New Life January 2012 by New Life Publishing Co

NEW LIFE

JANUARY 2012 Issue 215

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GOOD NEWS STORIES

I wouldn’t let show be-Little my faith

SEE PAGE 5

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Ex-Triad becomes a church minister!

SEE CENTRE PAGES

MIRACLE AFTER PRAYER SHOCKS DOCS Pastor tops

back on my fEET

poll as most inspirational

Woman told she’d never walk again by James Hastings

A WOMAN who was confined to a wheelchair due to a collection of sicknesses is miraculously walking after receiving prayer at her local church. Jackie Dibley no longer needs a carer and is off disability benefits after being declared fit and well by her astonished doctor. Jackie, of Newbury, suffered from fibromyalgia, she had to wear dark glasses because of an eye condition and had a large lump on the back of her neck.

INSPIRING... Pastor Agu Irukwu BRITS say the leader of one of London’s biggest churches is more inspirational than Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali and Leona Lewis. Pastor Agu Irukwu, who leads the huge Jesus House Church in Brent Cross, topped the Most Inspirational Black Person poll, carried out by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s office in conjunction with the Metro newspaper. Rev Irukwu, a former investment banker who became senior pastor at Jesus House in 1994, said he was surprised and delighted to have topped the poll.

weak

Her legs were so weak that she could barely walk and would use either a wheelchair or walking sticks to get around. Carers visited her house each day to get her out of bed and dressed, and ● Continued on Page 3

humbled

STANDING TALL... Jackie Dibley was told she’d never walk again. Left, Jackie in her old wheelchair

He added: “I am deeply humbled to hear that I have been voted the most inspirational personality by so many people. “In no way do I consider myself to be a hero. “I believe that those votes were not for me personally, but were an acknowledgment of the values of Jesus Christ which I stand for, strive to live by and teach. “Jesus is our ultimate hero and role model, and my passion is to encourage others as well as myself to live as he would want us to.”

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Issue 215

Event draws in hundreds A SMALL church with just 15 members put on a three-day event – and 500 people showed up. Faithful attendees of Sharon Full Gospel Church in Pontypool, South Wales, held the God in the Park event on a 150-acre site in the town. Special guest evangelist Roz Day preached and eight people decided to become Christians. Pastor Matthew Bartlett said: “From the moment the praise and preaching began, everyone knew that God’s hand was on this event and that it would exceed all expectations.”

£1.6m bid to help poorest

THE diocese of Westminster has pumped a huge £1.6m into helping some of London’s poorest people over the last four years. Those who have benefited from the Diocese’s St John Southworth Fund include children whose parents su ffer from H I V, d isabled you n gste rs a nd t he home less . Projects tackling knife crime, youth nuisance and poverty have also received aid.

Call to pray for schools

A CHRISTIAN charity is rallying believers across Britain to pray for the nation’s education system. Joanne Appleton, co-ordinator of Pray for Schools, issued the call to Christians. She said: “The vision is to see every UK school become a prayedfor school.”

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Members of Uttoxeter Pentecostal Church took to the catwalk to raise funds for Halfrida House, a women’s refuge run by the church. The fashion

show night was organised with the collaboration of M&Co, the main sponsor who supplied the clothes for the models.

i harmed myself, but then I found my faith Visit to church changed woman’s life

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A MUM-of-three who self harmed as a child has revealed how hearing that Jesus died on the cross stopped her from ever doing it again. Pau la Jones, from Leigh, Lancashire, had been cutting herself for ten years when she went to church and heard the gospel. She said: “I knew that I never needed to hurt myself again because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross. “When I die I will go to heaven to be with my God and it’s because of Jesus shedding his blood on the cross and bearing mine and everybody else’s sins.” P a u l a ’s c h i l d h o o d w a s scarred with emotional abuse and violence. “I grew up with feelings of anger, sadness and hate,” she remembered. “I used to wonder why I was here and what the point of it all was. My life was a mess, a wreck. I didn’t care for anyone and no one cared for me. As far as I was concerned I was

Paula Jones. Right, at the age of 15 when she was still self-harming

a horrible, dirty person – the scum of the earth.” At the age of 16 a boyfriend whose family were Christians took Paula to church and her life was never to be the same. “I heard words li ke love, hope, peace, Jesus, cross, Bible, salvation and repent. But there was one sentence that wouldn’t go away – ‘Paula Jones, Jesus loves you. No matter what, he loves you – just as you are.’

CRYING “I started shaking and crying. It was there that I met my Creator, my true father in heaven. “Jesus picked me up from that dark place I was in and covered me with his unconditional love. I felt it – my father in

heaven was holding me so tight. Because of my deep emotional hurt, my salvation could only be radical. “It could be nothing else than a miracle from the Almighty God to heal me. “I realised that there was a God and I asked him to love me, to help me, to stay with me and to make me clean. Then I was healed of every single pain, emotion and past hurt.” And 25 years later, Paula, now 41, says becoming a Christian is the best decision she ever made. “I felt grateful for my life. I went from darkness to light and from death to life. I couldn’t live without Jesus. God took my life and made something beautiful.”

Bible translated for the natives of Cornwall CORNISH speakers can now read the complete Bible – An Beybel Sans – in their mother tongue. Prof Nicholas Williams translated the

New Testament into Cornish and then spent a further six years to translate all the books of the Old Testament.

