New Life July 2011 issue 209

NEW LIFE

JULY 2011 • Issue 209

40p

Locksmith: Jesus had the keys to my heart...

GOOD NEWS... now Megan Johnson can read her Bible.

Photo: Laura Murray

I was blind... but now I see A WOMAN who was registered blind for more than ten years has told how her doctors were baffled when she regained her sight during a church service.

Megan Johnson told New Life that she had to hand back her guide dog after the miracle because she no longer needed it.

The 40-year-old said: “Every day is like Christmas to me! I once was blind but now I can see!”

Megan, who attends New Life Christian Centre in Wakefield, was born with three different conditions that left her partially sighted. But as she got older, her sight deteriorated and in 2000 she was registered blind.

She told how she was singing the hymn Amazing Grace in church last year when the miracle took place.

See Centre Pages for the full story

GOOD NEWS STORIES

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MY FAITH’S NO JOKE SAYS TV COMIC

HEAVENS ABOVE!

ARCHBISHOP SLAMS PROF’S THEORY

A SENIOR church official has rejected a claim by atheist Stephen Hawking that heaven is made up.

“Heaven is not just some kind of place for retired Christians,” said Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, following publication of the professor’s theory.

“Heaven is where God’s will is being done. In fact, the Lord’s Prayer talks about ‘your will be done on ea rth as it is i n heaven’.

“So God is very much on earth as he is in heaven.”

The Archbishop was responding to an interview with Professor Hawking carried by the Guardian in which he said: “I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when

by Matthew Murray

its components fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark.”

Speaking to the BBC’s Toby Foster, the A rchbishop sa id: “Hawking shouldn’t paint a picture of some kind of sky stuff up there because the faith of God is not that kind of faith.

“The coming of Jesus in human flesh on earth was actually trying to say, ‘When I look at you, you should be telling me more about what God is and about what it is to be human.’

Dr Sentamu told the BBC that he would tell “that wonderful professor” not to portray a picture of heaven which most peo-

ple do not have. Observing that Christianity had to contend not only with views from people like Hawking, but also other religions as well, the BBC asked what the challenge was for believers.

“The challenge is not to try and think that we’re in the marketplace where we’re all looking for an easy bargain,” Dr Sentamu said.

Challenge... John Sentamu

CARING “God becom i ng hu ma n i n Christ was trying to say if you wa nt to k now t he aut hent ic human life, it is lived in a man called Jesus, and if you want to know God, it’s not some kind of imaginary power out there.

“G od act ua l ly ta kes upon himself our own nature so that we would become more loving, ● Continued on Page 3

Claim... Stephen Hawking

War of words over Hawking’s claim

2

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Issue • 209

Oprah gives show praise

COMMUNITY NEEDS... Police chaplain John Butcher

IT’S A FAIR COP FOR CHAPLAIN!

TA L K show host Opra h Wi n frey closed her sentimental final show by saying: ‘To God be the glory.’

The worldwide TV star (pictured right) decided to quit after 25 years to conce nt rate on lau nc h i ng a production company. She has interviewed 30,000 people in that time, and often spoken about her faith in the Lord.

In her last show, Oprah said: “People often ask me what is the secret to the success of the show.

How have we lasted 25 years? I nonjokingly say, my team – and Jesus.”

A MINISTER has revealed how his role as a police chaplain has helped him identify his community’s key areas of need.

John Butcher, pastor of Life Community Church in Hockley, Birmingham, is also the chaplain for West Midlands Police.

A s we l l a s m a k i n g visits to various police stations and attending meetings across the West Midlands, John also regularly accompanies officers in their patrol cars, which has been a novel way of seeing what the problems are in the community where his church is based.

He said: “It’s a great way of finding out where the real needy areas of our community are and then being able to partner w ith the police to

MPs have a prayer need

MPs need prayer support at this ‘crucial time’ for Britain, said the Evangelical Alliance at the launch of a ‘simple and straightforward’ prayer project.

The EA, an umbrella organisation that represents more than a million active UK Christians, joined the Bible Society, Christians in Parliament, Christians in Government and 24/7 Prayer, in launching a pack suggesting ways to get involved.

“I trust that these resources will help you to pray in an informed and relevant way,” said Andrew Selous, MP for South West Bedfordshire.

TAT’s INTEREsTING JUsTIN!

POP star Justin Bieber has been spotted with a new tattoo – the word “Jesus” in Hebrew. During Bieber’s recent holiday with girlfriend Selena Gomez in Hawaii, pictures of the young couple surfaced on the web.

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bring about change. As a church we’ve been able to make a real difference.

As well as police officers attending activ ities at our church, I have had the privilege of leading and speaking at numerous police meetings and services throughout the West Midlands.”

John signed up as a volu nta r y chapla i n i n the early 90s in Hackney, but his latest role in the Midlands has seen him recruit and co-ordinate more than 40 chaplains across the region.

A pol icema n i n the area, who asked not to be named, revealed how John’s work has brought comfort.

The officer said: “At a low point in my life, the chaplain’s prayers made a difference.”

WIFE TELLS OF CHANGES AFTER CHURCH VISIT

MY HUBBY BECAME A NEW MAN OVERNIGHT

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ANN HALL wiped her eyes as she sobbed down the phone to her mother: “Chris has left me, mum,” she wailed, “and there’s a strange man sitting in my house.”

Two days earlier, Ann had got up to discover Chris in the kitchen reading a Bible, which was normally kept at the back of the dresser.

Since then she had caught Chris praying, turning off the TV when something objectionable came on and even singing hymns in the garden.

“I wouldn’t have minded so much if Chris had just got religion,” she explains.

“I f he st a r te d goi n g to church on a Sunday and helping out at the Christmas fete, that would have been perfectly acceptable.

