New Life February 2012 by New Life Publishing Co

NEW LIFE

FEBRUARY 2012

Issue 216

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Upbringing gave good grounding in my life

GOOD NEWS STORIES

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Addiction almost finished my career

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Seized fake QUEEN & PM MAKE CALL FOR COUNTRY goods help homeless A CHRISTIAN charity in the UK is rebranding counterfeit designer clothes with its own logo and giving them out to homeless people. The charity, called His Church, has been so successful that 90 per cent of British Trading Standards authorities now hand over all the clothes they seize to them. And His Church has even received calls from America with jeans giant Tommy Hilfiger wanting its help to take counterfeit goods. R ichard Humph rey, the charity’s co-ordinator, told the BBC: “It’s fantastic to be able to give the homeless clothes of great quality as it also gives them a lot of hope and dignity.” Ann Jackson, senior officer from Norfolk Trading Standards, said the counterfeit market was a “thriving economy”, which “in the present economic climate will get worse”.

rebrand She added: “We’re very keen to make sure these goods are used in an appropriate way and we see this as a win-win situation for the good guys – ourselves and the charities that are receiving – and a no-win for those who are trying to sell these goods.” Mr Humphrey also explained how His Church collected 1,600 pairs of fake Tommy Hilfiger jeans after the company asked them for help. The jeans company, which has over 1,000 retail stores across four continents, told His Church that it believed it was the “world leader in rebranding counterfeit clothes”. His Church will now rebrand the jeans with their “His” logo and take them to homeless centres around Britain. The charity, which is based in Lincolnshire, gives out the clothes as “gifts”, rather than “hand-outs”. Amanda Ado, director of a homelessness group, said: “People who sleep rough rarely get anyth ing that’s brand new that feels like it’s been given specifically to them.”

Christian values must return to Britain ADDED VALUES... Prime Minister David Cameron and the Queen have both made calls about faith in the UK. Below, Pastor Agu Irukwu

BRITAIN should return to its Christian values, the Queen and the Prime Minister have said. The call comes as Christianity was declared the biggest religion on earth with 2.2 billion followers, while in London, Pastor Agu Irukwu was named the most influential black person in a national poll. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in her annual Christmas Day speech, delivered an awe-inspiring and heartfelt message highlighting her Christian beliefs. She said: “Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed. “God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a ● Continued on Page 3

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Issue 216

14k in return to churches

GIVING AN UNDERSTANDING... the Bishop of Selby, the Rt Rev Martin Wallace.

advice for kids is wheel good!

Pic courtesy of The Yorkshire Post

CONGR EGAT IONS i nc rea sed at more than 4,200 churches on Back to Church Sunday, detailed figures have revealed. The statistics showed that an average of 19 ext ra people per church attended services on September 25. “Overall, a whopping 14,000 extra people attended throughout the day, and since its launch in 2004, Back to Church Sunday has helped more than 230,000 people return to the pews. The Bishop of He r t ford, t he Rt Rev Paul Bayes, said: “Back to Church Sunday is a fantastic opportunity for growth. “We know that three million people in England say they’d come back to church if they had an invitation, and I encourage even more churches to register in 2012. “It’s a simple initiative that really does work.”

CHRISTIAN workers involved in Doncaster schools have been encouraged in their efforts to get children off the ‘hamster wheel’ of life by the Bishop of Selby. The Rt Rev Martin Wallace said: “Jesus has a purpose for you in this life and you are safe in his hands for eternity. And it means you can get off the hamster wheel because, if Jesus loves me, does it matter if half the world thinks I'm a nerd? “I want schools workers who will help children understand there are values and a purpose that is different from society around us.” Rev Wallace was addressing the annual dinner of the Doncaster Schools Work Trust, which helps 50 primary and secondary schools in the region. In a passionate and inspiring talk, the Bishop drew on his own experience as a truant teenager who was bottom of the class until his religious studies teacher sparked an interest in the subject. “So many youngsters grow up in an atmosphere of disillusionment, envy, greed, breakdown, anger and lack of direction, feeling excluded and thinking that evil is fun. But he [Jesus] is the one who turned me round. And I'm so glad he met me when I felt like that.”

Schools set to get Bibles

EVERY state school in England is to receive a new copy of the King James Bible from the government. The move, by education secretary Michael Gove, is to mark the 400th anniversary of the Bible, which was celebrated last year. Every primary and secondary school will be sent a new copy of the 1611 translation by Easter. Gove, who is proposing to write a two-line introduction for the Bibles, said of the translation: “It’s a thing of beauty, and it’s also an incredibly important historical artefact. “It has helped shape and define the English language and is one of the keystones of our shared culture. And it is a work that has had international significance.”