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STAR LISTENED TO WORSHIP SONG ON iPOD I’m so glad NEW LIFE

i had hearing aid on x factor final THE X Factor star Rhydian Roberts put God on his iPod – and went on to hit the big time.

The Welsh singer calmly tuned in to a worship song as he waited off set to hear if he was going through to the finals. Despite t he pressu re of hav i ng a T V ca me ra in his face, Rhydian, 28, says he cared more about God’s decision than Dannii Minogue’s verdict on his performance. “I just thought, ‘It’s no big deal; I’m getting judged by a mere mortal. It doesn’t matter,’” he said. “I said to God, ‘You love me; that’s all that matters. That means more to me than anything else. I don’t want to do this if it isn’t your will.’”

praise Rhydian says he and the other competitors were told to wait in a corridor and listen to their iPods so they could not hear the reaction of the person who went to meet the judge. “I had a praise section on my iPod and thought I’d listen to that,” he added. “So I just sat there having this time of prayer – you can watch me on the replays when I was called and Dannii said, ‘You’re through to the next round.’” Since his X Factor success in 2007,

i have a laugh at my faith TV comedian Milton Jones says going to church makes him laugh. The Mock The Week star has written a new book called 10 Second Sermons. Milton, a dedicated Christian, unleashes a rapid-fire string of gags and observations about God, the universe and reading the Bible. He describes Christianity as being like a Cornish pasty. “There’s something in it, but sometimes it’s difficult to find out what it is. “If you don’t go to church you may be thinking to yourself, ‘What am I doing here?’ Although, if you go to church regularly you may well be t h i n k i ng much t he sa me thing!”

by James Hastings

Rhydian has clocked up huge record sales, enjoyed sell-out concerts including one at the Albert Hall, and has starred in a number of West End roles. He has recently set up a charity helping children in Africa. But whatever he does on any stage across the world, the classically trained singer has one simple rule – Jesus always comes first. He added: “What I notice is that when you really connect and give everything to God, it is then that he answers your prayers. He really does, because I have felt a huge amount of joy. “I feel blessed when I consider what he has given me. Jesus is my hero. I want to be like him. Before I became a Christian I wanted to rip people’s heads off. I would even say, ‘I hate that person.’ But I don’t say that any more. “My faith makes me act d i fferently. I love them instead. But I’ve realised that I’m never going to be perfect. As humans we all fall short. “But wh at ’s a mazi ng about Jesus is that he was a human who was perfect. He served others. “He was compassionate and humble. He could talk to everybody. I’d like to be like that.”

to be back on my feet

● Continued from Page 1 medics had told her that the condition would only get worse. But her fortunes were to change last summer when she attended her church, Kennet Christian Centre, and the preacher bega n to spea k about healing. She went forward for prayer, asking the church leaders to pray for her chesty cough. But a few minutes later she was walking up and down the aisle, laugh i ng and sm i li ng with her dark glasses in her pocket. She was free from all pain and the lump in her neck had miraculously vanished. Thanking God, Jackie threw her sticks to the floor and pushed her wheelchair out of the door. She said: “I’m not surprised when I go to the shops or walk down the street and get funny looks from neighbours and friends. “They were so used to seeing me in my chair, all wrapped up, my dark glasses blocking out the sunlight and always looking sick. “I went forward that night, hoping God might heal my bad cough. Instead, he gave me a whole new body.” The morning after the healing, Jackie’s carer was astonished when she called round as usual. Jackie told the whole story of how Jesus had healed her, before making the carer a cup of tea and announcing she would not require her any more. The next day, she went to see her doctor at the local surgery who knew Jackie’s full medical history. Jackie said: “When my doctor saw how I could walk straight without any sticks, and that I didn’t have my dark glasses or wheelchair, she was speechless.

fit

TUNED IN... Rhydian Roberts who found solace in worship music during the X Factor final he took part in

HAVING FUN... Milton Jones loves to go to church

Happy go churchy! THOSE who attend church are more likely to have a positive outlook on life and a lower risk of having depression, a new study has found. People attending services regularly are 56 per cent more likely to have an optimistic view of life and 27 per cent less likely to have depression than those who don’t, a study by Yeshiva University in Manhattan suggests. Published in the current issue of the Journal of Rel ig ion a nd Hea lth,

the Women’s Health Initiative observational study is based on a survey of 92,539 post-menopausal women from diverse backgrounds and over the age of 50. The group was chosen as women generally live longer than men, and seniors are a growing group. “We looked at the religious practices of nearly 100,000 women and found a strong con nection between going to church to worsh ip a nd a posit ive outlook on life,” Medical News Today said.

Moses movie plan MOV I E d i r ec tor Steve n Spielberg is in talks to direct a new movie focusing on the life of Moses. The legendary filmmaker has opened negotiations with Warner Bros. The script, written by Michael Green a nd St uart Hazeldine, charts the prophet’s life from birth

to death and focuses on his quest to free the Jewish people from the oppression of Egypt. It includes the key moments of his mission, including the parting of the Red Sea to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land and the receiving of the Ten Commandments.

