New Life Jan 09 issue 179 by New Life Publishing Co

NEW LIFE JANUARY 2009

Issue 179

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GOOD NEWS STORIES

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o wh ier ld so e th INSIDE is fighting a new cause

8-PAGE HOLIDAY PULL-OUT

Page 6

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MEET THE CAR SALES OWNER WHO GIVES BUYERS A LITTLE EXTRA... PAGE 3

BUILDER SAYS PRAYER HELPED SORT OUT FINANCIAL MESS AUF WIEDERSEHEN DEBT... Mark Skidmore can enjoy a better financial future with his wife Neia

I wanted to rebel... so I joined BNP EXCLUSIVE

Picture: South Wales Evning Post

FORMER BNP member Ewan Gurr has ditched the controversial party to become an outreach worker who has been on missions to Africa. Ewan’s political views caused uproar in his Scottish hometown of Dundee when they were printed in a newspaper. But after the story appeared, Ew a n r e a l i s e d the party wasn’t filling the emptiness in his life a nd he t u r ned back to his faith. Ewan Gurr Ewan has turned down requests from national newspapers for interviews – but he speaks this month to New Life newspaper to explain, for the first time, why he rebelled against his Christian upbringing.  Full story – Pages 6&7

My faith is unshaken by Matthew Murray A BUILDER has been left counting his blessings – because God helped clear £27,000 of debt.

Ma rk Sk id more sa id h is financial problems were solved when he t u r ned to h is fa ith after rack ing up the amount  Continued on Page 3

A BRAvE mum says her faith hasn’t been shaken despite the death of her 21-year-old son. Devout Christian Ann Gilmour never stopped believing for a miracle when her son Lee was involved in a BMX crash. Ann told New Life: “I guess God h a s d o n e w h at G o d n e e d e d to do. His girlfriend, Lou ize, reckons the angels must Ann Gilmour have been bored because he’ll certainly liven things up. “I don’t know how I would have managed without so much support and prayers from family, friends the many people I don’t know.”  Full story – Page 2

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‘Dragons’ in cash boost for charities A DRAGONS’ Den-style fundraising event will help the work of five charities after a total of £90,000 was pledged. About 50 Christian philanthropists heard six-minute pitches from charity representatives about what they could achieve with £5,000 – along similar lines to the hit TV show. After being grilled by the entrepreneurs, five charities who pitched for funding were given practical and financial support. The five charities included Open Door (North East) – which assists destitute asylum seekers on Tyneside – and Clear International, a group providing pro-bono legal aid to promote justice for prisoners in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Others who received funding were Bridging the Gap, a charity that aims to get sex workers off the streets of Southampton; Liverpoolbased Kidz Klub, which teaches you ngsters about G od; a nd the Funzibodo Trust, which supports development work on the island of Funzi and port of Bodo on the eastern coast of Kenya. The eve nt was orga n i sed by Christian funding forum Cross Pollinate. For details of further events see www.crosspollinate.co.uk

Blushes spared! A survey has revealed more people would be embarrassed to read a romantic novel on the bus than a Bible. The Bible Societ y st udy a lso found that workers regard someone reading the Bible in the office as honest and trustworthy.

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Hoody bishop helps spread the message THE Bishop of Birmingham decided to try a new way of spreading the message when he became a “hoody” for the day. Bishop David Urquhart helped give the nativity story a new slant when he joined shepherds wearing the hooded tops and rooftop angels. T he s hephe r d s a n d a n ge l s formed part of the Joy to the World nativity trail which linked up five sites in Birmingham city centre over the Christmas period.

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Bishop David said: “We believe that by placing the installations around the city it will begin to get people talking and help them to remember the story of the nativity. “Having shepherds dressed as ‘hoodies’ shows the Ch ristmas story is still contemporary and relevant.”

CASHING IN... representatives of the charities with the financial backers

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PRAYERS OF NEW LIFE READERS HELPED MUM WHOSE SON DIED AFTER ACCIDENT A BRAVE mum says her faith hasn’t been shaken despite the death of her 21-year-old son. Devout Christian Ann Gilmour never stopped believing for a miracle when her son Lee was involved in a BMX crash. He lay unconscious in hospital for six months, but the apprentice plumber from Redcar failed to come round after the accident, where he flipped over the handlebars of the bike and landed on his head. He died peacefully in Redcar’s Stead Memorial Hospital in August. After his story appeared in New Life, Christians throughout the world prayed for his recovery. Ann received countless messages from believers saying they were praying. Ann told New Life: “I guess God has done what God needed to do. His girlfriend, Louize, reckons the angels must have been bored because he’ll certainly liven things up. “We were always hopeful he’d recover and asked people to pray for Lee, which so many did and for which we will always be grateful.

SUPPORT “There were lots of little miracles. How he pulled through the first few hours after the accident I don’t know, or how he kept fighting back from his chest infections. We were praying for the big miracle, but it wasn’t to be. “We, Lee’s family and many friends, miss Lee ever so much. I just longed for him to come home again and am finding it difficult to come to terms that unfortunately Lee won’t be coming home. “I don’t know how I would have managed without so much support and prayers from family, friends and indeed the many people who Lee and I don’t even know.” Ann, who visits Lee’s grave every day, says she is suffering from depression, but her faith in Christ has not changed. She added: “My faith

FAITHFUL... Ann Gilmour with son Lee hasn’t changed at all. I sometimes wonder what I’ve done to deserve this, but I also know that God doesn’t punish people. “God obviously has better ideas than we do, and he must know what he’s doing. I have to trust that Lee is in a far better place than he was before. “I’d like to thank everyone at New Life newspaper, and also those who have posted comments about Lee on the Internet, many who don’t even know him. “When you read the newspapers and watch the news you think that the world is a horrible place, but I’ve seen that there are still some great people with huge hearts out there.” Ann also told how she believed God was with her when she read a poem at Lee’s funeral. She said: “I read the poem and was amazed – I never do public speaking and when I’ve read the Bible at church my voice has not held up as I’ve been so nervous. “But at the funeral I knew I had to do it and a friend said to me afterwards, ‘You must have had someone up there helping you.’ I think I did.”

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Issue 179 – New Life Newspaper – 3

Prayer helped me solve cash crisis, builder says Star who’s singing a new tune  Continued from Page 1 over a 20-yea r period. A nd the 42-year-old from Swansea said the pay-off was an answer to prayer. Hit by the sudden slump in the building trade, Mr Skidmore said the transformation came after joining LifePoint Church, which meets in a local school every Sunday. Instead of hiding from the vast sums he owed, he was advised by leaders of the church to face his debts head on and apply Christian principles to his problems. “I trust in God to take me through

any situation,” he said. “He helped me to face up to the fact that I owed this money. I just thought, I’ll pay what I can afford and he’ll do the rest. I started paying what little I could through standing orders. I was working hard, and made some new contacts at the church.

attitude “I knew I had many years ahead of me to pay it back, but my attitude was right.” After a couple of months, Mr Skidmore said the debtors began to

view him in a different light and one by one they contacted him offering to cut his debts by up to 60 and 70 per cent in each case. The fees owed were reduced from £27,000 to just £1,000 in six months. “I was over the moon,” said Mr Skidmore. LifePoint has been offering confidential debt counselling to individuals for many years through the national charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP). Church leader Hugh Griffiths

said: “The current financial crunch seems to be affecting everyone in one way or another. Whether it is pressure in the workplace, rising bills or money worries, it is presenting a real challenge to many families and individuals.” Elder of Lifepoint Church Mike Sutton-Smith added: “We want to be a church that speaks about the real pressures people have to face in their daily lives. “God’s principles work and can help when people apply them to their everyday lives like Mark did.”

car salesman hands out bible with every motor

Helping customers’ lives change gear CAR salesman Scott Pell gives buyers something extra when he sells them a motor.