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i felT very revved up afTer Talk in prison Tough biker becomes church minister

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A HARDENED biker whose life revolved around crime, drink and drugs met his match when he found God. Colin Pownall, 61, had a stint in a maximum security prison following a life of crime and knew no fear. But after hearing a preacher talk about hell, he found himself praying for forgiveness. Today, Col i n is a Ch r ist ia n minister. He said: “The best decision I ever made had nothing to do with buying a Yamaha Dragstar or whether I should have bought a new Triumph, but it was when I decided to give my life to Jesus Christ. “The life he gave me back is one full of excitement, filled with love and being part of a big family from all over the world. God turned me around and he can do the same for you – just call out to him today.” Colin’s troubled life started when he was put into a children’s home when he was ten. “I guess that’s when I learned to hate, and this hatred controlled my life for 34 years, first against my family and then against anyone and everyone,” he said. “At 16 I bought my first motorbike and started hanging around with bike gangs. This gave me an outlet for my hatred, which was made worse

KICK START... Colin Pownall’s life changed after prison talk by alcohol and drug addiction. During this time I broke most of man’s laws and probably most of God’s laws too.” But after hitting rock bottom, which led to Colin spending time in a mental hospital, things began to look up when he went to church. “For the first time I heard someone talking about Jesus still being alive, and this fascinated me,” he said.

fear “The preac he r ta l ked of heaven and hell and I knew I was going to hell because of all the things I had done. I had no fear because in the hell I believed in everyone rode big bikes, the sun always shone, booze a nd d r ugs were free and best of all, there were no policemen. “I was looking forward to going to hell until this preacher

explained that in hell there is no love, no joy or peace. I realised that’s where I’d been living and that there was worse to come. I didn’t want to go to such a place. “At the end of the meeting the preacher asked for people to go to the front of the church if they wanted to receive Jesus as their Lord. There was only me who moved. “I said a little prayer: ‘Dear Lord Jesus please forgive me, please come i nto my hea rt as I give my life to you.’ The response from Jesus was immediate as I felt his love and began to cry. I knew Jesus had answered my prayer.” Colin’s drug and alcohol addiction vanished and he found a sudden ability to forgive others. He now travels preaching and is actively involved in the work of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in the UK.

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COMEDIAN TELLS OF LIFE-CHANGING VISITOR

Have you heard the one about a vicar? TOP comic Bobby Ball has told how God made him smile again after the laughter stopped.

Bobby and partner Tommy Cannon have tickled Britain’s funny bone for more than 40 years. They were regulars on prime-time TV and played to sell-out audiences on tour and in pantos. But Bobby ad m its that fame and money left him a broken man – until he heard the one about a vicar. “I went down a slippery path, drinking a bottle of wh iskey a n ig ht,” he e xplained. “Then there was the adultery, plenty of adultery against Yvonne my wife, and ego took over. “I didn’t realise the women I was getting were only with me because I was on television. I thought they’re with me for me. I mean I’m five foot four – do me a favour! “Having loads of money a nd hav i ng a n entou rage around you and getting ratted every night and pulling women, and in everybody’s eyes they think it’s absolutely fantastic, but after a couple of years, believe me, you start thinking: ‘What else is there?’” One night, Bobby had an unexpected v isitor to h is dressing room – not another groupie or agent, but a vicar.

by Kate Kent

Bobby explained: “He was called Max Wigley and he talked about God and asked if he could come with me, but I attacked him about religion because I’d seen it as a kid and didn’t like it. “I thought Christians were miserable. So he started talking about God and I realised I’d like to get to know God but I didn’t want to become a Christian, if you know what I mean. “I went to see him and said: ‘Can I pray with you?’ because I’d never prayed in my life. I got three lines into my prayer and I cried like a baby. “I was 40 years old but was like a child because I felt Jesus come into my life. I felt washed clean, brand new, forgiven. I felt like a child and I went home that day and confessed all my adultery to Yvonne with no fear – no fear at all. All my addictions, including lust, vanished. They were gone!” Bobby ’s on sta ge pa r tner, Tommy Cannon, saw a change in the funnyman. The funny duo had once been i nsepa rable but fell out and didn’t talk for three yea rs. But they were reconci led a nd Tom my a lso became a Christian. Bobby now t rave l s to c hu rc hes throughout the UK telling his story.

Call made on values of country NEW LIFE

● Continued from Page 1 general, i mportant though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive. “Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.” And David Cameron uttered similar sentiments in a speech at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. The PM said: “Responsibility, hard work, charity, compassion, humility, self-sacrifice, love, pride in working for the common good and honouring the social obligations we have to one another, to our families and our communities: these are the values we treasure.

Positive “Yes, they are Christian values and we should not be afraid to acknowledge that. I believe we should all stand up and defend them. “The Bible has helped to shape the values which define our country.” In a further positive move for Christianity in Britain, Rob Parsons, founder of leading UK charity Care for the Family, has been honoured with an OBE. “It came as a complete surprise,” said Parsons. “It is a great honour and I realise fully that I accept it on behalf of all the team at Care for the Family, including our hundreds of amazing volunteers, and everyone who has worked with us over the past 20 years to help and support families throughout the United Kingdom.”