“It was clear she couldn’t process what she was seeing. I asked her if she wanted a glass of water and she smiled and said, ‘I think I need something stronger.’” Jackie asked her GP to write a letter to the social security office, explaining that this once very sick, wheelchair-bound woman was now well and fit for work. The doctor described how Jackie had “previously suffered from multiple medical conditions and had extremely poor mobility, mainly using two sticks or a wheelchair for assistance.” She continued: “I can therefore confirm that I consider Jackie Dibley to be fit for work and no longer needs to be in receipt of disability living allowance.” Church pastor Ian Gardner remembers the night fondly. “Two of our regulars, Enid and Mark, prayed for her [Jackie], as well as another man called Simon. As they prayed she kept sinking down into her chair and they kept trying to hold her up so she didn’t slip on the floor,” he said. “‘Suddenly she stood up and said, ‘I can move, there’s no pain, there’s no pain going down my leg!’ She stood up completely straight!”

NEW LIFE SIR Cliff Richard has told of his ambition to be like Jesus. Speaking on Premier Christian Radio, the music legend said: “I keep saying to people that I will never be perfect. All we can ever do is see perfection in a character called Jesus and say, ‘If only I can be like that.’”

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SPONSOR PLAN... Becky Murray of One By One

Project plan for orphans HUMANITARIAN organisation One By One has launched a child sponsorship project. Based in Rotherham, the charity is building an orphanage in Kenya and encouraging donors to give £18 per month to feed, clothe and educate poor children.

bleak Fou nde r Bec k y Mu r ray sa id: “Some of these children have HIV, and without your help the future is bleak.” Visit www.onebyone.net for more information about the project.

$100 gift for worshippers WORSHIPPERS were shocked to receive $100 from their church. Envelopes containing the cash (about £64) were handed out to more than 80 families and individuals at The Vine Wesleyan Church in Depew, Buffalo. The gift was accompanied by a letter from the pastor, Christopher Ba ldw i n, tel l i ng recipients that the money could help them meet a need in their lives or in the lives of others.

Group in bid to give food BARNABAS Fund has launched an appeal to send food aid to Christians struggling in areas affected by natural disasters and persecution. The funds raised will be shared among Christians in the Horn of Africa, South-East Asia and the Middle East and Arab world. More tha n 13 m i l l ion people across Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti and Uganda have been affected by the worst drought to hit the region in 60 years.

Greek boom for churches

GREEKS are turning to God in their financial crisis. A report by CBN news says that churches are growing as people look to the Lord for answers to their economic troubles. One Greek worshipper said: “It is human nature to forget God in good times and to remember him in hard times. I think the Church can offer a lot in the midst of the crisis.”

Poverty prayer A PRAYER week is being called by Tearfund from February 26 until March 4. The aid organisation is encouraging Christians worldwide to reflect, act and pray against global poverty.

EACH MONTH NEW LIFE ASKS A CHRISTIAN LEADER TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE NEWS

There is only one step to heaven... do you know it? How do you get to heaven? Bible scholar R.T. Kendall explains If you were to stand before God – which you will – and he were to ask you: “Why should I let you into my heaven?” What would your answer be? What would you say? Suppose it were for real, and you knew that if you did not come up with the right answer you would have to go somewhere else where you don’t want to go… what would you say? You m ay be su r pr i sed t h at heaven is a free gift. But that is the only way it could be. This is because if it were offered to us on the basis of merit, the standard is so high that nobody would ever be allowed entrance. God requires sinless perfection for entrance into heaven – perfection of mind, tongue and body 60 seconds a minute, 60 minutes an hour, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A re you perfect? Would you qua l i fy to enter heaven i f the requirement were your own sinlessness? To qualify for heaven you must admit that you are a sinner. This does not mean you are an Adolf Hitler or a Saddam Hussein. We all sin. Our thoughts are so often sinful. Lust is a sin. Telling a lie is a sin. Not forgiving another person is a sin. The truth is, we all sin. Th is is why G od sent Jesus Christ into the world. You need to know who Jesus was – and is. Jesus was – and is – God. He lived without ever sinning – in thought,

❛ To qualify, you must admit that you are a sinner❜ word and deed – for the whole of his life. Indeed, although he was tempted just like we are he did not ever sin. On the third day after he died, Jesus was raised from the dead. Jesus is the only person to be raised from the dead who is still alive. His resurrection is proof that each of us will be raised the same person – not another person or animal in a future life as some teach. As long as you are relying upon your good works to get you into

heaven, you are still as lost as ever. I’m sorry, but I do you no favour not to tell you that. Even if you are basically a good person, have been baptised, joined a church, brought up in a Christian home, have given millions to charity or have done your very best to impress God, you are not saved. I’m sorry, but that is the way it is. But once you have accepted two facts: (1) you cannot save yourself by good works and (2) only Jesus Christ can save you, you are ready

ASK THE VICAR Does hell really exist? The Bible continually warns of a place called hell. There are over 162 references in the New Testament alone and over 70 of these were uttered by Jesus. In Luke chapter 16, Jesus gives a frightening picture of hell including a man being tormented in the flames and crying out. Yes, hell exists and hopefully even the idea of it should be enough to motivate us into turning to Jesus and ensuring our place in heaven! I read an article in New Life and I said the prayer you suggest to ask Jesus into my life. What should I do now? Read a chapter or two from your Bible (it might be

to move to the next stage: to accept the gift. A gift may be accepted or rejected. It is not yours until you accept it. I used to say to people in the streets of Westminster: “You may go to Victoria station and believe that the train on track eight is going to Brighton, but it will not take you to Brighton unless you get on it.” So too with the gift of God which is eternal life – you must accept the gift.

YOUR FAITH QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Is there really a place called hell?

a good idea to start with Mark’s Gospel) every day so that you can learn more about God, all he has done for you and his plan for your life. Spend time in prayer – which is simply talking to God. Find a great church where you can mix with others who are on the same journey. My dad was never there for me and now I struggle to accept God as a heavenly Father – what can I do?