The 46-year-old also dishes out a Bible and a copy of New Life to customers – and is always keen to tell the story of how God changed his life. Scott had rebelled against his by Matthew Murray Christian upbringing, turning to drugs and alcohol. His actions led him to dealing with guns, hear the good news too. supplying counterfeit items and Scott said: ‘I witness to eveserving a stint in prison. He was ryone who comes to the garage, also severely depressed. whether they like it or not! When But that all changed one day in I first got saved I didn’t even want 2004, following a chance meeting to talk about cars, only about Jewith a church pastor. sus, but I’ve had to learn how to The minister was on the lookout find the right balance! for a new car, and was browsing “One guy came in and I told around Scott’s garage in Carltonhim I was a Christian and he in-Lindrick, near Worksop. came back a bit later and said And Scott was intrigued by a there was just something about fish symbol he was wearing on our garage which made him buy his lapel. the car. I tell everyone that we’re The pastor then began to share a Christian business and that we the gospel, and Scott was left with only offer straight deals. This is tears streaming down his face on certainly what I believe God has the garage forecourt. called me to do. “We give a Bible and a New Life remarkable newspaper to lots of customers, Scott said: “Since that day my and I’m sure to tell my testimony life has changed beyond recogniall the time.’ tion. The drugs have gone and Recently, Scott’s church proso has the depression. The first duced a leaflet with his story on thing I noticed when I saw John it, and it was distributed to 5,000 for the first time was the fish. homes in the area. That chance meeting has changed Pastor John Oakley of Dinningmy life. ton Pentecostal Church added: ‘Words cannot describe how “Scott has been a great addition much God has turned my life to the church, and his garage has around. It’s remarkable what the become a real ‘Godspot’. Every car Lord has done in me. I cannot now gets a Bible in it and everyone quite believe how this mighty who comes to the garage gets the work has taken place. Life still has gospel! its ups and downs, but now I know “Scott’s brother now comes to I’m in the Lord’s hands.” church, and it’s been great to see And now, visitors to his garage the progress Scott has made.” MOTOR MESSAGE... Scott Pell outside his garage with the Bible and paper

‘Chest lump’s gone’ Manhunt starts! It’s bravo for Alpha A man who had a lump the size of a tennis ball in his chest says it has disappeared. Richard Pearson, 62, was recovering from a heart bypass operation when he discovered the lump. But after attending a service held with evangelist Mike Harris, he believes he was healed. He told New Life: “I was beginning to get pains but felt a lump coming up in my chest which was the size of a tennis ball. I went to the meeting where Mike was preaching. I went out for prayer and as I was telling him what was wrong, the strangest thing took place. I looked to feel the lump and it had gone! I hadn’t even been prayed for, but God had healed me. To this day, the lump isn’t there and I feel great! Thank you, God!”

A SOUTH Yorkshire church has launched a recruitment drive to attract more men to its congregation. Research shows three per cent of families attend church if their child shows an interest – but 93 per cent of families attend if the father gets involved. Now Herringthorpe United Reformed Church has become the first in Rotherham to partner with Christian Vision for Men, a national organisation that aims to “introduce every man in the UK to Jesus Christ”.

More than five million Brits have either been on an Alpha course or know someone who has, a recent survey revealed. The findings also showed that one million people are interested in attending a course, and 11 million adults can identify Alpha as a Christian course.

campaign A recent advertising campaign saw 862 billboard adverts being put up, along with posters on 2,400 city buses and 1,100 posters on train and Underground platforms in the UK. The posters included phrases such as “Is this it?” and “Who Cares?”. In response, more than 3,000 people posted “questions to God” on Alpha’s website.

Si xties star Helen Shapiro now sings a different message in front of different crowds. Ms Shapiro, 62, travels the nation telling others of how she found faith in Christ in 1987. She regularly sings and tells her testimonies in churches. The singer, who had two chart hits at the tender age of 14 with You Don’t Know and Walking Back to Happiness, has been going strong ever since. She is a highly respected jazz singer, has been in demand as a panto principal boy and appeared in many stage musicals. Ms Shapiro revealed that, in 1987, she spent several months searching the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, and seeing their fulfillment in the New Testament, which r e s u l te d i n her bel ieving in Jesus as Saviour of the world and the promised Messia h of her own Jewish people. She devoted herself solely to her go s p e l o utreaches when she came out of showbusi- Helen Shapiro n e s s at t h e end of 2002, after 42 years of touring. And she now travels throughout the UK and to other parts of the world in response to invitations from churches and other Christian groups. “I do it to reach out to others with the gospel, which means good news, to challenge them and to see what kind of response they want to give to that. “I’m very glad I’m coming up there as I love that part of the world. I’ve been to Inverness, but that’s the furthest north I’ve got. Ms Shapiro has produced two gospel albums, The Pearl and Kadosh – meaning Holy, which both proved very popular.

NEW LIFE Techno experts have created a tool that allows Christians to pray via their BlackBerry. Users can install a software program on to their handset that delivers daily prayers in a bitesize format.

NEWSFLASH

Why, why I keep praying It might sound unusual, but Welsh singer Tom Jones has revealed he prays to God every night. The 68-year-old was raised as a Christian, and though he doesn’t attend chapel, he still recognises God as the source of his success. “I pray every night by the bed before I go to sleep. I say, ‘Look after my family and my friends and band members and all the people who work with me, and thank you for giving me this voice. Please may I keep it for as long as I live.’

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PARA NOW FIGHTING FOR SOULS

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The 28-year-old – who became a Christian after two near-death experiences – started life as a soldier ten years ago after realising he’d made some “bad decisions” in his life. But it wasn’t until he found himself plummeting to earth after his parachute failed during a training exercise that he started praying! He said: “I remember standing at the back of the aeroplane, psyched up and gobbing off as usual, but I just felt something wasn’t right. “I jumped, but there was a fault with the parachute and I had to dump it and rely on the reserve. I was falling for what seemed like an eternity, but it was probably only split seconds. “At that moment of danger I called out to a God I had never paid attention to, and I believe that saved me and changed my life.” The reserve parachute opened and Jamie made “the softest, most perfect landing ever”. Jamie added: “It felt like God had answered and said he was looking after me. I realised how fragile life is, and how it can be taken from us at any moment.” This terrifying experience was a second brush with death for the confident, young paratrooper. His first was when he ignored a wake-

up call in Iraq and ended up being caught in an explosion. Jamie said: “I felt shrapnel really close to me, but I wasn’t injured. I just got the feeling that someone was looking out for me”. Jamie decided to join the Forces to stop his life spiralling out of control. “I made a lot of bad decisions in life, including leaving school and getting into drugs and petty crime,” he explained. At the age of 18, he joined 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, after deciding to do something or “end up dead from an overdose or in prison”. He added: “I thought the lifestyle was great – at weekends we would drink heavily, get into fights and visit prostitutes.

