algibsonuk@btinternet.com and quote “New Life”.

NEW LIFE SAYS NEWmeans LIFEmuch more than EastEr

chocolate eggs to Des sinclair after he was raised from the dead with a whole new vision of heaven and hell.

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4 NEW LIFE • Issue 206

Scheme hailed for fall in AIDS

WORLD NEWS ROUND-UP

Prayer action leads to vow

A CHRISTIAN abstinence programme has been credited with dramatically reducing the HIV/AIDS infection rate in Africa after almost a million young people signed up.

True Love Waits (TLW) is a ministry of LifeWay Christian Resources in the US, and urges a comprehensive call to sexual purity that involves the mind, spirit and behaviour.

The Christian initiative, launched in 1994, has had a knock on effect on the HIV/AIDS infection rate, which has plummeted from 30 per cent to six per cent in Uganda.

The programme simply teaches that God created sex for a lifetime commitment between one man and one woman.

Jimmy Hester, co-founder of TLW, said: “Some leaders in Uganda say that this turnaround has literally saved a generation. We believe that expanding TLW to other parts of Africa has the potential of dramatically lowering the HIV/AIDS infection rate in those countries as well.”

Larry and Sharon Pumpelly, Southern Baptist missionaries, were instrumental in implementing TLW in Uganda in 1994.

“We use a visual approach and incorporate a story technique and drama to teach TLW to Uganda’s boys and girls,” Sharon explained.

PAKISTAN – The Pakistan High Commissioner has told Christian pressure group Release International that he will do everything in his power to protect the rights of Christians at risk in his country.

Wajid Shamsul Hasan came out of the High Commission to address Ch r ist ia ns who were hold i ng a prayer vigil organised by Release International in front of the building.

“We welcome you,” Mr Hasan told the crowds. “We share your concerns, and we will do our utmost in the best possible way to provide security for the minorities and to alleviate their suffering. We will take necessary measures to make sure no existing laws are abused against them.”

SIGNED UP... Two young African women who have decided to abstain from sex outside of marraige

MAN DITCHED LIFESTYLE TO BECOME PASTOR

my heavy drinking ended after vision Underground church set to go public

ONE of the many underground churches in China has gone public in a move that could mean Christians in the country may be able to come out of hiding.

Chinese believers have faced arrest, torture and death for decades. But more than 40 years after the Cultural Revolution, Pastor Jin Tian Ming has taken the brave step of going public.

Earlier this year, Pastor Jin opened up his 1,000-strong Shou Wang Church in Bejing to the world’s TV cameras, by allowing a Christian TV channel to broadcast a service.

“Twenty years ago, we would have never permitted you to film our meeting,” he told them. “But today China is changing and the Church has to change as well. We worshipped in secret for years.”

The move to go public started a couple of years ago, when church members decided to come out of hiding. They rented space in an office building and began meeting together in one location.

A MAN gave up an unhealthy lifestyle of drinking and smoking after seeing a vision.

Liverpool-born Allswell Mensah was working in France and was drinking and smoking heavily when he had an unforgettable spiritual encounter.

He recalled: “In the vision a man dressed in white came to my room.

In those days I had an unhealthy lifest yle and was drin k ing and smoking, and sometimes wouldn’t go to work.

“This man walked into my room dressed in white then he stopped and pointed his finger on the end of my nose and called me by name.

Then he said, ‘Don’t you know that your body is the house of God and you are destroying it?’

“I woke up and there was nobody in the room. I looked at the clock and it was 1.30am.

“I went back to sleep and the person appeared to me again. He said, ‘Your body is the house of God and he has put things in you so that many will be blessed.’

“I woke up and it was 3am. I didn’t know anything about the Bible, but in the morning I got rid of every bottle of whisky that I had in the house.”

The date was June 17, 1992, and though he didn’t know it, Allswell’s spiritual journey had begun. Desperate for a nswers to who had visited him in his vision, he set out on a ten day pilgrimage to Lourdes,

VISION ON...

Allswell Mensah with his wife Grace

which left him £1,000 out of pocket and still with an unanswered spiritual longing within him.

After trying the Catholic Church and a brief stint in the Jehovah’s Witnesses, he heard about a Ghanaian Christian prayer fellowship starting up and decided to join.

It was here that he heard about a ‘man of God’ who would be visiting the area.

“I immediately wanted to meet him because I’d never heard anyone described like that before,” he remembered. “I happened to be at the airport when he arrived and I touched him and he said, ‘What do you want God to do?’

“I replied, ‘I want to know the true God.’” The man was an evan-

gelist called Ow usu Tabiri, and Allswell spent the next few months driving him across Europe, still searching for the Spirit who had appeared to him.

It was while he was living in Germany that he had another vision in which he was anointed with oil.

He said: “I woke up and told Owusu and he told me that God had called me to ministry.

“I didn’t understand what that meant but I knew without a doubt t hat t he Spi r it I had seen was God.” A l lswe l l ret u r ned to Fra nce where he was baptised as a Christian and he is now pastor of the thriving Elim Le Phare Church in Paris.