If your earthly father was absent then it’s no surprise that you struggle in your relationship with God. But he is so different – he is loving, righteous, just and holy, and he showed us how deeply he loved us because he sent his one and only Son, Jesus, into the world to take away our sins. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God, so my encouragement to you would be to immerse yourself in the Bible and find out for yourself how good God is and how much he loves you.

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Issue 215

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

COMIC REVEALS WHY HE TURNED DOWN TV ROLE Trafficking

I couldn’t be-Little my devout faith! COMIC Syd Little has revealed he turned down a chance to appear in hit Channel 4 series Extras because he didn’t want to compromise his Christian faith. Syd, who shot to fame in the 1970s as one half of funny duo Little and Large, received a call from Ricky Gervais asking him to appear as himself in the show. “I knocked back Ricky because it wasn’t fitting,” he explained. “He wanted me to say that I was a racist and hate people and swear. I told him that I was a Christian and that I couldn’t do that or say those words. “My mates were saying that it would revive my career but I said, ‘No it won’t – it’ll kill me.’ People still remember Little and Large as being innocent back in the 70s. To see Syd Little blaspheming wouldn’t work.” Syd, who celebrates his 50th year in show business this year, became a Christian when he was at the top of his game, and he has

always stayed true to his beliefs since then. “I’ve never been compromised by other comedians,” he said. “I think that people like Little and Large had the best times. We turned professional in 1963 when the Beatles were out and everything was changing. “Then in the 80s everything started to change again with punk music. That changed comedy as well – you got what was called alternative comedy. Then it got very rude and people started swearing, which was unheard of in our day. Blue comics became the norm. Comedy changed forever.” It was through other Christian big names that Syd rediscovered his faith. “I’d always gone to Sunday school as a child, but it was in the 70s when I really became a Christian,” he said. “It was just that I felt I needed something else in my life, and these people kept popping up who were Christians. Cliff Richard was the first – he just had this inner calm and I discovered it was because he was a Christian. So I wanted to know more. I got

invited to a local church in Torquay and recommitted my life to God, and it’s just gone from strength to strength.” Syd, 68, is no stranger to tragedy. His son, Paul, died in 1995 due to a drugs overdose but Syd’s faith never wawa vered. “My faith is the only thing that has carried me through, and it’s still helping me now. .I feel that everyone should have something to believe in. Just to know that there is a Lord and a God and something better than what we have right now is a great relief.” Syd now speaks in churches around the country, telling people about his faith. He said: “I’m not a Bible-basher. I don’t go out there and say, ‘You must go to church.’ I just tell people how my Christian faith has pulled me through life. Jesus wants you to be happy.”

NO EXTRAS... Syd Little turned down a role in the TV comedy show when Ricky Gervais, below, rang him with the offer

victims get firm’s help A MUM has set up an online jewellery shop to help raise funds for children affected by sex trafficking. Carol Shipley, 29, runs Jewels for Freedom with her husband, Jean Paul. All profits go to the Children on the Edge charity, which works with abuse victims in Thailand. Mum-of-two Carol said: “Each year thousands of young girls are recruited to work in the sex industry in Thailand. Our purpose is to raise money to give a safe life to children who are vulnerable to trafficking. By supporting the work in Thailand, the children being protected are able to attend church with their teachers on Sundays.” Find out more by visiting www. jewelsforfreedom.com

Charity’s joy at milestone A CHRISTIAN charity that helps children prepare for the future has reached every primary and secondary school child in its 14-year history. Berwickshire Christian Youth Trust (BCYT) celebrated with a special service of thanksgiving. Trust chairman, Bob Higham, said: “Through two members of staff plus volunteers, BCYT works with other organisations to prepare young people for further education, employment and indeed for life itself.”

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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).

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

C Commit yourself to living God’s way

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

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CHURCH PASTOR REVEALS HOW HE LEFT BEHIND HIS OLD VIOLENT LIFESTYLE When Triad member Kim Goh came face to face with Jesus, he promised: “I’ll join your gang now. You will be my boss and I will serve you from now on.” Today Kim is a Methodist minister and spoke to reporter Becky Barlow

hroughouT centuries, churches have tried all sorts of methods to persuade people into the pews. But nothing quite beats Kim goh’s novel idea of attracting new worshippers when he first became a Christian some years ago. The ex-Triad gangster threatened to hurt his former criminal cronies so they would attend church – and while the aggressive style to evangelism worked, the minister asked him to adopt a different approach in future. Kim, now 62, said: “People need to realise that if Jesus can save and change someone like me then there’s hope for everyone – no matter what they’ve done. “The minister told me that I had such a great story to tell that I should share it with my Chinese community and bring them to church. “So I went to all of the Chinese resres taurant owners and takeaway people who I used to extort for money and told them that if they didn’t come to church on Sunday I would come back on the Monday and break their legs. “Sure enough, they all came to chu rch a nd the m i n ister was so happy. He said, ‘You’ve got the gift of evangelism. How did you get them to come?’ So I told him that I used to threaten them for money and now I’d threatened them to come to church. “He explained to me that wasn’t the Christian way and that they had free choice. Now I understand that it’s by grace that people come to know Jesus.”