EXCITED “I was really excited to go out to Iraq in 2003, and was so buzzed up by the fighting. But I did start to see the realities of war – people getting killed, the destruction and poverty it causes – and the excitement turned into fear.” Jamie left the Army in 2006 and started working with Southend-based Avanti Ministries as a missionary. His missionary work has taken him into prisons, orphanages and drug rehabilitation centres across Europe, as well as Singapore and Malaysia. He added: “My faith has filled the emptiness I used to feel and restored my marriage. It is out of gratitude that I share the message.”

There’s life after death: Army chief

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SOLDIERS need to be better prepared spiritually for war and understand that death is not the end, according to the head of the British Army. General Sir Richard Dannatt, Chief of the General Staff, said that Christian leaders in the Army needed to equip soldiers for the spiritual issues at stake. “Asking people to risk their lives is part of the job, but doing so without giving them the chance to understand that there is a life after death is something of a betrayal,” he said. Sir Richard, who has been

outspoken with his view that the presence of British troops in Iraq exacerbates the country’s security problems, made the controversial comments at an evangelical Christian conference. The General, an evangelical Christian himself, said: “I think there is an obligation on a Christian leader to include a spiritual dimension into his people’s preparations for operations. “The unique life, death, resurrection and promises of Christ provide that spiritual opportunity.”

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WORLD NEWS ROUND-UP

Children walk after prayers AFRICA – Two children who couldn’t walk were healed at a gospel campaign held in Tanzania, East Africa. Six-year-old Gwameka Musakjuma, who couldn’t walk without a crutch, was brought to the crusade by his auntie Christina Samatele. She said: “He was walking with a crutch and had to spend one month in hospital. He had been playing with his friends and had fallen down. “The pain was so dreadful and he couldn’t walk without the aid. After prayer he started to walk and is now not using his stick. In fact, he has thrown it away.” Meanwhile, Neema Dickson was heartbroken because her baby boy Nelson was unable to stand straight or walk. But after prayer at the crusade, run by UK-based Shake the Nations Ministries, the 18-month-old was miraculously healed. Neema said: “He had pain in his stomach and legs, which stopped him from standing or walking. He came to the crusade and now he can walk! I have served God for 20 years but have never seen anything like this. I am so happy!”

Chaplain team rally over fires USA – A team of crisis-trained chaplains were deployed to southern California where “mega” blazes of fire destroyed more than 800 homes and thousands of acres of land. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team focused on bringing hope and comfort to the victims, while Samaritan’s Purse assisted people physically. Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organisation, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association both share Franklin Graham as their president and chief executive. “Once again, our hearts and prayers go out to our friends in California who are facing the ravages of these fires,” said Jack Munday, director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, in a statement.

Issue 179 – New Life Newspaper – 5

Obama’s policies ‘will be underpinned by his faith’ POLITICAL author and biographer Stephen Mansfield says he believes the US President-elect’s policies will be underpinned by his Christian faith. The self-described conservative Republican gained critical acclaim when his 2004 book The Faith of George W Bush stayed for 15 weeks on the New York bestseller list. This year, he penned The Faith of Barack Obama in which he dismissed question marks over Obama’s commitment to Christianity. “I believe that Barack Obama is a serious Christian, though of a theologically political liberal type,” he said. “First and foremost, we should all pray for the

new president. His challenges ahead are daunting and his vision must be clear.” In his book, The Faith of Barack Obama, Mansfield makes the case that at least part of Obama’s vision for America is fuelled by his Christian faith. “I believe that he will govern out of a religious base. He has already said that he’ll continue many of President Bush’s faith-based initiatives, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he continued policies oriented towards prayer and bringing faith into the public square,” he said. Mansfield said it was important for people to know where the next president stands theologically. “If he is serious about his religion,

movie STAR vi viNG’ NG’S NG’ S miSS mi SSio SS ioN io N Po PoSS SSiiBL BLe e! GLADLY DRAWN BOY... Ving Rhames and, inset, with Mission Impossible co-star Tom Cruise

BRAZIL – Christian relief groups have rallied to help victims of a flood being labelled the “worst environmental calamity” in the history of Brazil’s Santa Catarina state. More than 1.5 million people have been affected and the death toll has reached 116 in the flood-ravaged state. The downpour of rain in the past two months, including 35 inches of rain in November, has left 80,000 people homeless. Officials are investigating reports of an outbreak of a potentially fatal water-borne disease.

USA – Singer Jessica Simpson looks like she might be heading to college to study Christianity after revealing in an interview her love for the subject. The 28-year-old told Marie Clare magazine that she was contemplating taking the course. Songstress Simpson has been trying to return to her roots after years of criticism from the media, her father, a church minister, said.

Barack Obama

New film’s message draws actor to part

Flood crisis help

Singer to study

and I believe Barack Obama is, it is one of the most important things about him, it frames his world view, frames his sense of justice, frames his sense of right and wrong and, therefore, frames his polices.” The Faith of Barack Obama has been endorsed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who said: “You must read this perceptive and well-written book, then you will know why Barack Obama has such a passion for justice and equity, such a gift for filling people of different generations with a newfound hope that things can and will change for the better. “His inspiration comes from his faith; he is an ardent believer.”

by Hugh Southon HOLLYWOOD’S Ving Rhames – who starred in the Mission Impossible trilogy – has told how he was “drawn” to his latest movie, Saving God: One Soul at a Time. Rhames, a devout Christian, revealed it was “his personal appreciation for the film’s message of faith” that ensured he auditioned for the role. He plays an ex-prisoner trying to revive his father’s old church and declared: “It presented the need to put your faith in something larger than man, and for me, that’s God.” The 12A-rated drama sent Rhames for a freezing winter shoot to Hamilton, Ontario. Chief Executive Officer André van Heerden said: “Rhames really wants to show that there are positive and negative choices we all make, and that this voice of conscience is given to us by God. He was passionate about it.” Rhames – one of Hollywood’s busiest actors – got his big break when playing Marcellus Wallace in Pulp Fiction. He also starred in the medical drama ER. Soon after he landed the role that brought him to a global public – ace computer hacker Luther Stickell in Mission Impossible. But the highspot of his career probably came in 1988 when he received an award for his performance in the TV show Don King: Only in America. At the ceremony, Rhames gave his award to fellow nominee Jack Lemmon saying: “I feel that being an artist is about giving, and I’d like to give this to you.” The veteran actor tried unsuccessfully to give the award back and later said: “It was one of the sweetest moments I’ve ever known in my life.” In March 2005, Rhames played the lead role on a new Kojak series seen on ITV4. After Saving God he will appear in the new Coach Carter TV show, taking the place of Samuel L Jackson who made the role famous in the 2005 film.

Hospital ship volunteers recognised for work Pledge welcomed MORE than 1,200 volunteers who served on board the world’s largest charity hospital ship in Liberia were recognised for their work during a special day last month. The Africa Mercy has spent the last ten months in the war-torn African country, and the volunteer crew has treated over 35,000 people and performed over 17,000 free procedures. Run by the international charity Mercy Ships, the ship relies entirely on volunteers who serve on board from as

little as two weeks, with some crew having been with the charity for more than 20 years. The Africa Mercy, which was refitted in the UK, houses up to 450 volunteers at any one time, ranging from medical staff to engineers and cooks. Dr Nigel Barker, an anaesthetist from Sheffield, who volunteered on board the Africa Mercy for seven months this year with his wife, said: “The work that Mercy Ships does is amazing and really does make a big difference.”

A CHARITY has welcomed assurances from the Government that it will keep up its aid commitment to poor countries. International development organisation Progressio said it was delighted the Government had repeated its promise to deliver 0.7 per cent of gross national income in aid.