Hymn record to raise cash

NEW ZEALAND – A Christian band has recorded a new version of a wellknown hymn to raise funds for those affected by the recent devastating floods in Queensland, Australia.

All the proceeds from sales of ‘It is well with my soul’ by Hillsong Church will go to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal, set up to support the tens of thousands of people affected.

Hillsong’s Brisbane campus was registered as one of the city’s official evacuation centres, while church members opened up their homes for those in need of a place to stay.

The church also collected food and cleaning products at its Sunday services, and signed up volunteers to help in the clean-up operation.

Player tells of his deep faith

USA – An American football player has spoken of his Christian faith.

All-pro Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, who in the 2008 season alone made more than 432 tackles, seven sacks, and 17 interceptions said: “I try to be passionate about every aspect of my life – how I love my wife, how I serve my wife, how I serve God. In the same way I try to be passionate about football. I try to serve my coaches with passion. I try to serve my teammates with passion.

I try to serve God, through football, with passion.”

With all of the temptation that Polamalu faces, he says that prayer keeps him rooted.

“Prayer is a foundation. It’s your communication with God. It’s constant prayer – constant, constant, constant prayer.”

Bible efforts

WORLD – Wycliffe Associates is launching Bible translation efforts in two new areas.

Although both regions could not be named for security reasons, one was revealed to be a predominately Muslim country w ith a strongly Islamic government, where Christianity is heavily restricted.

President and CEO Bruce Smith labelled the expansion “one of the most difficult efforts in Wycliffe Associates history”. He said: “Borders are closed, but hearts are open.”

Empower Mums living in poverty this Mother’s Day 1 MOTHER’S DAY 201

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the magine waking your child in ’s morning and telling her there ine nothing to eat today. Imag putting her to bed at night ngry. crying because she is so hu t by This is the daily heartbreak fel t there mothers around the globe. Bu is something you can do. struggles Will you help a mother who by to raise her family in poverty sponsoring her child today? can It’s amazing what 70p a day sure a achieve. Your support will en ation, child in poverty receives educ d healthcare, food, clothing an t the the opportunity to hear abou transforming love of Christ. giving Most importantly, you’ll be . a family hope for the future

Registered Charity No. 1077216 Registered in England No. 3719092

To sponsor a child and change a life, call Compas sion on 01932 836490 or visit www.compassionuk.org .

Can you think of a more fitting way to honour mums this Mother’s Day?

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NEW LIFE • Issue 206 NEW LIFE

NEW LIFE www.newlife.co.uk

WORKING TOGeTheR TO BRING you The GOOd NeWS

tune in New Life works in partnership with UCB (United Christian Broadcasters) who are now broadcasting nationally on dAB radio.

For great Christian music, discussion, chat, regular news bulletins and lots of fun, UCB is great, contemporary radio for the whole family.

Listen on dAB radio across the UK or online at www.ucbmedia.co.uk

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

We’re also working with Find a Church, who run a brilliant website listing the details of more than 42,000 UK Christian churches.

Simply tap in your postcode for help to find a great church in your area.

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

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

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

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

C Commit yourself to living God’s way

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

Log on to www.lookingforgod.com for more help.

FREE

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

CHANGED MAN...

Richard Taylor

F

OR many 13-year-old boys, the start of their teenage years is about becoming a young man and looking forward to careers choices and life after school.

But for Richard Taylor, by the time he’d become a teenager he had already started a career – as a criminal.

The eldest of three sons, Richard had been brought up by his mum since the age of nine in the small town of Llanelli.

Money was tight, debts were high, and entertainment was minimal, and so, as boredom crept in, crime soon followed.

He says: “By the time I was 12, I’d begun to shoplift, and by 13 was regularly smoking cannabis. It was at this age that my criminal career began.

“I was angry at the world around me and hurt by the breakdown of my family. The only way I felt I could handle these feelings was to ignore them.

“My dad had already taught me how to drive, and so with a love for cars already stirring inside me, I would creep out of the house in the early hours to steal cars and dump them before returning home.”

It was at this point that his mother felt she could no longer cope and Richard was placed into foster care.

For nine months, while living with foster parents, Richard changed for the better. He stopped doing drugs and crime, and instead got good grades at school, joined a rugby team and excelled at running.

However, Richard missed his family and wanted to go home – but moving back to familiarity enticed Richard back to old ways.

“Before long, I was hanging out with my old mates, smoking and being a nuisance. I would steal, mainly to fund my drug habit, and as I got better at it, I moved on to bigger things,” he says This is where his childhood prematurely ended. At the age of 14, he progressed from smoking cannabis to taking speed.

“I had no regard for anyone but myself,” Richard admits.

Between the ages of 13 and 15, he was a familiar face in the juvenile court.

He progressed to hanging around with much older guys and became more and more reliant on a cocktail of drugs and alcohol mixed with crime and violence. He says: “I started to take part in burglaries and was

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

FORMER TEEN TEARAWAY LEADS GROWING CHURCH What Easter really means to Richard

Former addicts, thugs and criminals have swapped prison for pews at a church in South Wales. Victory Church was launched last year and on its first night, 650 flocked to it. Becky Barlow speaks to founder and ex-jailbird Richard Taylor about how he turned his life around

Find A ChurCh

Issue 206 •

shown the ropes by older, more experienced gang members.”