HAVING A BALL... Comedian Bobby Ball tells an audience about his faith. Inset, Bobby with his sidekick Tommy Cannon during the height of their fame in the 80s

Services are healthy boost CHURCH services don’t just help you spiritually – they lower blood pressure, research has shown. Torgeir Sorensen, from the School of Theology and Religious Psychology Centre at Sykehuset Innlandet, Norway, said: “We found that the more often the participants went to church the lower their blood pressure. “P rev ious resea rch from t he United States has shown that there is a possible link between people who attend church and blood pressure. “About 40 per cent of the US population goes to church on a weekly basis, while the corresponding figure in Nord-Trondelag County, where the research was carried out, is four per cent. “For that reason, we did not expect to find any correlation between going to church and blood pressure in Nord-Trondelag. Our findings, however, are almost identical to those prev iously reported from the United States, so we were really surprised.”

Major rise in Weddings in festive time church boom worshippers CATHEDRALS and churches up and down the country have reported a large rise in attendances at Christmas. Thousands of worshippers crammed into some of the most popular services. I n E xete r Cat he d ra l , pe ople queued across the cathedral green for its Christmas Eve carol service, a nd severa l hu nd red had to be turned away, said the Acting Dean, Canon Carl Turner. At Wakefield Cathedral, the Dean, the Rev Jonathan Greener, said that more people than ever had been at its Christmas services. “We have been busy throughout. Our Christingle was jam-packed, with people sitting wherever they could. We have had more than we ever had, and it was very encouraging, as West and South Yorkshire has had the lowest number of churchgoers in Western Europe.”

Issue 216 NEW LIFE 3

A RECORD number of couples are choosing church weddings over services in stately homes or beauty spots. One popular Kent church says it is booked TWO years in advance while others have seen a dramatic rise in the number of bookings. St Peter's in Bredhurst has even launched its own wedding fair with local businesses to cope with the 30 weddings it hosts each year. Bethany Lewis, a spokeswoman for St Peter's, said the figures defy the popular view that church services are in decline. “Our church is over 800 years old,” she explained. “Couples are attracted by the beauty of the building as well as the history, but also by a sense of the spiritual. “Some may not even be Christians when they first approach us but during the wedding prepara-

NEW LIFE IN-SPIRED... churches are seeing a massive rise in the number of couples choosing them over stately homes tion, they are very open to seeking God. A number of people have come back after the honeymoon and we have seen a rise in membership. People are booking two years in advance which is a sign that church weddings are anything

but dead.” One couple who recently walked up the aisle at St Peter’s, Darren and Justine, from Lordswood, said: “We chose a religious ceremony because it made the day even more special. It was the seal on our relationship.”

A LOUGHBOROUGH runner is looking to give poverty the run around when he t akes on the London Marathon to raise money for Christian Aid. Paul Anderson is the only person in the East Midlands to have been given one of the charity’s 10 National Golden Bonds.

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4 NEW LIFE Issue 216

EACH MONTH NEW LIFE ASKS A CHRISTIAN LEADER TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON LIFE ACCUSED... Asia Bibi

I am praying for accusers A CHRISTIAN woman sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan said she was praying for her accusers and her country. Asia Bibi has been in prison since the sentence was passed last November and is still awaiting the outcome of her appeal. Despite her ordeal, Bibi remains strong in faith.

wiSdoM She told her legal team: “I am especially praying for those who are giving a bad image of Pakistan in the world. “I am also praying for those who falsely implicate me, that the Lord gives them wisdom so that they may not implicate the innocent in such cases.”

Plans to help communities CHURCH leaders gathered recently to discuss how they could work together to help communities in the UK. The leaders, who attended the HOPE forum at Jesus House Church in north London, aim to work together to deliver a range of united church mission activities in 2014, with the aim of transforming people’s lives with the gospel. Pastor Ag u I r u k w u, recent ly named the most influential black person in a recent poll in a national newspaper, said: “Unity is on God’s heart at this point in time. When we overcome barriers and serve together it attracts the attention of the world.”

God with me in gun terror

A TEENAGER in Norway has told how she believes God saved her life in the youth camp gun massacre last summer. Marte Fjermestad hid behind a rock as 69 people – many of whom were teenagers – were shot dead on Utoeya Island. Marte, 16, said: “I’m a Christian, so I prayed a lot. At one point I was praying to Jesus and I just looked up and saw some branch on a tree and it was shaped like a heart. It felt like God was saying: ‘Calm down’.” Anders Breivik has confessed to the killings and stands trial for the attack in April.

Food aid appeal THE Barnabas Fund has launched an appeal to send food aid to those 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.

Getting rid of my tattoos erased some memories You don’t have to hold on to past hurts, says reformed addict Barry Woodward Like most people, i’ve done things that i regret – one of the worst was getting tattoos. each of them was done at a different stage in my life, and each carries its own memory. I once spoke at a Christian event organised by a friend. This was during the summer months, so I had a short sleeve shirt on. After I’d finished giving my talk, we were having coffee and a friend said: “A woman has just come up to me and asked: ‘What’s the speaker doing with a cannabis leaf tattooed on his arm?’” He told her that this tattoo had been on my arm for many years. In fact, I was 18 when I had it done. I had a mate who had his own tattooing equipment. One of his bedrooms was a makeshift studio. Like the rest of my tattoos, it carries a memory.