“But he was readi ng the Bible and talking about Jesus as if he lived upstairs. When we went to the supermarket, I had to hold Chris back from telling the check-out assistant he had found Jesus.”

She adds: “It was as if the man I married had left me and here was this new person living in my house and I didn’t know who he was.”

For many years, Chris and Ann Hall were a typical young couple living in an ordinary street in the very ordinary suburbs of Surrey.

He was a salesman, while Ann was delighted to be at

Chris and Ann Hall

home looking after their growing family.

Everything in their lives was very ordinary until the day Chris went to a church service with his brother.

Chris only decided to go along to keep his brother happy and sat through the whole service with the greatest reluctance.

Then, at the very end, the pastor invited people to come to the front of the church.

“I can’t explain how, but at that moment, I felt God telling me to go forward,” says Chris.

“But I sat rigid in my seat, even though the urge was so strong. The pastor said he knew some people still wanted to come forward and they could do so in private in the vestry.

“That’s where I found myself a few moments later. I made a very half-hearted acceptance of Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.

Then I went home.”

When Chris told Ann what had happened, she stared at him in disbelief. The following morn ing, Ch ris opened his eyes, stared around his room and jumped out of bed with a shout: “It was amazing.

I’d gone to sleep the normal Chris Hall and woken with a burning desire in my heart for Jesus. I felt like a new man,” he explains.

Chris dug out the old Bible he knew was hidden at the back of a drawer.

He prayed out loud a nd would stop strangers in the street to tell them how Jesus was real, inviting them to accept him.

Over the next two years, he became an active member of his church. People at work noticed the difference and he led many others to know Jesus.

O ne day, A n n , who h ad resisted all her husband’s attempts to get her to pray or read the Bible, handed Chris a cup of tea. Then she said: “Chris, I’ve been praying when you were out and I said to Jesus if you are real, come into my heart.” Gazing into his eyes, she smiled: “I have accepted Jesus too.”

That was nearly 40 years a go. Today C h r i s, 72, a nd Ann, 67, have six children, 12 grand-children and two great grand-children.

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MOCK THE WEEK STAR WHO WON’T SWEAR

my faith’s no joke says toP tV comic!

TV joker Milton Jones says his faith has helped make him funny.

And the star of the BBC’s Mock the Week show has the last laugh on crude comics.

Tousled-haired Milton is a regular on TV and also has his own show on Radio 4.

Fans love his wacky one-liners and surreal stories as much as his colourful shirts.

But the devout Ch rist ia n points to his faith as the reason behind his unique brand of humour.

“When people start off in stand-up comedy they often swear more than they need to – it’s an easy way to get a laugh and lards up thin material,” he explains.

“I don’t want to do that, so I have to get to the joke quickly, wh ich is why I do so ma ny one-liners. Christians can take longer to get started in comedy because of that, but we get the benefit later as we can do family shows.

“As a Christian, I don’t want to go out and blaspheme or needlessly offend, and I try not to do that in my shows.

“It was harder to begin with, but these days, it makes me more accessible to audiences. I believe that when you write and perform, you have to be true to yourself – and this is just me.”

A married father-of-three, Milton is as likely to play to a stand-up routine in a church

by James Hastings

HAIR APPARENT...

TV comic Milton Jones and, below, telling a joke during Mock The Week

as he is at a top theatre. He originally thought about being an actor but got his big comic break at the 1996 Edinburgh Festival.

He scooped the prestigious Perrier Best Newcomer Award and followed it a year later to become a 1997 Perrier Nominee a nd enjoy back-to-back appearances in the Pick of the Fringe shows at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

He regularly tries out new gags on his family and even has his son write some of his material.

“I try material out on the family, but they’re quite tough and I need to catch them in the right mood.

“If I produce a piece of paper at dinner time they all go ‘Oh, no’.

M i lton h a s st ron g v iews about com ics whose r isqué material offends.

“I ca n’t see t he poi nt of shocking people for shock’s sake. If you are going to be shot for something, make sure it’s worth being shot for.

“The targets worth hitting are people abusing their power.

A lot of targets that the likes of Frankie Boyle hit are just easy, so it becomes bullying.

“The danger of shock tactics is that you paint yourself into a corner. The next thing you do has to be even more shocking.

Where does it end?”

MILTON’S FAVE GAG ON CHURCH “Some people see the church as a giant helicopter. They’re scared to get too close in case they get sucked into the rotas!”

Bible to be telly series THE producer behind the hit US TV series The Apprentice is to make a television series about the Bible.

Reality star Mark Burnett will produce the series, which will be a five-part, ten-hour documentary and will air on the History Channel.

The cha n nel’s president a nd general manager Nancy Dubuc said: “This is probably the most important book in mankind, regardless of your beliefs or religious affiliation.

“This series will bring the historical stories of the Bible to life for a new generation.”

The idea came from Burnett and his wife, Touched By An Angel star Roma Downey, and will tell stories from the Old and New Testaments.

Issue 209 • NEW LIFE 3 NEW LIFE

Lulu: Why God is so important VETERAN pop star Lulu has revealed that a loving relationship with God is important and has thanked him for her time in the spotlight.

The Shout singer revealed her thoughts on God’s love in an interview broadcast on Premier Christian Radio.

She told Nick Battle, who presents the Men @ Work show: “A relationship with a loving G od is t he on ly i mporta nt thing. If I feel a connection with God I feel love. Everything works and everything is just fine.”

Lulu adds that throughout her career she’s managed to keep grounded and not to get caught up in believing her own publicity.

She says: “Ultimately we’re all special, but you can’t think that you’re more special than anyone else.”

Lulu has worked with the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Dusty Springfield. She’s also sung alongside Tom Jones and made a film with Sidney Poitier.

The 62-year-old added: “To be working with those people and to have been thrown into the spotlight, that’s the difficult part. I have to say thank you God, thank you God, thank you God!”