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6 – New Life Newspaper – Issue 179

Issue 179 – New Life Newspaper – 7

EXCLUSIVE: PASTOR’S SON WAS BNP MEMBER UNTIL HE REDISCOVERED GOD’S LOVE

I was a racist bigot but now I help Africa’s poor

LIFE CHANGE... Brian Madden who is now a pastor

eWAn Gurr,, the son of a church pastor, decided to rebel against his Christian upbringing as a teenager. having turned down interviews with national newspapers, ewan wan agreed to speak exclusively to new life about how he went from being the Bnp’s ’s youngest organiser to reaching out to the people he once despised. Matthew Murray reports

Former Nazi thug P was ‘going to hell’

ASTOR’S son Ewan Gurr was just 16 and was whole-heartedly determined to renounce his Christian upbringing.

A FORMER criminal and alcoholic who became a member of the National Front and the Nazi Party has told of how he found God and is now a pastor. The former thug thought that fighting, crime and racism were the ways to find satisfaction in life, until a head-on collision with the Holy Spirit changed his thinking. The chances were against Brian when growing up. His father was an alcoholic and his mother worked at the local pub, and Brian’s downfall began as a young child. He rarely attended school, developed a passion for violence, and by the age of 12, he’d followed in his father’s footsteps and was hooked on booze. By his early teens he was taking drugs. But perhaps Brian’s most questionable move was when he joined a group of skinheads and became a member of racist parties the National Front and the Nazi Party. “They were groups who believed ‘all things British’. If you weren’t white and British you didn’t belong here, that was our general opinion. We became members and thought it was brilliant.

cells “Anyone who didn’t fit our criteria we would attack, this went on for quite a long time. In my late teenage years I was in real trouble. I’d wake up in prison cells and find myself in front of judges; it was a horrible period in my life.” He added: “My mother had been diagnosed with cancer and I put her through real heartache. She would just have come through some severe treatment and then the police would come and kick our door down and lead me out with handcuffs on.” During this time of rebellion, Brian met a girlfriend, Martine, who he took an instant liking to. At the age of five, Martine had been knocked down by a car and had to have her leg removed. The local church had been a strong support to the family, helping them during the tragedy. As a result, Martine’s mum had joined the fellowship and started at-

tending most weeks. Brian’s mother also became a Christian, as did one of his sisters. And to put the icing on the cake, his alcoholic father gave up booze and became a Christian. Brian was becoming scared. “My mother was telling me she was praying for me, and I was getting God thrown at me from every angle,” he said. “I was surrounded by them all, it was really starting to get to me.” But despite the ongoi ng prayer, things didn’t improve for Brian – in fact his life got worse. “The fighting increased as did my run-ins with the police. We’d spend time having full brawls in the streets with the police. Life was spiralling out of control,” Brian remembered. But Brian’s encountered God on a cold winter night in 1987. He said: “The weather was so bad that the motorway speed limit was reduced to 20mph, it was a horrible night. Suddenly I was in the car and I heard a clear voice saying that the car was going off the motorway and that I was going to hell. “For the first time in my life I thought about what I was doing. I realised that I wasn’t going to make much of my life. I said to God that if he were real he would have to come into my life and help me. I said sorry to him for all the bad things I’d done.

While some teenagers may rebel by turning to drink and drugs, Ewan went one stage further… he became the BNP’s youngest organiser. As well as dabbling with narcotics, teenage Ewan decided to fight against what he saw as an unjust world by turning to the controversial political party. The Dundee man became heavily involved with the BNP, attending rallies and being on first-name terms with the party’s notorious leaders. But the 23-year-old finally turned his back on the racist, right-wing group when he realised something was still missing his life. He revealed how his views on disliking Africans, Asians and homosexuals, that were printed in a national newspaper, caused havoc throughout Scotland. The backlash was particularly felt at the God Full Gospel Church, where his mum and dad, Des and Sharon, are senior pastors. Ewan explained: “I was a bit of a hothead and was frustrated that there seemed to be no real justice in the world, which is why I turned to politics. “Within the BNP, I got involved in all the rallies, and was on first-name terms with the likes of Nick Griffin [BNP Chairman] and Mark Collett [BNP Publicity]. “My mum and dad had prayed for me since I was a baby, but I didn’t really believe in God and wanted something authentic and real in my life. “But within the two years I was

involved with the BNP, I realised that it didn’t offer any solution to the emptiness I had in my life. “For the first time in my life, I asked God that if he was real he would reveal himself to me. I had a sense of certainty for the first time in my life that God did exist. This caused me to explore again.” But what was around the corner came as a shock for the Gurr family, as Ewan’s name was blackened in the national press. He recalled: “It was a real tough time for my family. The church leaders were very gracious and loving, and I was advised to leave the party so I did. Lots of relationships had to be cut and friendships were severed. “I rededicated my life to God but I had no purpose, no job and little going for me. Everywhere I went people would know me from the newspaper, but during this time I fell in love with the word of God. It began to change my attitudes and thoughts about life.”

leader Shortly after becoming Christian, Ewan began helping his dad by serving in the church and helping the evangelism team distribute food to homes in the community. Ewan organised the distribution of thousands of leaflets advertising the project, and the church was soon approached by Dundee City Council and other public. Just th ree yea rs a fter t u rn i ng his back on the BNP, Ewan is now on full-time staff at the church, working as outreach co-ordinator and youth leader. He added: “We reach 100 families a month with food, and are ministering to those with mental illness, drug and alcohol addiction and people who have suffered sexual or physical abuse. We

cried “When I sincerely cried out to God it was like I was floating around and everything had lifted off of me.” The hardest job for Brian was convincing everyone that he was genuinely a Christian. He said, ‘Nobody believed me! I told my girlfriend and she didn’t believe me, and then I told my mum and dad. Wit h i n t wo weeks of cha ng i ng, Brian was preaching in the streets, and he eventually became Belfast’s Elim Christian Centre Sunday School Superintendent. He then served as a deacon, assistant pastor, before becoming the church’s senior pastor four years ago. OLD DAYS... Ewan, centre, with BNP activists including leader Nick Griffin, left

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media organisation United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) to spread the Word. UCB broadcast to virtually all major UK cities on dAB digital radio and you can also listen via digital satellite and online. UCB radio is perfect for anyone who has an interest in news, features, music and interviews from a faith perspective.

explore ChristiAnity We’re also working with Alpha, the course that allows people to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking 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

show the love of Christ practically by feeding them, and encourage them if they wa nt to ta ke Ch ristia n it y further. “One lady called Maureen described the groceries as a bag of hope. She was feeling so depressed and had prayed that day that if God knew she was there to send something, and he did. She thought our team were angels, and has been coming to church ever since.” A nd a lthough Ewa n is seeing lives changed, the biggest change has been in his attitude to others. He has a newfound love for others, which he can only describe as the compassion of Jesus Ch r ist work i ng i n h is heart.