SHAME The ones on my hand carry an especially strong memory. I did them myself while I was in Preston Prison doing time for possession of heroin. I did them with water paints, some cotton, and a sewing needle that I’d taken from the mailbag shop. These tattoos represent a really dark period in my life. Underneath all the bravado I had at that time, I was really full of guilt and shame, and I was going through a lot of hurt. A while

❛ Under all the bravado I was really full of guilt ❜ ago, I decided to have these tattoos removed so that my hand would become clean again. At the same time, I also knew that I would be getting rid of those dark memories. I ended up going to a place in Bolton called ‘Laserase’. This outfit uses laser treatment to get rid of unwanted tattoos. It’s an interesting process. They use this huge machine that fires into your skin, and as the rays penetrate you they disturb the

ink – even though it has been there for years – and eventually the skin becomes clean again. When I think back on this process, it is clear that there’s a lesson to be learned. A machine is fine for tattoos, but only God can do a similar thing with our dark internal memories.

HURT See, when we allow God to enter our lives, he gets to work on those unwanted ‘tattoos’ that we carry in

ASK THE VICAR

How accurate are Bible stories? Are they simply good tales with strong meanings or did they actually happen? I find it really hard to believe that food can be multiplied and that seas can be parted Sceptics will always try and rubbish the Bible and say it’s fiction, but I believe every word of it. To be a Christian means you need faith, and sometimes that belief won’t make natural sense and will go against logical thinking. People might think you’re crazy and that you believe in fairytales, but putting your trust and faith in Christ is the safest thing you could do. Also, as demonstrated in every issue of New Life newspaper,

our hearts and minds – that past guilt, shame, hurt, and anything else that we may be carrying. He gets to work from the inside out, and he erases it all away so that we can become clean again. What about you? What internal memories are you carry ing? Is there something in your past that feels like an unwanted tattoo? Remember that whatever the ‘tattoo’ may be, God can erase it away, because he is the great laser eraser!

YOUR FAITH QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Are Bible stories just fairytales? miracles aren’t just a thing of the past. God is still multiplying food, opening blind eyes and changing people’s lives today – you just have to believe! Is it dangerous to use a ouija board? My friends enjoy playing with them but some of them have had bad experiences and I’ve always been a bit wary Ouija boards might look harmless, but I’d keep well away from them if I were you – and they certainly

aren’t something to be played with. The Bible warns against witchcraft and about the occult, and while people think they are communicating with dead relatives and friendly ghosts, they are actually dabbling in dark, spiritual realms, which can lead to all sorts of nasty problems. If you’ve used a ouija board, don’t think you’ve blown it, however. Pray and ask God to cleanse you of any implications it might have and seek counsel from a mature Christian.

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Issue 216

EX-HOMELESS MAN SET TO SLEEP ROUGH

BACK ON THE STREETS TO RAISE AWARENESS A FORMER down-and-out is returning to the streets this month to highlight the plight of homelessness in Britain.

Alan Goddard, 56, will sleep rough for 12 nights as part of his role for Crisis Centre Ministries, a Christian organisation that helps the homeless. It will be a stark reminder for the dad-of-two, who, for almost a year, lived on the streets of his native Cardiff after becoming an alcoholic, losing his job and walking out on his family. His life only turned around when he was befriended by two Christians and was taken to a rehab.

BOOZE Alan’s booze habit had become so bad that he would drink up to 15 pints of beer and a litre of whisky each day. He said: “I was a very angry person and had left school with no qualifications and could barely read or write. “In the early days I would drink four to seven pints a day but towards the end it got a lot worse and I’d drink much more. I’d then black out and do it all again the next day. “I ended up with alcoholic cirrhosis and was in the psychiatric ward at the hospital. I didn’t want to come out be-

cause in there I was safe and I wasn’t drinking.” Alan lost his job as a landscape gardener and left wife, Barbara, and their children, living on the streets for ten months. “During that time I became a chronic alcoholic,” he said. “I was never sober. But a couple of Christians came alongside me and started talking to me. “At first I told them where to go, but eventually I realised that they weren’t after anything and they genuinely wanted to help. They started talking to me about sorting my life out. I went to my social worker and asked to go to a Christian rehab.” Alan spent ten months in rehab, where he became a believer. Upon leaving, he was reunited with his family and has now been sober for 11 years. “In the rehab, I got down on my knees and cried out to God and said: ‘If you help me through this, I promise I’ll dedicate my life to helping other people with addiction problems.’ Since that time, he’s never let me down. “In my job (working with the homeless), I see people’s lives change every single day. “At one point I used to earn a lot of money but I’m not interested in that any more as long as I have my family.”

Prayer is powerful!