When he was just 17 years old, Richard started injecting drugs for the first time and was instantly hooked. But as his drug habit escalated so did his involvement in crime.

He explains: “One day as I was stealing from the bakery in my local town, I was caught red-handed by two policemen. The evidence was all there before them, and I was given a two-month sentence.

“As soon as I was released though, I was doing the usual catalogue of crimes and breaking my previous probation. This meant that my next court appearance was not going to be a pleasant one.

“I was given a sentence of eight months that time, though if I behaved, I would no doubt be back causing mayhem in Llanelli in as little as 16 weeks.

“It was during this sentence that I started to think that maybe I needed to sort my life out. But when my application to move to open prison was granted, the lenient rules proved too much of a temptation for me and it wasn’t long before I was behaving badly – even in prison.”

What should have been a four-month stint, turned out to be a six-month sentence.

alcoholics Once released, Richard returned home where he saw many of his old mates. Except that they were different now. Before they were drug addicts and alcoholics but now they were Christians and telling Richard about God’s love for him.

He remembers: “To be brutally honest, I thought they were nuts and tried my best to avoid them, and yet I kept bumping into them!”

One night, Richard and his friend decided to go to a church service they’d been invited to. “We were completely hammered and were a total distraction to everybody there.

“But as the pastor prayed for me at the close of the service, I encountered real spiritual power for the first time. As a warm feeling came over me I realised that I was suddenly completely sober,” he recalls.

“The fact that this ‘prayer’ had worked freaked me out and annoyed me greatly!”

Richard continued to shun Christianity and continued in his destructive lifestyle.It was when he was disturbed while commiting a burglary that life would change. Held on remand for six months, Richard began

I want others to follow me from jail to Jesus...

to turn to the Bible. He says: “One day after I’d prayed my first prayer in a prison cell, instead of using the pages of the Bible as cigarette papers, I actually began to read it. I was captivated by the message of a God who could forgive me and love me.”

As his court case neared, Richard received a phone call from a ministry called Victory Outreach UK, a Christian Charity that helps young people in need, asking him to come to them for help.

He should have been sentenced to anything from four to seven years, but was instead granted bail with conditions, to Victory Outreach UK. He says: “As I attended my first compulsory meeting, the people around me worshipped and sang, and I began to really think about God for the first time.

A miracle then happened when Richard went out for a cigarette but found that nicotine no longer had an affect on him.

“I was still a drug addict, so realistically speaking, I would’ve needed a fix or been a right mess,” Richard explains. “But God completely healed me of my addiction. At this point, I was just 18 years old.”

Instead of a custodial sentence, Richard was given two year’s probation to remain at Victory Outreach UK, during which time he often told the story of how God had helped him. From that day Richard’s life changed and he went on to study theology.

In January 2010, Victory Church was born, and last August, Richard was ordained as a minister with the Elim Pentecostal Church.

Richard and his wife, Jill, are now the executive directors of Victory Outreach UK, the charity that helped save him all those years ago.

He has also founded the Gateway Foundation, a charity to help addicts, and he has become a regular on TV as an expert in reform and security. Today, Victory Outreach UK has four homes for young people in need.

“The young people who receive support come from a variety of backgrounds and from all over the UK,” Richard explains.

“Many have been abused, had addictions and been homeless. Providing them with a family-based home away from their own area gives them the chance to start again. Each home provides the family atmosphere that the majority of the young people have been deprived of in the past.” ● For more information about Victory Church, visit www.victorychurch.co.uk

On Easter Sunday Christians celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Through his death, burial and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, purchasing eternal life for all who believe in him.

When Richard attended his first meeting with Victory Outreach, he had a remarkable experience as he began to really think about God for the first time.

“Sudden ly, Jesus’ wounds, the blood, the nails, the cross all appeared too real, and I heard Jesus speak and say, ‘Richard, I did this for you.’ I broke down and wept as I finally surrendered my life to Christ.

“What came next can be described as nothing short of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit over my life! So, I did what any other drug addict would’ve done and went outside to mull it over while smoking a cigarette! Except that, as I did so, I discovered that the nicotine no longer had an effect on me, and so I gave up smoking.

“I was still a drug addict, so realistically speaking, I would’ve needed a fix or been a right mess. But God completely healed me of my addiction, and weeks went past without any sign of withdrawal. God had freed me emotionally and physically from the grip of drugs in my life.

“Now I sought after God instead of drugs, and read the Bible cover-tocover three times in a year.”

30TH ANNIVERSARY - OUR BIGGEST YET

FRIDAY 26TH AUGUST TUESDAY 30TH AUGUST LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND | LINCOLN | ENGLAND

STUART BELL | JEFF LUCAS | ANDREW WILSON LAWRENCE NEISENT | DUANE WHITE PAUL REID | PRISCILLA REID | DAVE GILPIN WORSHIP: HOWARD WILLIAMS & SPECIAL GUEST MATT REDMAN

BOOK ONLINE:

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6

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NEW LIFE • Issue 206 NEW LIFE

NEW LIFE www.newlife.co.uk

WORKING TOGeTheR TO BRING you The GOOd NeWS

tune in New Life works in partnership with UCB (United Christian Broadcasters) who are now broadcasting nationally on dAB radio.