VIOLENCE Kim’s naive tactics would make the sternest of churchgoers furious, but his strategy is perhaps better understood when you delve into his hellish lifestyle that saw him spend 37 years engulfed in violence, drugs and crime. Growing up in Singapore, K im soon immersed himself in the ChiChi nese gang culture as a teenager. He quickly developed a taste for drink, drugs and women which he funded through complex fraud and deception that led to him travelling the world, always trying to keep one step ahead of the law. “I travelled all over America and finally landed in LA,” he said. “I eventually got a job in sales and quickly got promoted and a chance to go to Hawaii. It was great fun in Hawaii but I soon got into debt problems. “I conned somebody and thought that the law was after me so one evening I threw a dart at the world map and it landed in Paris. So the next day I went to Paris and started another journey around Europe conning people and chasing people with machetes. “Again I was always one step ahead

VIOLENT LIFE... being part of the Triads means living in danger, as depicted in the 2002 movie Infernal Affairs. Above, Kim Goh left the gangs to become a church minister

in m I’ w o n t u b d ia r T a s I wa r te is in m a d n a . .. g n a g Jesus’ of the law. I got fed up of it and came to England and went into the Triads, going around the country carrying out extortion – selling foodstuffs to Chinese restaurants. Because we were operating under the pretence of selling a product, we got away with it. “I was drinking all of the time, fighting and running around London, chasing people with ice picks around Piccadilly Circus. My means of transport was the See London Tour bus.

’d go around fighting wherever I was. One time at the Hilton Hotel I bit off chunks of the drinking glasses when they wouldn’t serve me – I had no fear.” But eventually Kim’s lifestyle of crime caught up with him and in August 1985 he was arrested and was faced with 257 separate charges in-

cluding grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, carrying an offensive weapon and fraud and deception, among many others. He was sent on remand to a prison in Hull where he quickly found out that if you said you were a Christian you were allowed more privileges. He said: “I hated being in the cell so I asked other prisoners how to get out. They said that if you offered to clean the showers you get two hours so I did that.

POSH “Then I found out that if you were a Christian you got an hour out of your cell on Sunday mornings so I asked for the form to fill in that said I was a Christian. “I didn’t know what RC or CoE stood for, but I went for CoE because

it sounded posh. On Sunday morning they took me to the chapel. When the people sat, I sat, and when they stood, I stood. At the end of the service they sang their last hymn. I really liked the music so at the end I asked the vicar for the details of the last song – it was Amazing Grace.”

ut after getting into an argument with the vicar over a book, Kim’s anger came to the surface. “I started cursing him and then his boss, the Bishop of Hull,” he re membered. “Then I thought he’s got a boss so I cursed the Archbishop of Canterbury, then I threw in the Pope for good measure. “Then I thought that all these people work for the Queen so the Royal Family got it as well. Then it dawned on me that all these people

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Issue 215

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

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

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VIOLENT LIFE... being part of the Triads means living in danger, as depicted in the 2002 movie Infernal Affairs. Above, Kim Goh left the gangs to become a church minister

in m I’ w o n t u b d ia r T a s I wa r te is in m a d n a . .. g n a g Jesus’ it sounded posh. On Sunday morning they took me to the chapel. When the people sat, I sat, and when they stood, I stood. At the end of the service they sang their last hymn. I really liked the music so at the end I asked the vicar for the details of the last song – it was Amazing Grace.” ut after getting into an argument with the vicar over a book, Kim’s anger came to the surface. “I started cursing him and then his boss, the Bishop of Hull,” he remembered. “Then I thought he’s got a boss so I cursed the Archbishop of Canterbury, then I threw in the Pope for good measure. “Then I thought that all these people work for the Queen so the Royal Family got it as well. Then it dawned on me that all these people

work for the big God – so I swore at him too.” What happened next frightened even a hardened criminal like Kim. He said: “I heard, ‘Kim why are you swearing at me?’ I looked around at all of the convicts in the shower room thinking that one of them must be a ventriloquist. I wanted to rearrange the person’s face.

TEARS “But they were all doing their own thing. I decided that I must be imagining it so I swore at God a second time to make sure. “And this time he just whacked me out and I was on my knees with tears streaming down my face.” Kim went on to have a personal encounter w ith Jesus Christ that changed his life. He said: “Joy was

in my heart and as these things happened, it was like I was watching a movie of my life and I saw all of the bad things that I’d done.

ll the fighting, the drinking, the time I’d played Russian roulette, the time I’d jumped out of a speeding car and not had a scratch on me and all the times that I’d hurt people. “Then God said, ‘I love you and I forgive you. Here I am. The choice is yours but don’t forget the consequences.’ “I just thought there’s no way I’m going to mess with something so powerful. So I told him, ‘I’ll join your gang now. You will be my boss and I will serve you from now on.’” His fellow prisoners who saw all of this happen called the prison of-

ficers and Kim was hauled off to see the governor. “My concept was that every white person was a Christian so I told him, ‘I’m one of you now. I’m on your side.’ That was my third day in prison and they put me in isolation for ten days. But I had a wonderful time talking to this new boss that I had – God. “I managed to get hold of a Bible after a few days so started reading it and talking to my new boss. He told me that I would be in prison for one year – I thought it would be a lot longer but he was my boss so what he said went.” Kim was sentenced to four years in prison which upon his second appeal was reduced to three. After 15 months he was released because of remission and good behaviour. He said: “I was released in 1986

and I was so excited about God. The Lord showed me about Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The first thing I did was to join a church and go to Bible study.” But the new Christian still had a lot to learn and after his faux pax with evangelism went to Bible College where he trained as a Methodist minister. He took on his first church in 1999 and is now in Liverpool. He said: “I’m so happy that I’ve found God. I lead the church and try to encourage people to realise that it’s not just the pastor’s job to tell people about Jesus, but we should all be doing it. It’s about putting the love of God into action. “There’s been a 180-degree turn in my life – it has been turned upside down but it’s fantastic. I can’t live without Jesus; without him I’m nothing.”