Cut booze price calls CHURCHES are calling for an end to the easy availability of cheap alcohol to tackle Britain’s problem with excessive drinking. The call has been made by the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the United Reformed Church and the Methodist Church following a YouGov survey. “We know that it’s people in local communities that bear the brunt of the easy availability of cheap alcohol,” said Ruth Pickles, vice president of the Methodist Conference and a former alcohol misuse counsellor. “It affects their health services, their streets, their families and friends. “As Christians, we want to work within communities to help find solutions that really work and protect those who are most vulnerable.”

Mag is set for launch

STREET APPEAL... Alan Goddard and wife Barbara

AN exciting new Christian lifestyle magazine for believers in Britain launches this month. iBelieve includes articles about food, fashion, fun and family, as well as inspiring interviews with famous Christians. Editor Peter Wreford said: “iBelieve is all about fun, family and faith. With the Prime Minister and the Queen both strongly standing up for Christianity we feel it’s the perfect time to launch a great, new publication for those who believe – and those who want to believe.”

Check out Prayer For Today on our NEW website... Packed full of great articles and so much more! ucb.co.uk/pft

UCB needs volunteers to pray for people who send in their prayer request by email.

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Do you have an email account? Could you volunteer to receive these prayer requests by email and pray for the people who need support?

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IRAQ: A SPIRIT OF HOPE SELF HARM SNESS IN HOPELESAT E TIMES DESPER

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Issue 216

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NEW LIFE YOUNG SINGING STAR STRUGGled wITh lIfe UNTIl She heARd A MeSSAGe www.newlife.co.uk

WORKING TOGeTheR TO BRING you The GOOd NeWS

tune in New Life works in partnership with UCB (United Christian Broadcasters) who are now broadcasting nationally on dAB radio. For great Christian music, discussion, chat, regular news bulletins and lots of fun, UCB is great, contemporary radio for the whole family. Listen on dAB radio across the UK or online at www.ucbmedia.co.uk

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

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.

High from smoking a joint, rock star Madeleine Kerzner didn’t even know she was in church – until a powerful message from above changed her life and destroyed her controlling drug and drink habit. Becky Barlow spoke to her

INGER Madeleine Kerzner is living proof that money doesn’t buy happiness. She mixed with the rock greats of the 1980s, performed at Live Aid and was on the verge of signing a huge record deal that would make her a superstar hit in America. But behind the glitz, glamour and fame was a lonely, depressed drug addict who felt empty inside. Devastated by the death of close friend, Thin Lizzy lead singer, Phil Lynott, Madeleine herself had been hooked on cocaine and marijuana for over a decade. “I did everything except heroin, and that was only because I didn’t do needles,” she says. “I was high every day for ten years from the age of 17 to 27. If I wasn’t drunk I was on drugs. Those years – my youth years – showed me how false the world is. “The more I did, the less satisfysatisfying it got – the words of that Rolling Stones song I Can’t Get No Satisfaction are so true. “The more you did and the more money and sales you got just didn’t bring happiness.

Trapped

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

BIG VOICE... Madeleine Kerzner is now a successful Christian singing artist. Far left, Madeleine as she was during her early days of singing in the 1980s

“We had no answers about our exexistence and why we were here. I ended up in a very lonely place, and when Phil died that really blew me away. “During that time there were a lot of influences in my life. A lot of ococcultism is around the industry that I had become a part of by just being around everyone. “Although I never wanted to get involved myself I still felt trapped by outside influences and couldn’t take the lifestyle anymore. “I wasn’t bothered about my career and I just wanted to get out of the world that I was living in. “In music, you’re only as good as your last song. “They don’t care about your welwelfare – they’re willing to drop you as fast as they’ve picked you up. It’s all about money. “There’s no value system in that world. That’s what makes it so desperate.

here was no moral standard, and deep dow n I k new that it wasn’t right. I was hanging around with established legendary rock singers but I didn’t even know half of the people I was meeting.” But with the world apparently at her

Phil Lynott was my mentor and friend. When he died I hit drugs ❛

I wasn’t bothered about my career... All that I wanted was to get out of the world I was in feet, Madeleine longed for home and, in what seemed like a foolish move to many in the music industry, she packed her bags and left the USA to return to Britain.

quesTion The former child model had known nothing but fame and the spotlight, but on her return to the UK, she began to think deeper about her spiritual state. “I had this question from my

Jewish roots – was Jesus really the Messiah?” she says. I knew what that would mean if it was really true. “It was always on my mind. If he really was the Messiah that meant that, as Jews, we killed him. I found that all very hard to reconcile.” One day in Tottenham, in an unassuming leisure centre, she found exactly what she had been looking for. “I heard this music. I walked in and found the room where it was

com i ng from a nd sat dow n. The music stopped. I sat in my chair and couldn’t move. I thought I was having a weird moment from the joint I’d just smoked.