For great Christian music, discussion, chat, regular news bulletins and lots of fun, UCB is great, contemporary radio for the whole family.

Listen on dAB radio across the UK or online at www.ucbmedia.co.uk

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

We’re also working with Find a Church, who run a brilliant website listing the details of more than 42,000 UK Christian churches.

Simply tap in your postcode for help to find a great church in your area.

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

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

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

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

C Commit yourself to living God’s way

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

Log on to www.lookingforgod.com for more help.

FREE

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

CHANGED MAN...

Richard Taylor

F

OR many 13-year-old boys, the start of their teenage years is about becoming a young man and looking forward to careers choices and life after school.

But for Richard Taylor, by the time he’d become a teenager he had already started a career – as a criminal.

The eldest of three sons, Richard had been brought up by his mum since the age of nine in the small town of Llanelli.

Money was tight, debts were high, and entertainment was minimal, and so, as boredom crept in, crime soon followed.

He says: “By the time I was 12, I’d begun to shoplift, and by 13 was regularly smoking cannabis. It was at this age that my criminal career began.

“I was angry at the world around me and hurt by the breakdown of my family. The only way I felt I could handle these feelings was to ignore them.

“My dad had already taught me how to drive, and so with a love for cars already stirring inside me, I would creep out of the house in the early hours to steal cars and dump them before returning home.”

It was at this point that his mother felt she could no longer cope and Richard was placed into foster care.

For nine months, while living with foster parents, Richard changed for the better. He stopped doing drugs and crime, and instead got good grades at school, joined a rugby team and excelled at running.

However, Richard missed his family and wanted to go home – but moving back to familiarity enticed Richard back to old ways.

“Before long, I was hanging out with my old mates, smoking and being a nuisance. I would steal, mainly to fund my drug habit, and as I got better at it, I moved on to bigger things,” he says This is where his childhood prematurely ended. At the age of 14, he progressed from smoking cannabis to taking speed.

“I had no regard for anyone but myself,” Richard admits.

Between the ages of 13 and 15, he was a familiar face in the juvenile court.

He progressed to hanging around with much older guys and became more and more reliant on a cocktail of drugs and alcohol mixed with crime and violence. He says: “I started to take part in burglaries and was

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

FORMER TEEN TEARAWAY LEADS GROWING CHURCH What Easter really means to Richard

Former addicts, thugs and criminals have swapped prison for pews at a church in South Wales. Victory Church was launched last year and on its first night, 650 flocked to it. Becky Barlow speaks to founder and ex-jailbird Richard Taylor about how he turned his life around

Find A ChurCh

Issue 206 •

shown the ropes by older, more experienced gang members.”

When he was just 17 years old, Richard started injecting drugs for the first time and was instantly hooked. But as his drug habit escalated so did his involvement in crime.

He explains: “One day as I was stealing from the bakery in my local town, I was caught red-handed by two policemen. The evidence was all there before them, and I was given a two-month sentence.

“As soon as I was released though, I was doing the usual catalogue of crimes and breaking my previous probation. This meant that my next court appearance was not going to be a pleasant one.

“I was given a sentence of eight months that time, though if I behaved, I would no doubt be back causing mayhem in Llanelli in as little as 16 weeks.

“It was during this sentence that I started to think that maybe I needed to sort my life out. But when my application to move to open prison was granted, the lenient rules proved too much of a temptation for me and it wasn’t long before I was behaving badly – even in prison.”

What should have been a four-month stint, turned out to be a six-month sentence.

alcoholics Once released, Richard returned home where he saw many of his old mates. Except that they were different now. Before they were drug addicts and alcoholics but now they were Christians and telling Richard about God’s love for him.

He remembers: “To be brutally honest, I thought they were nuts and tried my best to avoid them, and yet I kept bumping into them!”

One night, Richard and his friend decided to go to a church service they’d been invited to. “We were completely hammered and were a total distraction to everybody there.

“But as the pastor prayed for me at the close of the service, I encountered real spiritual power for the first time. As a warm feeling came over me I realised that I was suddenly completely sober,” he recalls.

“The fact that this ‘prayer’ had worked freaked me out and annoyed me greatly!”

Richard continued to shun Christianity and continued in his destructive lifestyle.It was when he was disturbed while commiting a burglary that life would change. Held on remand for six months, Richard began

I want others to follow me from jail to Jesus...

to turn to the Bible. He says: “One day after I’d prayed my first prayer in a prison cell, instead of using the pages of the Bible as cigarette papers, I actually began to read it. I was captivated by the message of a God who could forgive me and love me.”

As his court case neared, Richard received a phone call from a ministry called Victory Outreach UK, a Christian Charity that helps young people in need, asking him to come to them for help.