Issue 215

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NEW LIFE

Issue 214 • NEW LIFE 9

GRAMMY WINNER TELLS OF INSPIRATION

Top song celebrated my Yah Mo B-eliefs! JAMEs Ingram’s music has delighted fans across the generations. His big disco smash from 1983, Yah Mo B There, won a Grammy and was the most played song of that year. He explained that the song was a celebration of his faith: “I wanted to praise God by his Hebrew name, Yahweh, but shortened it to ‘Yah’ and wanted to use modern day language, Yah Mo B There. That way, I could get some of my belief in there.” Ten years later, he earned another Grammy for his Disney hit Somewhere Out There with Linda Rondstat, from the film, An American Tail.

rooted That was followed by the cha rm i ng The Day I Fa l l I n Love from Beethoven 2, which he recorded with Dolly Parton. And James still has had time to collaborate with the likes of Quincy Jones, Barry White and Carole Bayer Sager. While music has always been a big part of his life, the singer/ songwriter says his life is firmly rooted in his faith in Jesus. “The thing that separates me spiritually from a lot of the

by James Hastings

ON SONG... James Ingram

worldly attention is that I’ve known the light of God from the beginning of my career. “By having the light of God in me, the limelight is nothing more than lime to me – a light colour of green to help me take care of my family. When you have the light of God, the limelight is secondary.” One of six children himself, James is grateful h is father instilled a love of the Bible as much as church attendance – the family went three times a week. “My dad loved the Bible verse from the book of Hebrews 11:1, which reads, ‘Now faith is the substa nce of t h i ngs hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’ My father would get close and look me in the eye and say, ‘Son, have faith in God and confidence in yourself – there’s nothing you can’t do.’” Unlike other artists, James has had no trouble crossing over from so-called secular music to gospel or faith music. He is happy performing different types of music, although he loves gospel. “I’ve never been one to separate myself from secular music. It doesn’t matter what career you have. If you have a relation-

IT sounds a little fishy, but a Yorkshire vicar has given his blessing to a new chippy in his parish. Rev Derek Walmsley was invited to pray for Utley Fisheries nea r Bradford by new owners Ross and Sandra Tanner. Rev Derek prayed for their wellbeing. He said: “This is the first time I’ve done a blessing for a business

ship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, conversations are going to start and the light is going to present itself one way or another.” As he embarks on the latest stage of a career littered with

like this, and I’ve been a vicar for 20 years. But I believe God is interested in all aspects of life, so I’m very happy to come and get involved.” Mr Tanner, a Christian, added: “We are delighted that Derek and his team have agreed to bless our fish and chip shop. “We feel very blessed to have found the shop here.”

chart hits, awards and respect from his peers, James said his own favourite song was one he wrote called Don’t Let Go. “It is a song based on my father’s legacy of liv ing the Christian faith,” he added.

A CHURCH in Leigh dished out 2,500 bottles of water to mountain bike enthusiasts. Members from the Elim Pentecostal Church shared the Christian message with spectators at the bike racetrack in Hadleigh, which will be used as a venue for the Olympics. A church spokes-

Puzzle corner. Sudoku

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COMMENT

Large decision! WE applaud Syd Little’s stance when he turned down the chance to star in TV comedy hit Extras because the role was at odds with his faith. For many younger readers, they may not know who the comic is. Well, Syd acted as a straight man to Eddie Large and their show Little and Large was a hit in the 70s and 80s. Like many stars from another era, Syd could have taken the chance to relaunch his TV career by appearing on the show, written by Ricky Gervais. But the character Gervais wanted Syd to portray was too distant from the real man, and was directly opposite to his Christian faith. And instead of making a fast buck by throwing out his principles, Syd’s faith came first. Life is tough. And sometimes when a chance to make that life more comfortable comes along, anyone could be forgiven for taking it. But the decision was easy for Syd – he knew that to appear on Extras and deny his faith was a step too far. It may seem to some like a crazy decision, but when you have Jesus in your life, you don’t think like most people. Instead you have an inner peace, and that’s something no money can buy.

Pretty heroic...

It’s a reel blessing for chippy! Church makes a splash

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Down 1. Woodwind instrument (4) 2. Floor show (7) 3. Consumes (4) 4. Despot (6) 5. Assistance (3) 6. Precipitous (6) 11. one of three (7) 12. Perplex (6) 13. Gaped (6) 16. Flightless bird (4) 17. Metal money (4) 19. Disorderly crowd (3)

man said: “What a fantastic opportunity this was. Next year more than 20,000 people will be attending two days of racing at this same site. “Leig h E l i m is a l ready making plans to reach out to the many people that will be staying in the area for these events.”

PASToR Agu Irukwu says he is no hero. Voted the Most Inspirational Black Person in a recent poll, he decided to leave a life of investment banking and great riches because he realised there was more to life than money. Now his time is invested in spreading the gospel. He is right to say Jesus is the real hero, but we still think Pastor Irukwu’s pretty heroic too!