‘Whatever he’s saying, it’s true.’ In that moment I heard this amazing voice speak to me, saying: ‘Madeleine, I am

FRIEND... Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott

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NEW LIFE Issue 216 NEW LIFE

Issue 216

NEW LIFE NEW LIFE

NEW LIFE YOUNG SINGING STAR STRUGGled wITh lIfe UNTIl She heARd A MeSSAGe www.newlife.co.uk

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BIG VOICE... Madeleine Kerzner is now a successful Christian singing artist. Far left, Madeleine as she was during her early days of singing in the 1980s

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

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

C Commit yourself to living God’s way

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Phil Lynott was my mentor and friend. When he died I hit drugs I wasn’t bothered about my career... All that I wanted was to get out of the world I was in

com i ng from a nd sat dow n. The music stopped. I sat in my chair and couldn’t move. I thought I was having a weird moment from the joint I’d just smoked.

who I said I am.’ I knew then that this was the answer I’d been waiting for. I got a huge conviction of the Holy Spirit about my lifestyle. “I heard the preacher say: ‘Does anyone need Jesus?’ I jumped out of my chair, put my hand up and ran to the front and gave my life to Christ. “I went home and read the Bible. For a full week I was just reading it and crying about my sins and the fact that we Jews had killed the Messiah.”

he preacher came out and I realised that it was a church service. Something in me said: ‘Whatever he’s saying, it’s true.’ In that moment I heard this amazing voice speak to me, saying: ‘Madeleine, I am

Since that day, Madeleine hasn’t gone near drugs or alcohol, and her radical “Damascus Road” experience caused her to throw away anything reminding her of her old life. “I came

❛

experience

out of that room a different person,” she smiles. “I threw my diary away with all my high profile friends’ contact details in and told God that if he wanted me to go back then he could let me know. “I got rid of everything that connected me to that old life – my clothes, my photos. “It was like I was starting a new life. I just wanted to tell people about Jesus.” Madeleine became an ordained minister in 2000, leading a church in Manchester for ten years. She is now using her vocal talents for the Lord, packing out churches and halls across the UK for the Kingdom Worship Movement.

FRIEND... Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott

Issue 216

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NEW LIFE

Issue 216 NEW LIFE 9

FORMER THIEF HEARD VOICE IN CRASH

I found God durInG car smash horror A ForMEr crack addict and serial thief has told how she found God – in a car crash. Beverley Levy-Smith, 49, was only 19 when she went to prison for fraud and then did another four years inside after being found with a kilo of cocaine. The mum, from Leeds, stole designer clothes to feed her habit and served more time for blackmail. But it was when Beverley literally went off the road in a high-speed car crash that she heard God call out to her. “I was driving with no insurance and no licence,” she said. “I fell asleep at the wheel. In the midst of that accident I heard a voice saying: ‘Surrender your life to me, this is your last chance.’ When they pulled me out of the car I didn’t have one injury. “The car was a wreck. The paramedics couldn’t believe how I survived. I remember attending church the following week, committing myself to the Lord and saying: ‘Right, I’m a Christian now.’” Beverley was ra ised i n a Christian family but admits she was out of control by her 17th birthday and soon afterwards got in trouble with the police.

by Sam Hailes

DRIVEN TO FIND JESUS... Beverley Levy-Smith

She added: “My parents were devastated. My mum started to pray for a change. But I came out of prison knowing more than when I went in.” After the car crash, Beverley joined a church, but was still regularly taking crack. She felt like a fraud and tried to kill herself. But one day she heard a pastor say how God sometimes allows people to go to the very bottom before he creates a way out for them. “That registered with me. I went to speak to the pastor and he said I should go to Teen Challenge in Wales, which is a Christian rehab place.” Despite being addicted to cocaine for a number of years, Beverley was delivered instantly. She said: “The biggest pain was facing the rebellious, critical person that I was. I used to blame everyone else, but I realised that I was responsible for the choices that I made.” When she left Teen Challenge in 2007, Beverley says she was a “completely changed woman”. She has been on a mission trip to A fr ica si nce her conversion, and, in an amazing twist, started a job at Teen Challenge last year helping other addicts find freedom.

MORE than 600 people gathered in central London for a night of prayer recently. The event was hosted by Global Day of Prayer London and International House of Prayer London (IHOP). The two movements are seeking to build momentum towards the National Day of Prayer at Wembley

Stadium, which is due to be held on September 29. “We are really going to be making history,” said IHOP’s London Director Elcio Lodos. “It’s so amazing that this will be the first ever Christian event at the new Wembley Stadium that is focused on prayer. This is going to set a new standard and a new way for the Kingdom in the UK.”

THE founder of debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty pushed himself to the limit for people in need by completing 15 marathons across the globe within one month. Joh n K irkby k icked off h is gr uelli ng fundraisi ng bid in drizzly Edinburgh and

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COMMENT

Boost for health MOST people will have already broken their new year resolutions. For many, the start of a new year is the chance to join a gym and eat more greens in a bid to adopt a healthy lifestyle. But you could save the cost of gym membership and go to church instead, if you follow a recent study! The research, carried out in Norway, found that blood pressure was dramatically lowered when people found faith and went to church. Previous issues of New Life have covered stories where health is improved when someone decides to go to church and follow the Christian faith. So there you have it. Forget the cost of the gym – and the unpleasant sweaty odours – and go to church instead. As well as improving your physical health, it will boost your spiritual health too!