NEW LIFE IT manager Phil Jones, whose challenges to colleagues helped raise £4m for local and national charities, has won a Leadership in Social Responsibility Award, sponsored by the Church in Wales.

BGt star gets one over on bullies Prof’s claim NEWSFLASH

A PIANIST who wowed Britain’s Got Talent judges has revealed how he read the Bible instead of Playboy when he was at school Paul Gbegbaje, 19, finally got one over on bullies who mocked him for reading his Bible and called him ‘Jesus Freak’ at school.

Paul, of Dagenham, East London, who managed to get into the live final of the TV show last month, still has strong faith, and he even prayed backstage before his performance.

He said: “I knew God was with me. He really came through for me.”

A l l th ree judges voted Pau l

KEY MAN... Paul Gbegbaje through to the next round when he revealed how he had taught himself by drawing a keyboard on a piece of paper because he didn’t have a piano to practice on at home.

Paul told TV Biz: “I was different

because of what I believed in. In year eight I would bring my Bible for reading time and they would bring Playboy and stuff like that. They would call me Jesus Freak.

“I didn’t swear, didn’t smoke, didn’t drink and didn’t bunk. They were listening to things in the charts, whereas I was listening to the piano.”

But now some of his tormentors have been in touch to wish him well.

Paul said: “Some of them even emailed me on Facebook saying ‘Well done’. I feel like I’ve had some form of victory. I had the last laugh.”

is slammed

● Continued from Page 1 more caring and Christ-like. If we do God’s will of loving and caring, supporting and rejoicing in the fact that human beings are made in God’s image and likeness, I think that’s a great thing to be done.

“So living with people with other faiths, I’m not so much pushing my idea to them, I’m more called to be loving, to be caring.

“It doesn’t mean I shouldn’t tell them about God, by the way. I myself completely believe in the reality of the God that I’ve seen in the face of Jesus Christ.”

NEW LIFE

4 NEW LIFE • Issue 209

‘BOOM IN CHRISTIANITY IN COUNTRY’

IN RUSSIA WITH LOVE

MOSCOW MOVE...

Rick Renner

It is said that a new generation of evangelical Christians are spreading the gospel message in radical ways.

Spearheading the movement in the Russian capital city is the Moscow Good News Church (MGN), which has a congregation of more than 3,500 people.

Pastor Rick Renner and his wife Denise moved to the former Soviet Union in 1991, and nine years later started MGN. While the goal is to reach a broad section of those living in the Moscow metropolis, the church puts a special emphasis on reaching the rich. “Specifically, a part of our vision is to reach a higher class

of people,” Renner said. “That’s because they need God too, and there aren’t many churches that they can actually feel comfortable in.”

What’s happening at MGN flies in the face of what is happening in the rest of Russia, where most people belong to the Orthodox Church. Evangelical churches are gaining more prominence after decades of persecution under the Soviet system.

experience Pastor Renner said those from an Orthodox background find the evangelical church community a whole new experience.

Along with the preaching of the gospel, the worship and style of music is a big draw. In addition to the main service, MGN has an ac-

NEW LIFE

PACKING THEM IN... Moscow Good News Church’s congregation tive children’s ministry that puts on regular drama performances about the life of Jesus. They also have an entire church dedicated to reaching the elderly.

Now a new generation of young Russians is emerging with their own views on evangelical Christianity. “Capitalism has come. Many

NINE out of ten Americans believe in God, a new poll has found.

The Gallup survey discovered that American enthusiasm for God has barely dipped over the past 50 years – with 92 per cent of people believing in a monotheistic deity.

NEWSFLASH

people are successful. Many people have made money,” Renner said.

“Ma ny people have huge amounts of money, and they’ve found out for themselves that it is not the answer to all of their problems.

“And so there’s a new wave of interest in spiritual things.”

MUM’S THE WORD...

Danette Crawford during the Mother’s Day event

Organisation makes mums feel like queens MUMS in the US were treated to a day of pampering on American Mother’s Day in May – thanks to Christian charity Joy Ministries.

Single mum Danette Crawford wanted to do something for mums who are often overlooked.

She gave the underprivileged women, some who ca me from homeless shelters, beauty treat-

Rally to help after storms

Group saves woman’s life

Jesus statue construction work starts CONSTRUCTION has started on a giant Jesus statue to replace one destroyed by lightning in southwest Ohio, USA. And this time, it will have some defense against Mother Nature.

The Solid Rock Church in Monroe says construction began last month on the 51ft statue. It will show Jesus standing with outstretched arms.

Church officials say the new statue will have a lightning-suppression system. It will have a steel substructure and be finished with a top coat that resembles limestone.

It is replacing a mammoth partial depiction of Jesus from the chest up.

That statue had been nicknamed Touchdown Jesus because of the way the arms were raised outward, like a referee’s signal. Work is expected to be finished by the end of the year.

WORLD NEWS ROUND-UP

USA – The Salvation Army dispatched emergency disaster personnel to a region of the US where tornadoes left at least 350 people dead.

More than 200 high-speed storms were reported across six southern states, making it one of the worstever outbreaks in US history.

The worst hit state was Alabama, where more than 250 people were killed. The town of Tuscaloosa suffered extensive damage when it was struck by a mile-wide tornado.

The mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, William Bell said it seemed like “a bomb had dropped”.

He added: “Whole neighbourhoods of housi ng – completely gone; churches – gone; businesses – gone.”

Pastor in move to take the gospel to Moscow EVANGELICAL Christianity is booming in Russia, a pastor claims.

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ment followed by a meal with their children.

Danette, of Virginia Beach, said: “As we remember single mums, as we remember the widows – you know that’s true religion.

encourage “The Bible says to encourage the oppressed, defend the cause of the

fatherless, and plead the case of the widow. And that’s the vision of our Mother’s Day celebration.