BIBLE QUOTE OF THE MONTH “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Editor: Peter Wreford Advertising: Barry Wilson

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Issue 215

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

Humanism and godlessness beset the nations; it will take the sacrifice of intercession to move upon the Lord to turn the tide of the looming disaster ‘Awesome, present-time testimonies of the power of intercession’

IntercessIon

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Your Power to

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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.

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

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BRISLINGTON CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Part of the Elim Pentecostal Churches. We meet every Sunday at 18:30pm, at The Community Centre, Hungerford Road, BS4 5EX. Contact Jim on 0117 986 2394. For more information about ourselves and Evidence Ministries see www.evidenceministries.co.uk (ET13)

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.

RETFORD Retford New Life Church Centre, 26-32 Bridgegate, Retford, Notts. Sunday Morning meeting 10.30am With Children’s church Sunday Evening 6.30pm. Everyone welcome. Contact 01777 711377. www.newliferetford.org.uk (CA36)

B U R Y S T ED MU N D S, Suffolk. The Christian Resource Centre (a Pentecostal church). Oakes Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 6PX. www. crcministries.co.uk 01284 761000. Service times: Sunday 10.30am and 6.30pm. All the family will be made (EQ05) very welcome.

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LEICESTER Narborough Road 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 19:00pm Bible study and prayer. Also 1st Sunday Of the month 18:00 Gospel Service: Pastor Richard Forman telephone 0116 275 2582 everyone welcome. (CW05) MAIDSTONE Welcome to Grace Community Church which meets at Grove Road, Mangravet (near Police HQ), Sundays 10.30am. Enquiries: 01622 664 940 (DP53)

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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 Visit: www.nlpc.co.uk (DL73) SHANKLIN Isle of Wight, Living Waters Fellowship, 29, Victoria Avenue.Sundays 2.30pm (Service). Thursdays 10.30am (Prayer) Celebration of Yearly Feasts [See Newsletter for current details]Enquiries & Monthly Newsletter (01983) 863683, livingwaters.iw@btinternet.com or livingwaters.iw@gmail.com (CA52) WESTHOUGHTON PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, Westhoughton, Bolton BL5 3EF Sunday Services 10.30am and 6.30pm More information: www. westhoughton.org Telephone: 01942 375433 (GF35)

Through this book of his personal experiences, revivalist and intercessor Michael Howard reveals the true nature of intercession and how we too can choose and learn how to become effective intercessors.

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Issue 214 •

I’ve forgiven Tyson, says Holyfield BOXING hero Evander Holyfield says he has forgiven Mike Tyson for biting his ear in the pair’s famous clash in 1997. Holyfield, who won four world titles, says the his-

toric bout made him a better person. “You get bit on the ear and people say, ‘You must still be mad; you must be angry.’ But I prayed straight after and God reminded me, ‘You

won, you had a good attitude and you made $35m and the whole world loves you and says you’re so respectful.’ Even Muslims were shocked that I, a Christian, forgave him. But that’s what life’s

FORGIVE.. Evander Holyfield

all about. If you don’t forgive you’re going to be angry or afraid your whole life. “If we meet again it’s no problem. Tyson’s son can play with my son – we move on.”

joel knows how to ward off the devil! PORTSMOUTH’S Joel Ward is a defender of the faith.

DEFENDER OF FAITH... Portsmouth’s Joel Ward

The strapping centre-half has become a Fratton Park favourite during his short stint on the south coast, but the 22-year-old isn’t taking any plaudits. Instead, he says God has given him the talent to play football. Joel, whose parents are ministers, said: “I went to church every week from a very early age and my faith has grown over the years to the point now where it’s a big part of my life. “My faith has shaped who I am now and what I stand for. It keeps me grounded in my career as a footballer, and my aim is to use the ability I have been given to glorify God.

thankful “I would be lying if I said that it’s been easy for me to be a Christian in the football world, but my teammates give me no problems in the dressing room and are understanding and accepting of my faith. “I have been so blessed and am so thankful for the progress I have been able to make in my career. “I definitely feel that I am fulfilling God’s plan and purpose for my life. “I am conscious that I am in an area of influence as a footballer in the world and the community, and try to be salt and light wherever I go, and to give something back in return.”

Tackling a new belief

● Continued from Back Page He started at Fulham before earning a big move to Tottenham and was called up to the England squad in the 2002-03 campaign, although he did not feature on the pitch. But the midfielder now has a bigger goal in life – telling others about his faith. Meanwhile, Davis’ manager Owen Coyle thanked God after the recent 5-0 thrashing of Stoke and revealed he went to church the night before the game to pray. “The local priest was brilliant and announced, ‘Let’s pray for the Wanderers,’ he said. “So I knew God was on our side.”

Star’s Bible preparation Hardman’s heart melted ENGLAND rugby winger Lesley Vainikolo has bagged the ultimate conversion – finding faith in Jesus Christ. The 17-stone Gloucester star, who originates from Tonga, says faith in God helps him prepare for big ga mes. “Mu m

and Dad brought us up to follow the right road,” he said. “I carry my Bible with me everywhere. My mother gave it to me for my 17th birthday. Before each game I read a few passages, bless my jersey and my team, and bless the other team.”

BULKY rugby league hardman Bill Ashurst has told how Jes u s me lted h i s heart. The retired Wigan player – who was sent off 19 times during a fiery career – changed his ways after he attended chu rch i n 1988. He said: “I couldn’t

stop crying. I was heartbroken and realised how much God loved me. My life has been completely changed. I have played at Wembley, I have three international caps but they are all memories. What Jesus did for me at the cross is for eternal life.”