He should have been sentenced to anything from four to seven years, but was instead granted bail with conditions, to Victory Outreach UK. He says: “As I attended my first compulsory meeting, the people around me worshipped and sang, and I began to really think about God for the first time.

A miracle then happened when Richard went out for a cigarette but found that nicotine no longer had an affect on him.

“I was still a drug addict, so realistically speaking, I would’ve needed a fix or been a right mess,” Richard explains. “But God completely healed me of my addiction. At this point, I was just 18 years old.”

Instead of a custodial sentence, Richard was given two year’s probation to remain at Victory Outreach UK, during which time he often told the story of how God had helped him. From that day Richard’s life changed and he went on to study theology.

In January 2010, Victory Church was born, and last August, Richard was ordained as a minister with the Elim Pentecostal Church.

Richard and his wife, Jill, are now the executive directors of Victory Outreach UK, the charity that helped save him all those years ago.

He has also founded the Gateway Foundation, a charity to help addicts, and he has become a regular on TV as an expert in reform and security. Today, Victory Outreach UK has four homes for young people in need.

“The young people who receive support come from a variety of backgrounds and from all over the UK,” Richard explains.

“Many have been abused, had addictions and been homeless. Providing them with a family-based home away from their own area gives them the chance to start again. Each home provides the family atmosphere that the majority of the young people have been deprived of in the past.” ● For more information about Victory Church, visit www.victorychurch.co.uk

On Easter Sunday Christians celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Through his death, burial and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, purchasing eternal life for all who believe in him.

When Richard attended his first meeting with Victory Outreach, he had a remarkable experience as he began to really think about God for the first time.

“Sudden ly, Jesus’ wounds, the blood, the nails, the cross all appeared too real, and I heard Jesus speak and say, ‘Richard, I did this for you.’ I broke down and wept as I finally surrendered my life to Christ.

“What came next can be described as nothing short of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit over my life! So, I did what any other drug addict would’ve done and went outside to mull it over while smoking a cigarette! Except that, as I did so, I discovered that the nicotine no longer had an effect on me, and so I gave up smoking.

“I was still a drug addict, so realistically speaking, I would’ve needed a fix or been a right mess. But God completely healed me of my addiction, and weeks went past without any sign of withdrawal. God had freed me emotionally and physically from the grip of drugs in my life.

“Now I sought after God instead of drugs, and read the Bible cover-tocover three times in a year.”

30TH ANNIVERSARY - OUR BIGGEST YET

FRIDAY 26TH AUGUST TUESDAY 30TH AUGUST LINCOLNSHIRE SHOWGROUND | LINCOLN | ENGLAND

STUART BELL | JEFF LUCAS | ANDREW WILSON LAWRENCE NEISENT | DUANE WHITE PAUL REID | PRISCILLA REID | DAVE GILPIN WORSHIP: HOWARD WILLIAMS & SPECIAL GUEST MATT REDMAN

BOOK ONLINE:

GV2011 ADVERT.indd 1

www.grapevinecelebration.org.uk OR CALL: 01522 533535 17/12/2010 17:25

7

Issue 206

LOG ON NOW: www.newlife.co.uk

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having Faith ‘helps patients to survive’ study held after liver transplants

LIVER IN HOPE...

Patients who “seek God” have a better survival rate

LIVEr transplant patients actively “seeking God” have a better survival rate than nonbelievers, research has found.

The study discovered some patients were up to three times more likely to survive if they had a “strong religious connection” – even if they didn’t attend church.

Research published in the journal Liver Transplantation backs the findings of previous studies, which have shown how religion and faith can ‘influence disease progression’.

Dr Franco Bonag uidi, who led the study, said it found patients with “high religious coping” who actively sought “God’s help” and trusted their beliefs had a “more prolonged attendance that positively afpost-transplant survival than fected survival.” patients with low religiosity”.

I n t hei r st udy, resea rchHe reported: “We found that ers selected 179 patients who an active search for God, [where] had received a liver transplant the patient had faith in a higher between January 2004 and Depower rather than a generic cember 2007. destiny, had a positive impact quizzed on patient survival.”

The academic added it was The patients were quizzed on the “personal relationship be- their religious beliefs before bet ween the patient a nd God, ing monitored for the next four regardless of religious creed years after their transplant. rat he r t h a n for m a l c hu rc h Almost two years later, religious

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

patients were three times as likely to survive as those who did not hold such faith.

After three years, just seven per cent of the actively “seeking-God” patients had died, compared to more than 20 per cent of non-religious believers.

The researchers concluded that the “search for God factor” coupled with a patient’s length of stay in an intensive care unit were “independently associated with survival”.

SAYS

ThE Lord Jesus made it clear that a person’s own faith can make them well. Trusting that the God who made you is interested in you is a powerful thing. And understanding that the Saviour loved us enough to die in our place guarantees how much he cares. however, all that would be useless if Jesus was dead, but death could not hold him – he rose from the grave! So if you are in need, put your faith into action today and ask Jesus Christ to make a difference in your life. ● See Page 6 for more help.

Giving help I won’t toy with idea of Sunday trading A C H U RC H h a s boug ht a building opposite it to use as a ministry centre.