“We radically bless them and they feel like, ‘You know what, I’m the queen, and not only the queen for the day, but I am the queen’.

And we teach them about being married to the King, because Jesus is the King of Kings.”

CHINA – A young Chinese mother is alive – thanks to the help she received from Christian charity, Operation Blessing China.

The woman, known as Xiuwei, travelled to Beijing with her husband, Zhenting, to get help for their son who is deaf. While there, she suffered a type of stroke and doctors predicted that if she survived, she would probably be paralyzed.

But Operation Blessing China was able to raise more than $4,000 (About £2,500) to pay for the 29-yearold mother’s treatment.

“Xiuwei is recovering very well,” said Zhenting. “Thank you, Operation Blessing China.”

Doctors are calling the young woman’s recovery a miracle.

Video site is relaunched

WORLD – The Christian version of YouTube continues to post inspiring videos and stories about Jesus.

GodTube has re-launched, hoping to target millions through Internet evangelism.

Spokeswoman Lindsey Neidenfeuhr said: “I work for this site and I believe there’s a lot of power at our fingertips with the Internet. We can’t all go to Africa and lead mission trips there.

“But we do have the Internet and there are amazing, inspiring videos and sermons that we can send across the world. We need our users to continue to upload these great videos and make this community even stronger.”

Download’s got app-eal!

USA – If you’re appy and you know it clap your hands! A church in Oklahoma is celebrating after almost 20million people downloaded its Bible app on their phones.

Lifechurch, based in Edmond, created the app YouVersion – suitable for many mobiles including iPhone and Blackberry – in 2008.

Creator Bobby Gruenewald said: “I try to not use the word revolution lightly, but seeing how God has used it over the years, I can honestly say we’re in the midst of a revolution.”

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Issue 209 •

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

5

LOCKSMITH BECOMES CHURCH MINISTER Charity call

a key decision!

AS troubled teenager, Alan Dickinson picked away at locks on a church gate.

But little did he know that God was preparing to unlock his heart!

The Geordie locksmith-turned-minister now thinks his antics were part of God’s plan.

He said: “I lived on a rough council estate and would walk past this church on the way to school. I started to pick the lock on the gate as a challenge.

“Each and every time it was replaced with a bigger lock, I would still manage to beat their security.

“But it made me aware of the church’s presence, so when I was invited to a youth meeting there, I felt strangely affiliated!”

Alan was attracted to the meetings because of “girls and chocolate”, but soon caved in to the call of God at the age of 15.

More than 35 years later, he’s now a full-time pastor who helps underprivileged and vulnerable people.

He said: “Although God would never tell anyone to pick locks, I do believe that as he knows everything in advance, he was speaking to me at that early stage.

“I was aware of the church through that process, so when a school pal told me about the youth meetings there was already a link.

“It became the place to be, with 40 or so from the estate going along. It was nothing to do with God in the early stages, as the attraction was girls and free chocolate!”

Alan’s future wife Jackie then became

by Ian White a Christian at one of the meetings – and he soon followed.

“An appeal was made for anyone wanting to become a Christian, but as a Geordie lad with a lot of pride, I didn’t respond in public.

“However, once home, I do remember kneeling at my bed and telling God that if he existed I wanted him to be real in my life.

“On waking up the next morning, something was definitely different inside me, even though I was the same person outside.”

Alan’s life immediately changed and he began to attend the church regularly.

And he will certainly never forget the day he suddenly had to face up to his past misdemeanours.

He recalls: “One of the guys was preaching one day about patience when he gave a personal example of it being tested.

He spoke of the frustration he’d had at constantly having to replace the locks on the church gate!”

Feeling convicted, Alan finally had to confess his past crimes to the church.

Everyone involved recognised the irony, and God’s overwhelming sense of humour, when Alan later became a self-employed locksmith.

It was a job he felt well qualified for, and he stuck at it for about 30 years.

But as Alan, now 51, grew in his faith he eventually progressed into full-time ministry, handing the locksmith business over to his eldest son.

to pray for Al-Qaeda A CHARITY that works with persecuted Christians is urging believers to pray for Al-Qaeda leaders following the death of Osama bin Laden.

Open Doors, which functions in many nations strongly opposed to Christianity, issued a statement urging believers to be motivated by forgiveness rather than revenge.

The statement said: “While recognising the human, political and military significance of Osama bin Laden’s death, especially for those who have suffered from the awful violence that he and his organisation have committed all over the world, Open Doors also recognises the biblical call to pray for those who persecute you.”

confront And Open Doors encouraged Christians to pray for those who have suffered violence at the hands of AlQaeda and that terrorists would be changed by the love of God. “We should pray that the Lord would continue to confront them with the love of Jesus Christ, through his Word, dreams, television and radio programmes, and the Internet,” the spokesperson added.

NEW LIFE ALMOST 20,000 children will hear Bible stories in Bexleyheath in a mobile classroom on a bus. Christian Resources in Bexley Schools has provided Bible-based activities in Greater London for over 15 years.

NEWSFLASH

daily devotional as read by over a million people in the UK, on your iPhone with our all new app

UNITED CHRISTIAN BROADCASTERS

WFT by app New Life ad.indd 1

03/06/2011 10:35:57

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NEW LIFE • Issue 209 NEW LIFE

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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

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

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

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

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

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

C

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

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

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

FREE

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

Issue 209 •

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

EXCLUSIVE: MUM REVEALS HOW HER SIGHT WAS MIRACULOUSLY RESTORED

I’ve handed my guide dog back

As blind mum-of-two Megan Johnson sang the famous lyrics “I once was blind but now I see” from the ancient hymn Amazing Grace, the words became very real to her. Now, for the first time, Megan tells her story of a modern-day miracle to Becky Barlow

S

HE had completely in both eyes years and used a dog.

been blind for 15 guide

But during a service at her local church, Megan Johnson experiexperi enced a miracle that would leave medical experts baffled – the sudsud den return of her sight.