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

e said: “I didn’t like Musl i ms, but now have a Muslim hair hairdresser who I talk to every time I go in; I didn’t like Africans but am involved with the local NigeNige rian church and I’ve been on two mission trips to Africa. I disliked homosexuals, but once a month, our youth group goes to the town’s gay n ightclub and tell the people about Jesus Christ. “My prejud ice against Muslims caved in and I now feel an unbelievable sense of love for my African brothers. Even at the gay nightclub I’ve felt the love and grace of God when talking about Jesus. “Je s u s t r a n s c e n de d t h e r e l i g ious, racia l a nd gender divide in John 4 with the woman at the well. For me, by the grace of God, my prejudice towards Muslims, Africans and homohomo sexuals caved in and has left me feeling liberated.” Ewan’s dad Des said he was “delighted” at his son’s change of lifestyle. He told New Life: “When Ewan was in the BNP we found it difficult, and it was a hard time for the church and the family. “We’ve known the hand of God has been on him since he was young, and what the devil meant for evil, God has turned to good.”

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MISSIONARY MAN... Ewan with a child during a missions visit to Africa

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6 – New Life Newspaper – Issue 179

Issue 179 – New Life Newspaper – 7

EXCLUSIVE: PASTOR’S SON WAS BNP MEMBER UNTIL HE REDISCOVERED GOD’S LOVE

I was a racist bigot but now I help Africa’s poor

LIFE CHANGE... Brian Madden who is now a pastor

Former Nazi thug P was ‘going to hell’

ASTOR’S son Ewan Gurr was just 16 and was whole-heartedly determined to renounce his Christian upbringing.

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WORKING TOGeTheR TO BRING you The GOOd NeWS

tune in In 2009, New Life will be working with Christian

the BiBle MAtters

e said: “I didn’t like Musl i ms, but now have a Muslim hairdresser who I talk to every time I go in; I didn’t like Africans but am involved with the local Nigerian church and I’ve been on two mission trips to Africa. I disliked homosexuals, but once a month, our youth group goes to the town’s gay n ightclub and tell the people about Jesus Christ. “My prejud ice against Muslims caved in and I now feel an unbelievable sense of love for my African brothers. Even at the gay nightclub I’ve felt the love and grace of God when talking about Jesus. “Je s u s t r a n s c e n de d t h e r e l i g ious, racia l a nd gender divide in John 4 with the woman at the well. For me, by the grace of God, my prejudice towards Muslims, Africans and homosexuals caved in and has left me feeling liberated.” Ewan’s dad Des said he was “delighted” at his son’s change of lifestyle. He told New Life: “When Ewan was in the BNP we found it difficult, and it was a hard time for the church and the family. “We’ve known the hand of God has been on him since he was young, and what the devil meant for evil, God has turned to good.”

NEW LIFE

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

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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MISSIONARY MAN... Ewan with a child during a missions visit to Africa

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8 – New Life Newspaper – Issue 179

THE BILL STAR REVEALS WHO FILLS HIS LIFE A helping hand for COMMENT farmers in It’s the only way Zimbabwe MOST people have probably entered their teenage years with the urge to rebel. It could be a simple case of listening to “music” that adults neither like nor understand – for example, thrash metal, which can only be described as a noise. Or, you may have wanted to stay out late to annoy your parents. A rebellious streak is all part of growing up, and is usually pretty harmless and grown out of quickly. But as Ewan Gurr exclusively revealed to New Life, when he was a teenager he decided to go beyond all boundaries of rebelling and joined the BNP. It’s a controversial political party, to say the least, and its principles are the total opposite to the Christian way in which Ewan was brought up. Where Jesus spoke of humility and love for everyone, the BNP is quite different. Put simply, it believes that some people have a right to be treated differently from others – whether that’s because of their skin colour or place of birth. Ewan finally realised that the party wasn’t the answer to the emptiness in his life, and that his mum and dad had been teaching him how to lead his life correctly all along. Maybe you struggle with some aspects of life and want to lash out – but there is a better way. Turn to the Lord Jesus, and ask him to accept you as you are. Remember to love and care for others and accept them for who they are – just as Jesus taught – and you’ll be on the road to an amazing journey of faith. Start 2009 in this way and it will be a year of revelation – one that fills you with hope and peace in a way you never could have imagined.

BIBLE QUOTE OF THE MONTH “My soul finds rest in God alone: My salvation comes from Him.” Psalms 62:1 Editor: Peter Wreford Accounts: Helen Wreford Circulation: Simon Schembri Advertising: Barry Wilson

Editorial office: New Life Publishing Co, PO Box 777, Nottingham NG11 6ZZ, UK Email: editor@newlife.co.uk Telephone: 0115 921 7285 Website: www.newlife.co.uk

We welcome your letters and comments regarding any of the issues raised within these pages. Write to the Editor at the above address. Back copies: previous issues are available while stocks last, at cover price plus £1.00 handling charge, inc. p&p, per order.

by Hugh Southon TELLY bobby Pc Tony stamp is quite possibly the nation’s favourite copper! Graham’s character has pounded the Sun Hill beat for years, and is as familiar and reassuring a figure as you can get in our rapidly changing times. And the on- and off-screen characters are remarkably similar when you meet the highly gifted actor who has brought the kindly PC to life. Graham has been a Christian since childhood. He explained: “Once you come to Jesus he starts to fill your life with love, and that should spill over to everybody in every walk of life. “What’s the most wonderful thing about Christianity? Coming out of darkness and into a fantastic light. Everything that went before becomes empty. “Instead of darkness and negativity you are brought into a wonderful place. Christ’s love gives you a new heart.” Brought up in a Christian family, Graham has attended various churches but now describes himself as a “floater”. He has been drawn into two particular areas – the Alpha movement and Childline, which is a protection service for threatened kids. Like all of us, Graham has faced those big God questions and believes that the Alpha course is a superb format for those who aren’t sure where to start when considering God and Jesus Christ. He said: “The course covers all those questions like, ‘Is there life after death?’ and ‘Is there actually a God?’ and so on. “I have found it a huge boost to help those people who really don’t know very much at all. It’s been very good for me, and a great way for bringing people out of that darkness I was talking about.” Despite often being involved in shooting The Bill and the “lines learning that goes with it”, Graham is deeply involved in the work of Childline. It’s quite clearly where he channels all that love which bubbles out of him through the main man in his life – Jesus. He said this was his “calling”, explaining that the Childine Centre takes around 16,000 calls a year. But he added: “We all know that as we are talking to one child there are two or three others trying to get through. That would take the total to nearer 50,000 – child abuse of all kinds is a huge problem.” Graham found his two worlds colliding when he became a central character in a Bill storyline where he became suspected of an abusive situation. It had a profound effect on him, and he clearly found it seriously hard to handle, explaining: “I would pull into car parks on the way home from the

STAMP OF APPROVAL... Graham Cole collects an award for The Bill and, inset, as PC Tony Stamp set and find myself crying the thing out of me.” And he added: “We get all sorts of calls – if these kids aren’t spoken to in a kind and loving way they grow up believing this is the normal way to behave and thus we get problems on our streets. “I think we often worry about walking our streets but we shouldn’t. “As a Christian I find myself thanking God 100 times a day for all the things he is doing in my life. “I can’t imagine not leading a Christian life – the values Christ preached are as relevant and important today as they have ever been.” But Graham has another burning issue he believes needs addressing – racism… an issue often tackled on the gritty cop show. He said: “Jesus may not have suffered racism but he was spat upon and beaten - he suffered all the elements associated with it.” He believes those who behave in such a way need to examine themselves very closely. “Quite simply,” he said, “they need to ask themselves exactly what it is they are frightened of.”