Derby Cit y Chu rch w i l l use The Hope Centre to house various ministries, including a food bank.

Pastor Dave Ayling said: “We want to reach out to lost and hurting people and offer them hope. As churches, we need to be prepared to do whatever we can to help.”

THE owner of one of Britain’s top toy shops says it’s game on to keeping Sunday special.

Gary Grant has 55 Entertainer stores across the UK – but only opens six days a week.

The devout Christian believes the Bible teaches that Sunday should be a special day.

And despite the economic hard times, Gary says his religious views have not affected his profits.

“I’ve got a business that is finan-

cially viable, we pay all our bills on time and we make a profit. I can do that in six working days,” he explains.

“You can’t pick ’n’ mix with God. You have to believe that he is in control of all things and my business is viable in the High Street. Many of my contributors who are trading seven days a week are struggling, yet we as a company are still expanding. How is that possible if the inference is

Puzzle corner.

Sudoku

Crossword Across 1. Snake (5) 4. Saying (5) 7. Villainous (9) 8. Way out (4) 9. Bee house (6) 12. Maelstrom (6) 13. Desiccated (4) 16. Allowed (9) 18. Trench (5) 19. Indigent (5)

© Krazydad.com

Solutions on the right

Down 1. Obscure (5) 2. Wicker basket (7) 3. Prevalent (4) 4. Precipitous (6) 5. Fuss (3) 6. Composition (5) 10. Abbreviate (7) 11. Gusto (6) 12. Lacking taste (5) 14. Journal (5) 15. Stupefy (4) 17. Furrow (3)

that I am losing one day’s trading a week?”

Many customers are surprised the stores remain closed on Sundays, but the feedback is surprisingly supportive.

Gary added: “We employ six to 700 people. Ma ny of them a re mu ms a nd dads a nd it is important to us that they get a break when they can spend time at home with their families and children.”

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

NEW LIFE

Issue 206 • NEW LIFE 9

COMMENT What a difference a day makes!

ON the cross of Calvary, Jesus died for the sins of every man, woman and child who ever lived.

But death could not hold him, and on the third day he rose to new life, amazing everyone, including his disciples – even though he had explained it all to them ahead of time!

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christianity – it proves that he is who he said he was. Frankly, anyone can claim to be the Christ, and many do.

But only one person has demonstrated his power over death itself by rising from the grave.

The resurrection proves that Jesus has the power he claimed to have when he foretold that men would destroy his body, but that he would build it again in three days. Jesus did what he promised to do.

And he still does.

The resurrection means that our past can be forgiven. Every wrong thing we ever did – and the many good things we didn’t do – were all laid on Jesus as he hung there on the cross. Those with the faith to receive it can find forgiveness and freedom from their yesterday – whatever it may hold.

That was the freedom that Richard Taylor discovered (see Centre Pages) when he gave his life to Christ.

And that’s only the beginning, because the resurrection also means that we can find the grace we need to live today.

Richard wasn’t left to struggle through in his own strength – the Lord helped him break free from his addictions.

And the resurrection takes care of the future. Jesus died for sins once for all, but now he lives in the power of an endless life. As Des Sinclair (Page 1) discovered, our future can be secure in him.

BIBLE QUOTE OF THE MONTH “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, he was buried and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3 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 206

NEW LIFE CLASSIFIEDS WANT TO EXPLORE CHRISTIANITY, BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO TURN?

Director of Finance Based at our London Office

T

HE PILGRIMS’ FRIEND SOCIETY is a progressive organisation with a history of successfully adapting to changing conditions in the UK’s challenging care sector. We benefit from a history that goes back more than 200 years, when The Aged Pilgrims’ Friend Society was formed to meet the needs of elderly Christians. We currently have 12 care schemes in different parts of the country offering residential, dementia and nursing care and various types of sheltered housing. All our schemes are renowned for their Christian ethos and loving care. We also share our expertise and experience with publications, conferences and workshops.

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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)

New Life Community Church Main Hall

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

GILLINGHAM

Meet every Sunday 10.30am A warm welcome awaits you

For information on other meetings phone Allan Smith 01634 264410

(AS88)

(CF42)

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

By God’s grace we are experiencing expansion and growth, and are looking for a Director of Finance to play a key role as we go forward. The position involves reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with other directors; informing all parts of our operation, including Trustees and our senior management team and all parts of our constituency, including local authorities and suppliers and contractors. If the Lord is calling you, you will:

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)

•

be a committed Christian who thinks strategically and works practically, able to lead, inspire and work closely with the Head Office finance team

•

be a professionally qualified accountant, or hold a similar professional finance qualification. You may have a background in the charity, care or housing sector or have a business finance background and the ability to quickly adapt to our sector

•

be based in our London office and be prepared to travel to visit our care schemes as necessary.

Our head office team is friendly and supportive, and our offices on Tower Bridge Road are within easy reach of some pleasant lunch-time walks. Most of all, you will have a genuine interest in working with the talents the Lord has given you to benefit His elderly saints.