Now Megan’s life has dramatidramati cally changed: she has returned to work… and handed back Wilma, the dog who had been her eyes and a canine companion for so many years!

It sounds like something from the Bible, a nd for mu m-of-t wo Megan – who believes Jesus Christ miraculously opened her eyes and caused her to see again – it is.

The modern-day miracle, which has stunned doctors and eye spespe cialists, has also amazed family and friends, who were witnesses to the 40-year-old’s jaw-dropping event.

Son Luke, 18, said: “When my mum’s eyesight came back it was unusual at first and I didn’t know what to think.

“But thinking about it, there is nothing else but her faith that could have made this happen.

“It’s been a relief as I’ve been helping my mum with most things all my life due to her eyesight, and now I’m not around as much due to my age I don’t have to worry about her being OK on her own.”

It was a typical Sunday for Megan as she attended New Life Christian Centre in Wakefield, West YorkYork shire, in April 2010.

❛

The doctor looked at me like I was weird...

He couldn’t believe it

❜

Signs, Works of God, Healings, Wonders, Miracles!

The Bible way to rapidly evangelise Great Britain today.

Evangelist Melvin Banks, Christ-honouring, God-exciting revivals.

Many young people flock there.

BEMUSED But as the church musicians began to play the classic hymn Amazing Grace, it was to prove the prelude to an event that would change her life forever.

She said: “We were singing the first verse of Amazing Grace when I got this sensation that someone was looking at me. I turned to the side and in a split second I could see all these heads.

“I looked up and there were these huge words on the screen at the front: ‘I once was blind but now I see’.

“Someone told me to go to the front of the church and someone else went to get hold of my hand and I said, ‘I don’t need you to hold my hand any more’. I could see!”

Doctors were left bemused when Megan arrived the next day declaring she had perfect vision.

“The doctor looked at me like I was wei rd,” she reca l led. “He couldn’t believe it – his reaction was like, ‘This isn’t real’.

“Hav ing had no v ision for 15 years, it was difficult for the muscles of my eyes to focus on anything.

“One of the best things about being able to see has been looking back over my memories, through photographs; being able to see my daughter’s graduation, first days at school – I had so much to catch up on, so many memories that I’d never

where she got her sight back. Above, Megan while OUT OF DARKNESS... Megan Johnson outside the church Megan tells her story in church. Photo: Laura Murray Right, Jenny. friend and Wilma she was blind with guide dog

seen. As I was going blind I was sad that I wouldn’t see my children growing up, but now I have been able to through photographs.”

Megan was born with three different conditions, which left her partially sighted. The problem was identified at a young age but those around her didn’t realise that, over time, it was getting worse.

She added: “I knew there was something different about me but it wasn’t until my first day at school that it was recognised.

“The head teacher bringing me to her office. I thought I was in trouble.

She brought my parents in and it was the first time I heard the words, ‘This child can’t see’.

“My parents knew, but they didn’t have any comprehension of how bad it was. I was one of five so although I couldn’t see, I picked up social habits from them so it wasn’t as

noticeable.”

At 21, her sight deteriorated more quickly. “I’d be out with friends and I’d find myself following them,” Megan remembered.

“At first my vision was like looking through the bathroom window – all blurred, like frosted glass, then it just got worse.

“It was such a slow progression, I knew something was wrong but it had become normal for me not to see, so I just got on with it.”

By the time she enrolled in college six years later, her condition was making it increasingly difficult for her to continue. But the turning point came one day while she was on the school run.

She said: “I was taking one child to school and the other to nursery and when I’d dropped them off, I couldn’t get home. On the walk home I couldn’t find the pavement

on the other side of the road. I knew I needed help. My sight was so de teriorated at that point that it was almost getting difficult to ignore what the problem was but I’d gone beyond medical intervention.”

In 2000 Megan was registered blind and was diagnosed with three different conditions – retinitis pig mentosa, ocular albinism and nys tagmus – and immediately approved for a guide dog.

She said: “Having a dog really changed my life. A journey that would have taken 15 minutes when I was younger would take an hour and 15 minutes with a white cane, but half that time with a dog. I struck up a real bond with my dogs.”

Now healed and not needing her guide dog, Megan described the mo ment she had to hand her back in.

“The day Wilma was to go back, I woke early and as I lay watching her

Between 2008 and 2011, he has worked with a new Christian denomination in the UK. During this time they have expanded from 299 to 449 local churches.

The fastest growing group of churches in Great Britain

It works! It’s God’s way for this time!

For Ministers and Church Leaders I would like a crusade with Melvin Banks I want a revival and to experience this miracle ministry in my fellowship I want Melvin Banks to come to my church this year.

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This is a serious, prayerful, earnest request Church name: ��������������������������������� Minister / Elder’s name: ������������������������ Address: ������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������� Postcode: ���������� Telephone: ��������������� Post this form to: Crusade Office, 44 Monks Way, Pewsham, Chippenham, Wilts, SN15 3TT, England or telephone: 01249

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NEW LIFE • Issue 209 NEW LIFE

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

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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.

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Issue 209 •

EXCLUSIVE: MUM REVEALS HOW HER SIGHT WAS MIRACULOUSLY RESTORED

I’ve handed my guide dog back ❛

The doctor looked at me like I was weird...

He couldn’t believe it

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

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

❜

Signs, Works of God, Healings, Wonders, Miracles!

The Bible way to rapidly evangelise Great Britain today.

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Many young people flock there.

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C

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

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NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

One Million Souls in 2011

where she got her sight back. Above, Megan while OUT OF DARKNESS... Megan Johnson outside the church Megan tells her story in church. Photo: Laura Murray Right, Jenny. friend and Wilma she was blind with guide dog

on the other side of the road. I knew I needed help. My sight was so deteriorated at that point that it was almost getting difficult to ignore what the problem was but I’d gone beyond medical intervention.”