PUZZLE CORNER Sudoku

Crossword clues Across 1. Floorshow (7) 4. Spooky (5) 7. Detection device (5) 9. Vertical (7) 10. Inactivity (7) 11. Measuring implement (5) 12. Dictator (6) 14. Ecclesiastic (6) 18. Copious (5) 20. Drawn (7) 22. Pouch worn with a kilt (7) 23. Diadem (5) 24. Admittance (5) 25. Spiny anteater

New Life newspaper is printed on 100% recycled paper PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

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Solutions on the right

Down 1. Transported (7) 2. Emblem (5) 3. Tropical bird (6) 4. Mistake (5) 5. Dependable follower (7) 6. Go in (5) 8. Magnitude relation (5) 13. Reinforcement (7) 15. Reasoned judgment (5) 16. Musical passage (7) 17. Opportunity (6) 18. Part of a church (5) 19. Ahead of time (5) 21. Obviate (5)

A WOMAN who helped transform farmers’ lives in troubled Zimbabwe has returned to the African nation for the fourth time in a year. Donna Bloomfield is one of a number of UK Christians who are teaching farmers how to work the land using principles from the Bible. The 42-year-old had last been in the country when it was at risk of collapsing into civil war. “That was unnerving because of the intim idation. The re was r iot i ng on t he st reets, a nd schools were closing,” Donna explained. Her latest v isit saw the Swindon Gateway Church employee rolling out the Farming God’s Way programme that is already working in 20 countries. Donna said that under the scheme farmers can increase yields from the land and make more cash. She added: “Farming God’s Way is not just a farm ing method, it’s about changing people’s hearts. And when people understand God’s love for them and that God’s ways actually work, it brings hope – and that’s when it makes an impact. “Despite the challenges of living in Zimbabwe, this is something that could potentially change a nation – the increased yields could literally feed the nation.”

Cabbie has knowledge A L ON D ON c a b bie h ad a change of heart and declared his takings to the taxman. Ken Ashton felt he had to own up after turning to Christ on an Alpha course more than ten years ago. He has continued to serve God ever since, and was recently ordained as a Church of England deacon at Chelmsford Cathedral. He said: “Jesus Christ has given me a purpose and direction in my life. I didn’t think of Jesus before.”

Issue 179 – New Life Newspaper – 9

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I s R AE l , M E D ITE R R AN E AN , EUROPE, UK ‘weekend breaks’. All excellent value (ATOL 3669); brochure Lifetime Christian Holidays, PO Box 55, Newport, NP19 8XT. Tel: 01633 277167 Email: info@lifetimeholidays.co.uk (CJ11)

(CD15c)

creation

Out of Body Experience Are they real and can Christians experience them? Read the actual experiences of someone who has had several out-of-body experiences and seen things that are kept secret from most. Contact arthurkeech@yahoo.co.uk or roger_keech@hotmail.com for a written record of these experiences

UNIQUE & RARE OPPORTUNITY to partner with an industry giant, tiscali.network. Your own home internet business. Benefit from explosion in Broadband & Internet. www.bestbroadband.org.uk (FH47)

wanted ChURCh FURNIshINGs Bought and sold. From chairs to pulpits. Call Chancellors on 01932 252 736, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm. (CT75)

what’s on

Royal Rangers A YOUNG PERSON’S UNIFORMED ORGANISATION A G E S

1 8

For information, phone: Daytime: 0161 339 4819 Evening: 0161 338 5392 Children and young people’s work – what is your church doing?  Building friendships  Opening new doors  Fun & achievement  Exciting programme  Learning new skills REACH, TEACH, AND KEEP BOYS & GIRLS FOR JESUS

www.royalrangers.org.uk

LOG ON NOW: www.newlife.co.uk

10 – New Life Newspaper – Issue 179

WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? WANT TO EXPLORE CHRISTIANITY, BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO TURN? KEEP THIS PAGE TO HELP YOU FIND A NEW DIRECTION IN LIFE... Log on to

ALTRINCHAM The Upper Room Christian Fellowship, The Downs. Sunday services 10.45am and 6.30pm. Enquiries: 0161 282 6676. (CA09)

DARTFORD - EMMANUEL CHURCH EAST HILL Join us at 10:30am on Sundays. For further details: 01322 272649 or www.epcdartford.com (CL38)

ARMTHORPE Armthorpe New Life Church (Nr Doncaster), Community Centre, Church Lane. Family Service 11am, Children’s Sunday Club 11.30am, Outreach meeting 6-7pm. Warm welcome to all. Enquiries Tel: 01226 752 296. (AT90)

EDENTHORPE, near Doncaster Edenthorpe Pentecostal church, Edenthorpe Community Centre, Cedric Road. Sundays 10.30am & 6.00pm. Children’s Good News club Wednesday 4.30pm to 5.45pm. 4U Children school year 6-9 Fridays 7.15pm. Warm welcome to all. Enquiries 01302 882738. (ER50) ELY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP A loving, growing, praying family church. Sunday celebration 10.30am. Enquiries phone: 01353 662 228. Email: info@elychristianfellowship.org.uk. Web www.elychristianfellowship.org.uk. Also Christian Bookshop 01353 667 004. (DU35)

Bedford

(ER53)

Great Barford Word of Life Church

meet Sunday 10.30 at the Village Hall, Fishers Close. Enquiries: Pastor John Best

01234 871475 BIRMINGHAM Bromford Bridge Church Centre (AoG), Bromford Drive. Sundays 10.45am and 6pm. Minister Ivor Davies. Tel: 0121 748 7081 Mobile 07745 100 942. (AG30) BURY S T ED M U N D S , Su ffo lk. The Christian Resource Centre (a Pentecostal church). Oakes Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 6PX. www. crcministries.co.uk 01284 761000. Service times: Sunday 10.30am and 6.30pm. All the family will be made (EQ05) very welcome. CANTERBURY Trinity Community Church. Meetings Sundays 10.45am at St Stephen’s Junior School, Hales Place, Canterbury. Tel: 01227 459 785. (CA06)

New Life Community Church Fuller Drive

CreWe

Where God Changes Lives! Sundays 10.30 - 12

01270 664 225 www.newlifecentre.co.uk (EI26)R

CroYdoN God turns up Sunday 11am.

His presence has been awesome. Come and be changed, uplifted, challenged and inspired. We are a multi-racial, family loving Church. See you Sunday. Croydon Community Church, Endeavour Hall, 273 Norbury Crescent, Norbury SW16. (CH20)

Main Hall

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

GiLLiNGham

Meet every Sunday 10.30am A warm welcome awaits you

For information on other meetings phone Allan Smith 01634 264410

(CF42)

HUDDERSFIELD Huddersfield Elim Church (across from the Bus Sation) welcomes you. Sundays 10.30am at Greenhead College and 6.30pm at church in Merton Street, Springwood – Tel: 01484 428 046. Holme Valley Elim Church, Village Hall, Moor Lane, Honley, Huddersfield Sundays 11.00am and 6.00pm. Tel: 01484 323 978. (EB18)

www.always.org.uk/mustard

tel: 020 8570 4265

LEYTON

Welcomes you Sundays 10.30am at Barclay School Canterbury Rd, London E10 www.gatewaychurch.org.uk Sharing Hope & Life

(FN61)

City Church

invites you to our services: 10.30am & 6.00pm Sunday (plus many other activities)

“A great place to be”

Tel: 0151 2649995 www.liverpoolcitychurch.org

(EY24)

City Church, Jubilee Drive, Liverpool L7 3BA

LONG EATON Oasis Christian Centre, Derby Road. 10am & 6pm. Come and enjoy the dynamic worship and a warm welcome. God centred, Purpose driven, People empowering. Enquiries: Church Office 0115 9460463 (EL62)

2008

Issue

169

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BRINGING

YOU THE GOOD

(DH80)

MAIDSTONE Welcome to Mangravet Church which meets at Grove Road (near Police HQ), Sundays 10.30am. Enquiries: 01622 664 940. (DP53) MAIDSTONE Grove Green Chr istian Fellowshi p w w w. grovegreenchristianfellowship.org meetings Invicta Grammar School, Huntsman Lane, Sundays at 10am. All are welcome. 01622 204 221 (AY48) READING Assemblies of God Christian Centre (Mount Zion). Sundays 11am and 6.30pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays 7.30pm. Enquiries Tel: 01252 872 754.