Does this sound like you? Contact: Phil Wainwright Pilgrims’ Friend Society Director of Human Resources 175 Tower Bridge Road London SE1 2AL T: 0300 303 1400 E: info@pilgrimsfriend.org.uk

(AC01)

DROITWICH SPA Emmanuel Church, Blake Avenue. Tel: 01905 797110.

Sunday family service 10.30am–noon.

Also healing rooms available, just ask.

(FT24)

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

MAIDSTONE Welcome to Grace Community Church which meets at Grove Road, Mangravet (near Police HQ), Sundays 10.30am. Enquiries: 01622 664 940 (DP53) 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)

(EB18)

L I G H T H O U S E ( E L Y , CAMBRIDGESHIRE) A loving, growing, praying family church.

Sunday celebration 10.30am & 6.00pm.

Enquiries phone: 01353 662 228. Email: info@lighthouse-ely.org.uk. Web www.lighthouse-ely.org.uk. Also Christian Bookshop 01353 667 004.

(DU35)

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Issue 206 •

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

Stu’s head DAUGHTER’S CHRISTENING CHANGED LIFE over heels as a pastor ● Continued from Back Page through the young people that I saw there. It was September 3, 1995 when I actually asked Jesus into my heart.”

On becoming a born-again Christian, the former window cleaner said: “You still have your everyday problems but you have assurance of eternal life and you have a friend in Christ who you can take your burdens to. That is really how things have changed for me and I’ve had great peace and joy since I became a Christian.”

Despite enjoying success on the pitch with numerous clubs including Glentoran, Motherwell and Doncaster Rovers, Elliott said his faith always took precedence over sport.

“It is everything to me. I loved football but my faith came first and always has done. I’m not ashamed to say that, and I think anyone who has ever known me knows I’ve never made a secret of it.”

Elliott, who always prayed before going onto the pitch, said his former teammates were “very respectful”.

His most memorable sporting moment was being part of the Northern Ireland team which defeated England at Windsor Park in 2005.

“It’s every boy’s dream to play against some of the biggest stars in the world and here was little Northern Ireland in a David and Goliath-type battle. I was thrilled and I’ll never forget that night as long as I live.”

Overseeing a congregation of more than 100 people, the former footballer will share preaching duties with Pastor John Thompson at the helm of the Hull church.

Elliott added: “I don’t know what the future holds but I know I will give it my best shot and hopefully I’ll see a lot of fruit in my Christian ministry.”

starbuck: i could Phil the Power...

FORMER Nottingham Forest ace Phil Starbuck spent the 80s scoring goals for manager Brian Clough – but now he works for Jesus.

ON THE BALL... Phil Starbuck, top, and during his playing days, above

Phil quickly made his name at Forest, scoring in his home debut against Liverpool at the age of 18. It was every schoolboy’s dream.

He said: “It was unbelievable. I can’t describe the feeling when that goal went in.

“After the game, you’re having interviews and you’re on the radio and TV, and people are asking you for autographs.”

On a high, Phil went home, intending to paint the town red, but having everything he’d ever dreamed of didn’t feel like he’d imagined.

He explained: “When I got home, I’d been on this massive high and I started to come down and just hit a low. I started thinking, ‘What’s life about? I’ve just fulfilled this fantastic dream and I’m only 18! What’s next?’”

And when his grandfather died a couple of years later, Phil really began to question what life was all about.

He said: “That was the first time I’d experienced death. I just had this overwhelming feeling of despair and remember thinking, ‘Where has he gone?’ All these thoughts were going through my mind – ‘Is there a God, is there a heaven and why are we here?

“The debuts, the goals, the fun, the adoration and everything that came with it, that in the world’s eyes seems fantastic, that I’d dreamed of as boy, just paled into insignificance and meant nothing.”

And when his daughter was Christened, Phil had his first experience of church.

But when the local vicar dropped off a booklet entitled ‘Journey into life’, Phil didn’t know that

Bowled over by my belief IS THIS WHY SEASON’S TAKEN TOV FOR DIMI?

his life was about to change forever. The former uitility player, who now spends time sharing his faith as a speaker at church events, said: “It was all about Jesus, why he came and what he did on the cross.

“It all fell into place. At the back was a prayer.

I thought, ‘I’ve tried everything else so I’m going to give Jesus a go.’

“I got on my knees and asked Jesus into my life, to come and live with me and be my Saviour.

“The Lord came to me there and then. His presence was unbelievable. I couldn’t move off my knees.

“It was like he enveloped me in his arms. It was such a feeling of joy and peace and calm and wellbeing. I thought, ‘I want some more of this,’ so I prayed it again!”

Phil phoned the vicar who told him he’d been born again. But despite such a powerful experience, Phil struggled with the task of telling his teammates.

He said: “It took me six months, and I felt almost embarrassed. In a top professional club, you don’t have people talking about Jesus – it just doesn’t happen.”

But when his manager Stuart ‘Psycho’ Pearce found out, Phil was faced with the confrontation he’d dreaded and he had to make a choice – to deny or stand up for his Saviour.