In 2000 Megan was registered blind and was diagnosed with three different conditions – retinitis pigmentosa, ocular albinism and nystagmus – and immediately approved for a guide dog.

She said: “Having a dog really changed my life. A journey that would have taken 15 minutes when I was younger would take an hour and 15 minutes with a white cane, but half that time with a dog. I struck up a real bond with my dogs.”

Now healed and not needing her guide dog, Megan described the moment she had to hand her back in.

“The day Wilma was to go back, I woke early and as I lay watching her

asleep on the rug beside my bed, I asked God what I was going to do without my ‘forever friend’. The Holy Spirit answered saying, ‘But that’s me.’

“God has switched on a light for me. He has been there for me all my life. I can’t imagine not knowing him. Jesus is just as real to me as the people I meet.

“Getting my sight back hasn’t been easy – it’s turned my world upside down. The first day I went to Boots to get some anti-agi ng cream and went and got some new dresses! I couldn’t believe what I’d been wearing!”

Ophtha l molog ist Dr Matthew Hawker told New Life that there was no medical explanation for Megan’s miracle.

He said: “The combination of retinitis pigmentosa and ocular albinism will cause significant visual

problems which, as in Megan’s case, will often deteriorate with time.

Retinal damage is not treatable, and cannot be reversed.

“There is therefore no natural explanation for the vision to improve, especially to a degree where someone is no longer eligible to be registered blind.

“In addition, poor vision in childhood can cause the eyes to wobble (nystagmus) which indicates not only a problem with the eyes but also the brain, which controls eye movement and alignment.

“Megan’s description of the eyes now appearing straight suggests that her healing was not limited to her eyes, but involved the complex neurological mechanisms in the brain that move the eyes as well.”

Megan’s pastor Kevin Foster added: “That morning was a wonderful morning where God broke in.”

Between 2008 and 2011, he has worked with a new Christian denomination in the UK. During this time they have expanded from 299 to 449 local churches.

The fastest growing group of churches in Great Britain

It works! It’s God’s way for this time!

For Ministers and Church Leaders I would like a crusade with Melvin Banks I want a revival and to experience this miracle ministry in my fellowship I want Melvin Banks to come to my church this year.

Please send details

Contact Melvin - UK’s successful, fruitful evangelist. Pastors adore him!

No fee charged - he is on a retainer from Jesus Christ!

Ring the Office on 01249 655712 to book this mighty soul winner.

This is a serious, prayerful, earnest request Church name: ��������������������������������� Minister / Elder’s name: ������������������������ Address: ������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������� Postcode: ���������� Telephone: ��������������� Post this form to: Crusade Office, 44 Monks Way, Pewsham, Chippenham, Wilts, SN15 3TT, England or telephone: 01249

655712

Both large and small churches welcome to apply.

For Non-Ministers only I would like to receive regular (6 weekly) round the year news and reports from this exciting revival in Great Britain and to help as I can.

The greatest move among the British sinners in the UK in 2011. One Million Souls Crusade.

Name: ��������������������������������������� Address: ������������������������������������� �������������������� Postcode: ���������������

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Issue 209

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Issue 209 • NEW LIFE 9

COMEDY MAGICIAN ON CAREER PATH

i don’t trick anyone Unlock potential over why i love god LEADInG people to Jesus is no trick for christian magician Tom Elliott.

by Becky Barlow a very early age he got a taste of creatively sharing his faith th rough perform ing puppet shows in church. This then developed into learning the art of magic through a close friend.

He said: “The strength of my act is that it’s something different. It’s like a night out at the theatre and a night out with friends. But it’s really important that people know that there’s going to be something of the gospel there. They know that I’m a Christian communicator, but that doesn’t stop them from coming because they feel very relaxed.”

Now Tom is a member of Equity and is involved in the Christian Fellowship of Magicians. He was trained by magic guru Wayne Dobson, who performed in the Royal Variety Show in 1989.

Rev Roger Leigh, Missional Director of Cutting Edge Ministries, said: “If you want effective, relevant and meaningful entertainment that reaches all age groups with the gospel of Jesus Christ, then Tom Elliott is your man!”

The budding 21-year-old is encouraging other believers to engage in comedy and magic as a way of sharing their faith.

Tom, who is already in great demand performing in festivals, churches and clubs across the UK, believes his comedy magic shows are simply a bridge to presenting the gospel message.

He said: “It’s really important that we engage with creative com mu n icat ion . We’re su rrounded these days by so many things that can divert people’s attent ion, a nd we’ve got to match the quality of people around us because otherwise we don’t get respect from nonChristians.

“I use magic and comedy to build trust and a relationship with the people I’m communicating to so they trust me and start to know me. By the time I give them the message, they’re relaxed and willing to listen.”

Tom’s i n spi rat ion comes from the Gloucester Salvation Army, where he grew up. At

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

THAT’S MAGIC...

Tom Elliott

self was accused of being the “friend of sinners” by the religious leaders of his time, but that didn’t stop him challenging people to follow him – and many did.

Foodbanks see rise in needy in UK Star trekker!

FOODBANKS operated by churches in Britain have seen a sharp rise in the number of people turning to them for emergency handouts. Twenty-one new foodbanks have been set up so far this year, including one in Cov-

entry that has already fed over 800 people.

Tr ussel l Tr ust foodba n ks open for a minimum of three days a week, providing food to people in crisis. They are run by churches in partnership with

the local community, and all food handed out is donated by members of the public.

The organ isation says the number of people needing to be fed through the foodbanks could swell to half a million by 2015.

Puzzle corner.