Values we need

600 flock to join prayer event Marathon effort for cash

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crossed the finishing line of his final marathon in Auckland, New Zealand. The 50-year-old was accompanied by support runners Paul Cribb and Martin Cowles for the incredible feat, which the trio undertook to raise money for the work of the charity.

AT one time, Britain was devoutly Christian and the values taught by Jesus Christ were followed. Those values, a record of which are kept within the pages of the New Testament of the Bible, talk about loving one another, respecting each other and finding the heart to forgive those who hurt us. However, over the years, those values have been replaced with selfishness, retribution and the pursuit of money over God. We need to return to loving others and forgiving those who let us down. We agree with HM The Queen when she said: “Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities.”

BIBLE QUOTE OF THE MONTH “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 Editor: Peter Wreford Advertising: Barry Wilson

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Issue 216

ALTRINCHAM The Upper Room Christian Fellowship, The Downs. Sunday services 10.45am and 6.30pm. Enquiries: 0161 282 6676. (CA09) BRIDGEND Litchard Mission, Taylor Road, Meetings Sunday 10.30am and 6pm. For more information Phone 01656 663 094 (GH34) 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) CANTERBURY Trinity Community Church. Meetings Sundays 10.45am at St Stephen’s Junior School, Hales Place, Canterbury. Tel: 01227 459 785. (CA06)

New Life Christian Centre Normanton Road Derby, DE23 6UU

DROITWICH SPA Emmanuel Church, Blake Avenue. Tel: 01905 797110. Sunday family service 10.30am–noon. Also healing rooms available, just ask. (FT24)

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)

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)

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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SURE HOPE CHURCH, Abergele Road, Old Colwyn. Sunday 10.30am, activities for all ages throughout the week. Bean Bar Coffee Shop. 01492514021 (CM45)

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)

WESTHOUGHTON PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, Westhoughton, Bolton BL5 3EF Sunday Services 10.30am and 6.30pm More information: www. westhoughton.org Telephone: 01942 375433 (GF35)

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VETERAN HAD SOMETHING MISSING IN LIFE

shark got teeth into home game NBW BALL GAME... Sheffield Sharks star Adrian Anderson gets above the opposition

by James Hastings

BASKETBALL star Adrian Anderson knew it was time to slam-dunk the devil – when he came home after a match. The Sheffield Sharks player spent most of his time either on the road or at regular training sessions. His life revolved around highoctane matches and the clamour of fans shouting his name or wanting autographs. on a rare night at home with wife, Paula, and their two daughters, he k new someth i ng was wrong – despite having all the trappings of success, relationships at home were strained. “I was on my laptop and my wife and the kids were on theirs or playing computer games,” he explained. “our house was not always quiet but neither was it filled with the noise of a properly functioning family.

alone “I didn’t spend quality time w ith my w i fe a nd daughters, loving them, listening to them, sha r i ng laughter, lead i ng my household how G od i ntended me to. “There was a disconnection between us all, exactly where the enemy wanted us. We all needed something, which only God was able to provide. “Although our house was full, we all felt alone, separated from each other.” Adrian, 36, has been at the top of UK basketball for over 20 years. He was only ten when he saw the famous Harlem Globetrotters on television and knew that was the sport for him. Although he was raised in a Christian home, Adrian admits he fell away from his faith as his career took off. “As kids we all

went to church and later my dad became a bishop,” added Adrian. “But in my teenage years, I was attracted to a life that I knew wasn’t right, but like others at that age, I just got sucked into it. “After a while there was no happiness. Things that most people think will make you happy didn’t and they certainly didn’t provide joy because the fundamental ingredient to all true happiness and joy was missing – until God saved me and my family.” one night, Adrian knew it was time to change – something he had been putting off for years. “I used to make a bargain with God, saying: ‘I’ll come back to you, Lord, but not right now.’ That

Upbringing gave good grounding ● Continued from Back Page said: “My faith is important to me and I go to church with all my family. It’s good. “It’s not just Shola who has been a massive influence on my life, so has my family and my religion and that’s helped to bring me to where I am today and helped me keep my feet on the ground. “I suppose it could have been easy to get carried away with things and there have been times in the past when people have done that, but that’s not the way I was raised, so it won’t be the way I live my life. “I feel privileged to be in this position and I’m not going to take that for granted. I’m going to do it to the best of my ability because it’s my job.”

IN THE SWING... Ben Crane

night, I felt him say to me: ‘no more tomorrow, Adrian, but today, I want you today.’ “When it seemed like all was lost and there was no way to recover our family, God intervened and I will forever thank him. I will live my life everyday serving him because I didn’t deserve his grace. “He saved my life and my family and I will be obedient to his plans.” Both Adrian and Paula gave their lives to the Lord and so did their children. While they still enjoy life online, they also have a life as a loving family once more. Adrian has been a teacher since 2004 and an assistant headteacher

in a secondary school since 2009. He believes sports stars have a responsibility to be good role models, whether it’s in their own family or with young people on the terraces. “I think the riots in Britain last year showed how society has become too greedy. People, whether sports stars or not, just seem to want things. They don’t value relationships. “relationships in my family are so much better. We spend time, we talk about God, we pray together and we laugh. “God is truly awesome and has richly blessed me and my family. And I believe it’s just the beginning!”