RETFORD Retford New Life Church Centre, 26-32 Bridgegate, Retford, Notts. Morning Meetings 9.30am & 11.30am. Children’s Church 9.30am & 11.30am. Sunday Evenings 6.30pm. Everyone welcome. Contact 01777 711377. (CA36)

ER EDITI ON FROM

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A PREGN left fightiANT woma n who ng said it was a for her life was she and mirac le that has her surviv ed theirpremature both baby ordea Medic Ursu la al staff had l. Key wood to delive three month r ’s s early daugh ter starte d after Ursula be i ng going into eclam d ia g nosed a fit after psia. w it h pre The toxic condit on by ion and in h ig h blood is brought threat some cases press u re ening. can be life-

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welcomes you 11am Sundays Broadstone Hall Road South Community Centre Heaton Chapel, Stockport www.ccc-stockport.org.uk

March

2008

Issue

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BRAV

WAKEFIELD The King’s Church. Real People, Real Life, Real Answers. For more information contact Jonathan on: 07914137512 or www.christ4u. co.uk (FF63)

BUS DRIV d ITER WAS THE Mum an HONOUR had HAED yEC by b PPIEST DA baSP IAL ED Y BY QUEE e ITION FOR PAGE OFNMY LIF BISHO5 to battl P’S ST E ORTFOR D CH for lives

RISTIA

N ASSE MB

LATEST CR FOR ATTA AZE BLAMED CK ON YO UTH

A TEEN serious AGER esca wieldinginjury when ped BIBLE yobs stab knife- EXCLUSIVE in his pock bed a by Matth ew

The teenag Murray a Christ er regula et. rly attend minor Emma ian youth group s a few pain, which nuel held at Walthamsto Christian stitches. will result w, Londo Centre in Other in And pastor n. Ch r ist members the churc Dez of rience ia n Cent re Emma nuel the boy, h believes Brown from d have Brown simila r incide ex peto name,who he has God spared said. asked nts, Mr from furthe Earlie us not He told the congrr this year, New Life, r injury. been a memb a bit egatio attack er of troub ‘There had n was some gangs ed by a raped of acid throw gang, and for reveng , and they le betwe en n over before havin effort e for him were going attack g to destro her body . for anoth in an y DNA ‘As the er Mr Despite the dange evidence. he stabbe attacker Brown rs, howev went for admit toring the young d the Bible s he er, him, instea that no in Londo n. enjoys pasd of ‘The boylad. He situat believ for God ions are comes group to impos es to the every sible He addedimpact. to give week. youth his testim I asked , exper group him ience ‘Because of my ony but he and past, fazed own quite a was a at the youth by little shy. remar that God such troub I am not kable It’s le. I can reach story.’ lives, just in and know PAIN own life.’ like he Mr Brown chang touch ed my , who himse The churc a prison senten lar work h has lf served for stabbi ce as a starte 17-yea d reguthe police in schoo ng someo knows r-old ne to combals and with within knife all about the to death crime , Spark their comm t proble dange ms rs of 2Life He said . unity. them severa projec Their ager was the attack t l award has earne d Senior as ‘jucki part of a on the teens. ng’, where craze known said counspastor Doug their victim attack Willia elling ‘heart ers s inflict break ing’. the victim ms seriou but don’t meanstab s was s injury Instea to face‘The only answe . of their d, they pierce of r victim believ such things I have in the , hopin the skin e in the is g to cause pel. I believ power that I still of the e the power to chang Gospe l hasGose a heart. the ’

Many churches successfully use localised editions to promote their own church and special events. Others work together with local congregations to produce and deliver localised editions to their whole town or city. When you order a minimum of 1000 copies (£200), for an additional £300 we can produce a special localised edition by changing a page (or more) to your own news or to your advert. We also change the banner advert across the top of the front page so that readers immediately know that the newspaper is local to them. You simply supply the text and pictures and we can design it for you. For further information or free sample copies of localised editions, telephone: 0115 921 7280 or email: info@newlife.co.uk

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CHURCHES

STOKE ON TRENT Apostolic Praise Centre,Carron St. Fenton. Invite you to join them on Sundays. 10.30am. Thursday 7.30pm. For further details contact Graeme 079 79 370 566

gin

G M AK IN CE CH IN EN L CHUR DIFF ER DA ECOSTA IM PENT IN UG AN ITION FOR THE EL

STEvENAGE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH Assemblies of God UK. Bedwell Community Centre, Bedwell Crescent, Stevenage. (FV22)

Brin

o.uk

Bringing hope back to Britain

Mum an d baby ha d to battl RE W rW E’ e HO fo lives A

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)

SHANKLIN Isle of Wight, Living Waters Fellowship, 29, Victoria Avenue. Sundays 2.30pm (Service). Wednesday Home Group 10.30am (Bible Study). Thursdays 10.30am (Prayer) 7.30pm Monthly also Saturdays 7.30pm Monthly (Intercessory Praise & Worship). Enquiries & Newsletter (01983) 863683, livingwaters.iw@btinternet.com or livingwaters.iw@gmail.com. (CA52)

www.new life.c

BIBLE SA VES TEE STABL E F B I I N G VICTIMN NEW 2008 March

RIPON Worship and Rejoice with us at the New Life Assembly of God, Water Skellgate. 10.30am Sundays. Info or Prayer. Phone 01765 604379. (EY00)

SAFFRON WALDEN, New Life Church. Shire Hill. Sundays 10.30am & 6.30pm. For details call Pastor R Ellalasingham on 01799 506045 email: mail@nlpc.co.uk (FR19)

NEWS

MP GI VE S BA CK IN G TO CH UR CH IN ITI AT IV E

PAGE

3 SPECIAL EAST

(ES70)

LEICESTER Na r b o r o u g h R oad Christian Fellowship. Meet at Manor House, Neighbourhood Centre, Haddenham Road. Services: Sunday 10.30am. Tel: 0116 2891 395 or 0116 2897 804. All welcome. (AB25)

GATEWAY CHURCH

March

COMIC LE GE TO TA LK AB ND OU LIFE OF FU T N AND TR AG EDY

TW7 6AB (opp West Middlesex Hospital)

There is always a church near you.

LEICESTER Apostolic Church New Life Centre, Sanvey Lane, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8NF. Main services: Sunday 10.30am worship, Bible ministry and Communion. Tuesday 8pm Bible study and prayer. Pastor Richard Forman telephone 0116 275 2582 everyone welcome. (CW05)

NEW L IFE

Meet Sundays 11am at Isleworth Town Primary School,

(AC01)

LiverpooL

(AS88)

0208 689 5187

New Life Community Church

CHurCHes: Would you like your copies of New Life to contain your news?