Pulling no punches about faith ● From Back Page “God gives us one body in this life and we’ll get another at the resurrection. Until then, we should look

after the body we have. “I don’t believe in diets. Many people need a change of lifestyle, which means looking after yourself on a

daily basis, watching what you eat and how you live. “We need to look after our souls and our bodies. I have a phrase I tell

the kids that I work with and it’s good advice for anyone. “I say, ‘Step in da groove ‘n’ move.’”

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

Sporting chance SPORTS STARS SPEAK OF FAITH IN OUR BRILLIANT COLUMN

with Ted DiBiase Want to be a real man? Then follow the greatest man of all time – Jesus Christ, urges former wrestler, “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase in our new sports column THE Bible tells us that: “All have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God.” What does that mean? It means without God providing a way, there is no hope for mankind. God provided that way in the person of Jesus Christ. My life as a ‘real man’ began when I looked in the mirror and realised that, in spite of my success in the world, I was a total failure as a husband and father. I had no integrity and little character. When I admitted this to God and myself, humbled myself before God, confessed my sin, and asked Jesus to come into my life and change it, he did just that! And, my life has never been the same since. Now my life is centred, not on me and what I want, but on Jesus and my family, and what they want. While I watched many of my fellow wrestlers continue to gain fame and fortune, I also watched them begin to lose what really matters in life. I watched them sink into drugs and alcohol, lose their families, self respect, and some even lost their lives. Genuine repentance begins with humility. The Bible says: “Humble yourself before God, and he will lift you up.” When I took full responsibility for the choices I was making, confessed my guilt, and asked God to take the helm of my ship, my life changed forever. Do you want to become a real man? Then start by getting on your knees and asking God to forgive you. He will. Then allow him to begin to direct your path. I promise you, you will never regret it. In the world today, too many men evaluate their masculinity by how much beer they can drink, how much money they have, what kind of car they drive, thei r position on the corporate ladder and how many women they can bed. If this is you, I have two words for you – GROW UP! You want to be a real man? Then I encourage you to follow the example of the greatest man who ever lived and still lives today – Jesus Christ. ● Next month find out what footy star Bruce Dyer has to say about the similarities between faith and football.

JOEL KNOWS HOW TO WARD OFF THE DEVIL

SEE PAGE 11

NEW LIFE

SPORT

Wrestling star writes in a fab new column for New Life!

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TALKS ABOUT JESUS

I’m not pulling punches on faith BOBBI-JOE EDWARDS knows what it’s like to go the distance with one of the world’s toughest fighters.

The former England international boxer was the first man to take Joe Calzaghe the full eight rounds. And when it comes to his faith, Bobbi Joe is not one for throwing in the towel either. The Jamaicanborn light heavyweight says knowing Jesus has his corner means he can face up to any opponent. “I know the Lord and I am born again, but that doesn’t mean I’m perfect or will never have any problems,” he smiled. “Jesus is the best trainer I’ve ever had. He teaches me how to prepare for life’s challenges and he is always at my side like a good coach should be.” Bobbi-Joe was

born on Christmas Day 1957 in Jamaica. From the age of six, he was working on a market stall in a tough world where God had a central role. “Faith was important to most people, so you went to church and read your Bible,” he added. “But at some point in your teenage years, you have to make a commitment yourself. I did that and got baptised. I have always kept the Lord close to me ever since.”

SHOCK Bobbi-Joe moved to England when he was eight, which was a major culture shock. In Jamaica, he had only ever eaten ice with syrup and when he saw snow for the first time in Manchester, the youngster wondered if he could pick it up for lunch. Watching boxing on TV one day, he told an uncle that was what

he wanted to do and was soon a member of a leading club where he met trainer, Phil Martin. Bobbi-Joe had a sensational career fighting boxers such as Torsten May and Juan Carlos, before meeting Calzaghe. People used to say that when you fought Bobbi-Joe Edwards, you knew you had been in a fight. “Boxing is an art, it’s not about hurting your opponent,” he explained. “When both fighters have done their training and kept to their exercise regime, the result is a beautiful thing. It’s not about brutality or violence. That only happens when fighters are mis-matched or one guy isn’t fit.” Bobbi-Joe now runs a ladies’ gym in Stockport, Cheshire, where he provides group and personal training as well as help with healthy eating and living. ● Continued on Page 11

SEE PAGE 11

FOUND GOD... Sean Davis

BOXING CLEVER... Bobbi-Joe Edwards

Midfielder tackled by new belief BOLTON midfielder Sean Davis says God changed his life. The former Fulham and Portsmouth star says his old teammates would be shocked to learn of his new lifestyle. The 29-year-old, who has struggled to break into the first team this season, became a Christian after talking to his old friend at Portsmouth, Linvoy Primus. Sean said: “I never believed in God before I went to Portsmouth. I was dismissive of it but I’ve had my eyes opened to bigger and better things. I’m at the beginning of my path; I’m not where Linvoy is. I still lose my head at times and I’m a learner. “People at Fulham will be surprised hearing me talk about it. Before I might have felt embarrassed to say it, but why should I be embarrassed by something that has helped me? Everybody close to me has noticed a difference in me.” Davis’ career perhaps hasn’t lived up to early expectations. ● Continued on Page 11

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