Sudoku

Crossword Across 1. Molecules (9) 7. Spear (5) 8. Arithmetical operation (5) 9. Light fog (4) 10. Reply (6) 12. Ploy (6) 14. Matured (4) 17. Debate (5) 18. Tip over (5) 20. Study of the universe (9) © Krazydad.com

Solutions on the right

you may well be reading this newspaper thinking that you are quite sure there is no God. But that is just your belief. No scientist has proved or disproved the case of there being a God. Even Stephen Hawking has suggested in the past that a superior being may have created the universe – because he knows he can’t prove that creation simply happened.

When Alan Dickinson was messing around and picking the padlock of the gates of his local church, he had no idea that one day he’d be behind the doors of a church preaching about faith in God and his son, Jesus Christ.

But, eventually, God unlocked that potential and Alan’t heart opened up to the promises God made about our sins being forgiven because of the sacrifice made by Jesus.

If you are wondering about life and you aren’t really sure about your future, you can pray and invite Jesus to make himself real in your heart, just like Chris and Ann Hall did – see page 2.

This newspaper has that information to help you on page 6 and page 10. And then you’ll discover that God does have the key to your heart.

What a miracle!

SayS...

Tom Elliott says his shows are like a night out with friends – with the gospel thrown in for good measure.

And Tom isn’t the first to use this approach. Jesus him-

COMMENT

Down 1. Buddy (3) 2. Parts of a ladder (5) 3. Mountain goat (4) 4. Dirge (6) 5. Tendon (5) 6. Made certain (7) 9. Tycoon (7) 11. Turn aside (6) 13. Molten rock (5) 15. Zest (5) 16. Japanese wrestler (4) 19. Plaything (3)

A PASTOR who took part in a sponsored trek up Mount Everest has raised more than £20,000 for mission projects in Nepal.

Barry Killick, of Rugby Elim Church, was part of a group of seven who took on the challenge.

GoD promises to confirm the preaching of the Bible through miracles.

And that’s just what happened when Megan Johnson discovered that she was no longer blind – right in the middle of a church service Megan was flabbergasted to be able to see. She had always believed God could heal, but it was still earth-shattering to discover she was able to see again. With God, miracles can – and do – happen!

BIBLE QUOTE OF THE MONTH “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” 1 Corinthians 13:13 Editor: Peter Wreford Advertising: Barry Wilson

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

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

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ALTRINCHAM The Upper Room Christian Fellowship, The Downs.

Sunday services 10.45am and 6.30pm.

Enquiries: 0161 282 6676.

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BURY ST E D MU N D S , Su ffo lk.

The Christian Resource Centre (a Pentecostal church). Oakes Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 6PX. www. crcministries.co.uk 01284 761000.

Service times: Sunday 10.30am and 6.30pm. All the family will be made (EQ05) very welcome.

CANTERBURY Trinity Community Church. Meetings Sundays 10.45am at St Stephen’s Junior School, Hales Place, Canterbury. Tel: 01227 459 785.

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

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

(AB25) LEICESTER Apostolic Church New Life Centre, Sanvey Lane, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8NF. Main services: Sunday 10.30am worship, Bible ministry and Communion. Wednesday 8pm Bible study and prayer. Pastor Richard Forman telephone 0116 275 2582 everyone welcome.

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Mum’s the Word for Kaka...

K A K A’ s m u m h a s dropped a hint the star may be moving to Chelsea – but not just for football. Simone Leite, the Real Madrid and

Brazil star’s mum, said on Twitter: “Next season we will be in London spreading the Word of God.” The comment was later taken down!

Alan prays for Comfort for Orient A FOOTBALL chaplain is praying for God to keep his team’s success this coming season.

Rev Alan Comfort, chaplain for League One Leyton Orient,

is a lifelong supporter of the club. He said: “When we pray, we pray for things we wish for, not always for the things which are right to pray for. I

Issue 209 •

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

11

Romesh Kaluwitharana

do pray before games and for the players to play as well as they can. I pray that Orient do well, and I hope other fans do as well.”

AMERICAN FOOTBALLER GETS INTO PULPIT

canny devito!

New York Jets star mulling career move

MIKE STAND...

New York Jets star won’t be moved on his Christian faith

AMERICAN footballer Mike DeVito temporarily swapped the pitch for the pulpit recently.

The New York Jets defensive linesman gave his first sermon at a church filled with congregants looking for spiritual guidance.

A devout Christian who is considering a post-football career as a youth minister or pastor, 26-yearold DeVito was part-teacher and part-preacher as he spoke about the meaning of faith for about 20 minutes at Relevant Christian Church — complete with a PowerPoint presentation.

He also threw in a few jokes that drew a roomful of chuckles, and several of his points were met with an approving ‘Amen!’ or ‘You’re right!’

example “I feel that with this platform God has given me, it has allowed me to meet people, reach out to kids and be in situations where football facilitates it, but it allows me to talk about God,” DeVito said.

“I love talking to the youth and trying to set the right example because if you ca n set a good foundation right from the start, it’s going to help them avoid so many problems down the line.”

DeVito is a friendly guy with the media, a quiet and easygoing presence in a Jets locker room filled with players who speak their minds, just like their coach.

“But when it comes to his faith in God, if you come and talk to him about that, he’s a totally different person,” said Jets tight end Matthew Mulligan, who has been best friends with DeVito since their days together at the University of Maine.

“In college, he would never be able to get up and talk in front of people.

Hit for six over faith

RETIRED Sri Lankan cricketer Romesh Kaluwitharana has revealed that his relationship with God is more important than professional success.

The w icket 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 because I know whatever happens is God’s will.

“My wife is a committed believer who has been a great encouragement in my Christ ia n l i fe. We go to chu rch regularly and read the Bible as a family.

“I may fail in cricket but I know that I am not a failure in God’s eyes and I am still confident that God is the source of my strength.