He remembered: “I was sat in the changing room at Forest when Stuart Pearce burst in. Fixing his gaze on me he said, ‘Hey Starbs, what’s this about you becoming a Christian?’

“You could have heard a pin drop. I knew it was now or never so I said, ‘Yes, I’ve become a Christian.’”

Ever since, Phil – whose last job in the game was as manager of Grantham Town – has never missed an opportunity to tell people about his Saviour.

R E T I R E D Sr i L a n k a n c r ic kete r Romesh Kaluwitharana has revealed that his relationship with God is more important than professional success.

The wicket keeper, who played in 49 test matches and 189 One Day Internationals for his nation, says reading the Bible with his family kept him focused.

He said: “I come from a family where God always had first place.

I have never lacked anything and know that whatever I ask he is able to supply. God is very important in my life.

“My wife is a committed believer who has been a great encouragement in my Christian life. We go to church regularly and read the Bible as a family.”

Brucie bonus

● Continued from Back Page and am up early in the morning. I get up early before anyone’s up. I pray for my family and whatever comes to my heart. I put everything before the Lord. If I struggle with temptation I put Scriptures in me about temptation; if I need healing I talk about healing – the Lord has been so good to me.”

Dyer now works in prisons, sharing the gospel with inmates, and he organises Christian events.

11

HE has shot Man Utd to the top of the table and is the league’s top scorer.

And New Life might have found out the reason to Dimitar Berbatov’s successful season. His mum Margarita revealed in an interview that Berbatov finds strength from his belief in God and his Christian upbringing in Bulgaria.

She said: “When he left for England he carried a Bible I gave him. I pray for him before every game.”

Berbatov supports five care homes and makes regular donations to the poor in his home nation.

Sans Miguel for Tejada..!

A BASEBALL player revealed how he turned his back on alcohol and partying to live a life dedicated to Christ.

Miguel Tejada, who plays for the San Francisco Giants, has become popular among supporters for his impressive average.

But beside h is sports ca reer, 36-year-old Miguel has other priorities, notably his faith in God. But his beliefs weren’t always so strong.

He said: “I was like many Americans where I believed i n God, I believed in Jesus, but I didn’t have a personal relationship with him.

That’s the difference. I lived my life to please myself. I went to college. I drank beer, partied with my friends, chased girls, you name it. I just did things that I thought were best for me, but it left an empty feeling.

However, things changed after his mum gave Miguel a Bible.

He recalls: “I just made a decision. I said, ‘It’s time to grow up. It’s time to start living for the Lord, do things the right way.’ I accepted the Lord, and it changed my life, just a complete 180.”

Life for Miguel has never been the same.

“I read the Bible every single day,” he says.

WHY DIMI’S SEASON HAS TAKEN TOV...

FULL STORY P11

STU’S

NEW LIFE

SPORT

STRIKE ACE ‘PHILS’ THE POWER SEE PAGE 11

CARTWHEEL GOOD... Stuart Elliott celebrates scoring during his playing days at Hull

HELP ON PITCH...

Bruce Dyer

BRUCIE BONUS!

HEELS Retired midfielder delighted as he becomes pastor A FORMER Northern Ireland footballer who is now a pastor has described his full-time conversion to Christian ministry as “fantastic”.

Stuart Elliott – who won 36 caps for his country – began his new life as an evangelical minister earlier this year after being ordained at the Living Hope Church in Hull.

The Belfast man insisted his faith has always been more important to him than sport since becoming a born-again Christian at the age of 17.

The 32-year-old quit professional football in 2009 to fulfil his longheld ambition.

“Ever since I became a Christian I’ve had a real heart to serve Christ.

A FORMER Premier League footballer has revealed how God used to help him on the pitch.

Retired England Under 21 striker Bruce Dyer was a big hit with Crystal Palace, Watford and Barnsley, becoming the country’s first £1million teenager.

He revealed to New Life that he used to pray with his teammates before games, and there were times when the Lord answered in unusual ways.

“When we played in the play-offs for Barnsley against Birmingham. I’ll never forget this. Eric Tinkler played me through, I was just about to blast it. A still voice told me not to blast it. I can’t explain it, and it might sound crazy, but I know what I experienced. Some people would say it was just me, but I know what I felt and experienced.

I believe in the power of God and believe he can communicate with us.”

As Dyer obeyed what he believes was the voice of God, he saw the fans go wild as the ball hit the back of the net. The Tykes won that game and went on to compete in the play-off final at Wembley.

Dyer also revealed he starts most days in prayer. He added: “I’m a morning person ● Continued on Page 11

LocaL detai LocaL contact contact detaiLs: detaiLs:

At the beginning I didn’t see myself going into full-time ministry, but as the years progressed I felt that that was the way God was leading me,” he said.

The e x-Hu l l Cit y m id fielder, who was joined at the ordination ceremony by his wife and two children, described the event as ‘very special’.

“I had a lot of friends and people over from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It was just a fantastic day and one that will live long in my memory.”

E l l iott revea led how he fi rst found Christ when attending a service at the Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle in Belfast.

“I was invited along to a tent mission at the Whitewell Church.

God really started to speak to me ● Continued on Page 11

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