Faith gives Crane lift! ToP gol fe r Be n C ra ne “putts” his success on the course down to his belief in Christ! The 36 -yea r - old , who qualified for the 2011 Masters following a victory at the Farmers Insurance open, revealed how God helped him through an injury crisis. He sa id: “The ha rdest times turn out to be the richest times. you learn to stand on God’s love when everything else is stripped away. When Christ changed my heart, I found that be-

cause of my heart change, my life changed. My life has meaning now. I don’t live for myself. “Jesus gives me joy and peace just like he promised i n h is Word. Ch rist took on my si ns at the cross. When I believed, I was made like new and restored to a personal relationship with him. “I use my success in golf to glorify God, and golf gives me a platform to serve the Lord through helping others in his name.”

Issue 216

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Sporting chance SPORTS STARS SPEAK OF FAITH IN OUR BRILLIANT COLUMN

with Phil Starbuck Being in a great team is critical in sport, and finding a fantastic church is just as important for believers, argues retired footballer Phil Starbuck EvEryonE has different goals according to the sport they play – their aim is to win, succeed or try to be the best they can be, giving 100 per cent as often as possible. As a former sports person, I know things don’t always work out as planned, for a variety of reasons. Maybe you’ve had a fall out with a team-mate or a member of the club staff, or there could be personal reasons that have meant you haven’t remained disciplined and at the top of your game. This attitude can permeate its way into our walk with Jesus. We could be going through a tough time and ‘fall out with God’. As I write this article, it seems crazy to be upset with the Creator of the universe, but we could have financial or family difficulties, and life can be tiring, making it easy for us to take our eyes off the ball – or off the Lord. This is when discipline can go out of the window. So, how do we keep ourselves in shape in these times?

belonging The sign of a successful tea m is good tea m spi r it, camaraderie and the ability to share in our mates’ good times and bad times, and also having a sense of belonging as we train and compete together. There really isn’t anything like it! In Christianity, you must find a fantastic church, a place where you belong and can worship with other believers, and train to do great things for God. If you want to stay disciplined, get your roots down firmly into local church and throw yourself into it! Get your hands dirty. Make yourself accountable to the church leader or a mature Christian. It really is amazing how disciplined you are when you know someone is going to ask you things like: ‘What is the Lord saying to you?’ or ‘How is your prayer life and Bible reading going?’ or ‘How are things with your marriage?’ Focus is vital for us all, so what are you focusing on at the moment? Keep your focus, attention, thoughts, dreams and desires on Jesus – now t here’s a d iscipl i ne rea l ly worth working at.

Upbringing gave good grounding!

SAM’S THE MAN... Magpies forward Sammy Ameobi

HE’S the new kid on the block in the Toon, but Sammy Ameobi credits his success to his strong Christian upbringing. The pacey forward, who has broken into the Newcastle first team this season, was raised in a Christian home and still goes to church every Sunday.

important While the rest of his team mates might celebrate victory with a few beers, Ameobi, 19, says he goes home on a Saturday night and prepares for church the following morning. Sammy, whose brother Shola also plays for Newcastle and is a believer, ● Continued on Page 11

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT REVEALS WILD PAST

Trying to live up to his name

Boxing champ known as ‘Son of God’ tells of his strong faith WHEN your nickname is “Son of God” you’ve an awful lot to live up to.

But, so far, Bible boxer Andre Ward has done all right when hammering his opponents in the ring. The American destroyed WBC champ Carl Froch last year and is recognised as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Ward admits he walked on the wild side as a teenager but those days are behind him now. He said: “I’m a Christian and I am not afraid to say so, not afraid

to talk to my Lord and Saviour. “I grew up in a very strict setting. But as a teenager I did some things, I went to some parties. “I never did anything real bad. I’ve always been a God-fearing man. “I don’t want to be seen as a gangster or anything like that. I talk about God because I know there are children and adults out there who are listening. I try to stay humble and serve my God. “The nickname speaks about my faith. I am a Christian and it seemed like a natural fit. It makes sense. A lot of people like it. I don’t think some horrific

BOXING CLEVER... Andre Ward

‘I Had a mISSIng lInk In mY lIFE’ SEE PAGE 11

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WHERE IS YOUR FOCUS?

Retired football star Phil starbuck writes for new Life SEE PAGE 11

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nickname, Destroyer or Assassin, would have worked. “Yet just because I am a Christian, doesn’t mean I can’t be in a combat sport. I have no intention to hurt any opponent permanently. “I hope every opponent I face gets to go home to his family, just as I want to. It’s a competition and I give my all in there. When it’s over, it’s over.” Ward, an Olympic gold medal winner in Athens in 2004, is confident he can be the world’s best. “I’m secure and confident in who I am as a fighter. I certainly do not have to defend myself.”

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