“My goal in life is for me to be a better Christian than what I am now, to get to know God better and to be an influence and witness to other people.”

Since his retirement, Kaluwitharana, now 40, has become involved in charity work in Sri Lanka.

Churches in Games plan It’s just been a big transformation that I’ve been able to see.”

DeVito h a s bee n prepa r i ng for the season with former Jets strength coach Sal Alosi, who resigned a few weeks after he was suspended for tripping a Miami Dolphins player during a game.

That stuff doesn’t matter to DeVito now.

“Everybody makes mistakes and it’s not like because of what hap-

pened, he automatically became a bad strength coach,” he said.

“I wanted to go with someone I trusted and who knew how to train NFL players.

better “He has me on the programme I’ve been going through for five years now, and I keep getting better and better.” And that’s exactly what DeVito is aiming for outside

the weight room and far from the football field. After all, he says, the Bible is the most important playbook he’ll ever study.

“As much as I do want to get back to football and back to work, I’m not going to let this time go to waste,” DeVito said.

“I’m just trying to see what path God has for me, and what better time than now? I won’t take this for granted.”

Olympic effort during mission outreach A PREACHER is hoping to give sports fan the ultimate medal this month – by leading them to Jesus.

Roger Murphy, of Through Faith Missions (TFM), is leading a mission in Stratford, London, from July 7–10.

The open-air event is being billed as a forerunner to the London 2012 Olympic Games. Roger (pictured right) said: “Live music, choirs, street entertainment and

prayer ministry will all be on offer. That’s because we use creative ways to communicate with people in our area to enable them to come to know Jesus.

benefit “The mission involves 18 Stratford churches from a range of denominations.

We benefit from the experience gained in a similar mission last year themed around

the World Cup called The Ultimate Goal.

This year serves as a forerunner to the Olympics mission in 2012 as we will be creating many open air events which we propose to repeat next year.”

Last year, more than 200 people filled in response cards indicating they had made a commitment of faith, a re-commitment or received prayer ministry, and these results encourage organisers.

● Continued from Back Page screens during the Games to equal or even exceed the estimated 500 put up in churches around the UK last year to screen the World Cup. “As a result, we will be seeing thousands of churches expressing their faith through service to their neighbours in ways that break down community barriers, generate trust and enrich relationships,” he said.

He also outlined plans for churches to host the families of athletes, particularly those who would otherwise not be able to afford to attend the Games.

It has become a tradition for churches to reach out during the Olympics.

challenge At the Atlanta Games, churches gave out over three million cups of cold water to visitors on the streets, while in Sydney, churches organised over 100 sports clinics for disadvantaged young people.

Lord Mawhinney said the baton had now been passed to UK churches to serve the 15,000 athletes and 500,000 spectators coming to the Capital for the Games.

“I have no doubt that they will seize the moment and rise to the challenge,” he said.

LEGEND IS HIT FOR SIX OVER FAITH HOOPS STAR’S PRAYERS BEING ANSWERED Churches’ big plans for Games

NEW YORK JETS STAR’S READY FOR TAKE-OFF

NEW LIFE

SEE PAGE 11

SPORT

SEE PAGE 11

making a point!

GREAT SCOT...

Emilio Izaguirre has made it clear that he is a Christian

CHURCHES in London hope to make the 2012 Olympic Games the most evangelised sporting event Britain has ever seen.

David Wilson, chief executive of More than Gold, the umbrella group for outreach during the Games, has co-ordinated church ministry at sporting events in Sydney, Athens, Beijing and Vancouver.

He said there were more churches and agencies getting behind the London Olympics than with any other Olympic Games previously.

Chairman of More than Gold, Lord Brian Mawhinney, also expressed his excitement.

“This reveals an important legacy that will come as a result of the Games, a legacy of greater levels of co-operation and mutual respect as they work together in our villages, towns and cities,” he said.

“It has even been suggested to me that More Than Gold could well turn out to be the largest venture of inter-church co-operation the United Kingdom has ever seen.”

He said next year’s Olympics presented churches in the UK with an opportunity to “enrich their communities and demonstrate an outstanding welcome to visitors from overseas”.

Lord Mawhinney said he expected the number of churches erecting big ● Continued on Page 11

SPEEDY Celtic full-back Emilio Izaguirre is putting his hope in God.

Ritual gets fans talking

The Honduran star is praying the club will reach the Champions League – and is certain a little help from above will help The Hoops succeed.

The new PFA Scotland Player of the Year has become an instant hit with the Parkhead faithful.

And his unusual pre-match ritual of pointing his two index fingers towards the sky and praying has become a key talking point.

The 24-year-old said: “I’m enjoying this. I have dreamed of being in a position like this, of finding myself in a team in such a strong position to challenge for the championship.

“Before games I point to heaven because I am a Christian. I pray

before I go on the pitch – and now I get asked to do this all the time.

They asked me to do it when I was posing with my [PFA] award.

“It’s something I’ve done since I was a child. I always give thanks to God for what I’m experiencing, whatever I’m going through.

“Now the fans have started doing it when I go up to the crowd to applaud them. They make the sign back to me. I’ve always been a Christian and go to church here with my family.”

Izaguirre appears to have found his spiritual home in the East End of Glasgow following his move from Honduran side Motagua last summer.

And while the offers will almost certainly roll in for him at

Local Local contact contact details: details:

the end of the current campaign, he sees no reason to uproot wife Virginia and two-year-old son Emilio Jnr. He said: “It is so important that my family is happy. I want to keep experiencing the kind of things that have happened during this great year and to keep improving. I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every match I’ve played for Celtic.”

Yet despite Izaguirre pledging his future to Celtic, fans fear it is only a matter of time before one of the big guns down south make the Parkhead club an offer.

As we went to press, it was rumoured Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson was keeping an eye on the devout Christian.

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