A satellite of Kensington Temple Pentecostal Church at Twickenham Road, Isleworth

(EN26)

ASHFORD Ashford Christian Fellowship Worship Centre, 23 Tufton Street. Sundays: 9.30-11am (inc. children’s facilities) & 11.30-1pm (no children’s facilities). Last Sunday each month: Healing & Miracles service: 6.30pm. Enquiries: 01233 334007. (CF57)

THE

muStard Seed CHURCH

TELEPHONE Assemblies of God: 0115 921 7272 Baptist Church: 01235 517700 Church of England (Anglican): 0207 898 1000 Elim: 01242 519904 Methodist Church: 0207 486 5502 United Reformed (URC): 020 7916 2020 WEBSITES www.findachurch.co.uk www.achurchnearyou.com www.aog.org.uk www.baptist.org.uk www.cofe.anglican.org www.elim.org.uk www.urc.org.uk

helpful INfORMATION www.newlife.co.uk

CoURSES www.alpha.org (0845 644 7544) www.authenticwalk.com www.biblehelp.co.uk www.growinginchrist.com

infoRmation www.lookingforgod.com www.newchristian.org.uk www.ucb.co.uk www.faithstart.com Help on becoming a Christian: Write to Christian Enquiry Agency (NL), FREEPOST WC2947, South Croydon, CR2 8UZ. Email: www.rejesus.co.uk In need of prayer: Call UCB Prayerline on 0845 456 7729

whatever you are looking for, log on to

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Issue 179 – New Life Newspaper – 11

Kaka heads up TV campaign

PRAISE INDEED... Kaka makes his feelings clear

BRAzILIAN football superstar and FIFA world player of the year, Kaka, will tell his home country of the love of God in a major television campaign. The milan ace is sharing his testimony of his faith in Jesus Christ as part of an outreach in conjunction with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The programmes will be shown during prime-time hours. ‘my Hope Brazil’ is inspired by matthew 9, in which tax collectors and sinners gather at matthew’s house to have dinner with Jesus. The “matthews” are Christians who will invite friends and relatives to their homes to watch the special

broadcasts before sharing their personal testimonies of God’s love. They will also invite those present to accept or rededicate their lives to Jesus. more than 48,000 churches and 850,000 homes across Brazil, the largest country in South America, have received resources and training to take part in the massive campaign. “my Hope Brazil is one of the most exciting projects BGEA has had the privilege of facilitating,” said Bill Conard, vice president of international ministries at BGEA. “The churches in Brazil have put an enormous amount of time and energy into reaching their loved ones with the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

FORMER WORLD No1 STILL SERVING UP SUCCESS

Love conquers all for ace Margaret She’S gone from serving tennis balls to serving people, but tennis hero Margaret Court has never had more success.

A lthough the former world No.1 picked up countless trophies and accolades during her tennis career, her best success has been pastoring a mega-church in Perth, Western Australia. Court, known for her strong views on moral issues such as abortion and homosexuality, obtained a theological qualification from the Rhema Bible Training Centre and in 1991 was ordained a minister. She also has a regular television show, A Life of Victory. Court, now 66, says her faith in God helped her become one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. A spokesperson for the International Tennis Hall of Fame said: “For sheer strength of performance and accomplishment there has never been a tennis player to match her.” But the humble Australian insists her success is down to God. She tells of how, during a tournament in Paris in 1973, she realised that something was missing in her life – a closer relationship with God. She added: “I knew God was there and thought I must be able to know him in a deeper way. A short time later a friend gave me

a book on becoming a Christian. I read it and soon after, I made the decision to become a Christian, accepting Jesus Christ as the Lord of my life. “I continued to be successful on the tennis circuit but I wasn’t happy. I needed to be closer to Jesus, and I believed that I couldn’t do this by filling my life with tennis. “At the end of 1976, I decided to retire from tennis and devote myself to looking after my family and getting to know more of Jesus. The next few years were a real struggle for me dealing with a heart condition, depression and insomnia but what got me through was total devotion to God and his word, the Bible. “It gave me inner strength and brought healing to my body and mind. A verse that really kept me going is Galatians 2:20, ‘I have died but Christ now lives in me.’ And now I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me. “In 1982, I went to Bible College and since then my goal has been to go out and share God’s word with as many people as possible. I love to tell them how they can renew their lives and how they can overcome fear by really focusing on the word of God.” Court’s church, Victory Life Cent re, works w ith people of all ages, and has six services a week.

PRIMUS

The inside track on faith in football

Mind your language! I’m not sure we ever fully realise the power of the words we use! If you could eavesdrop on a professional football club’s dressing room you would be very shocked indeed at some of the language being used. But as a Christian I’m very careful at the words I use, realising they can seriously hurt and conversely genuinely build people up. It’s been tough at my loan club Charlton since I moved up from Fratton Park, but it’s when the going gets tough that we need to be at our most positive. In all circumstances you need to keep on building people up – keep them believing  and doing everything possible to keep confidence levels up. In the Bible in the book of James there’s a n a w f u l l ot s a i d about the power of the tongue… how we can unleash terrible  things upon ourselves and others. It’s not stuff you hear spoken about in the Christian world too often, but James was a seriously down-to-earth guy who had some cracking advice to pass on. We need to tame our tongues and display sensitivity in everything we say because it’s that which should set Christians apart.

It’s when the going gets tough we need to be at our most positive

NEGATIVES There’s other good reasons to watch our tongues. I can walk off the pitch after a game and be told by the boss that overall I had a good game but there were a couple of things he wasn’t happy with. How am I going to respond? Will I be up or down as a result of that, or will I accept what he says and use the negatives as a positive for future performances? That’s what I should do both as a player and a Christian. We can always do better for God and when he tells us so we need to be listening to his WORDS.

PLATES OF FEAT... Margaret Court winning at Wimbledon

How I tackled injury woe I’m willing to forgive, says star UGO monye has credited the turnaround in his rugby union career to God. The star was left “pretty much paralysed, and feeling like a baby again” following a bulging disc. But he recently become one of four uncapped players named by new England boss martin Johnson to face the Pacific Islands at Twickenham. “It was a pretty dark time but I had massive self-belief, and my Christian faith helped me,” said monye, 25, who is a leader of an Alpha evangelical group at the Holy Trinity Church in Brompton, London. Ugo Monye

LINVOY

CHRISTIAN snooker star Shaun lowing his Crucible win. But murphy has revealed he and his Shaun has shown the perfect father Tony are back on C h r i st i a n e x a m ple , speak ing terms after vowing to put the past healing a rift that has behind him and forgive blighted their lives for and forget. three years. He sa id: “my dad The pa i r have not and I are trying to work spoken since Shaun won things through. We are the World Championjust trying our best to ship in 2005, when a Shaun Murphy put the past beh i nd bitter row followed over someus. It’s all good. We are making thing Tony said to his son folamends of things.”

I want to stay at Pompey I’m aiming to speak with the new gaffer Tony Adams as soon as possible. m y fo r m e r b o s s Harry Redknapp has moved on to Spu rs since I left for the Valley and it’s no surprise at all to see him doing so brilliantly. The bloke’s a genius.

CAREER I ’ v e s p e nt e i g ht yea rs of my ca ree r with Harry but with him gone I’m not really sure where I stand at

Pompey. So my first job of the new year is to sit down with Tony and get things sorted. I really don’t want to leave this club. I’d always believed I’d finish my career at the club and I really hope that turns out to be the case. I’ve never discussed stay i ng at Cha rlton beyond the end of December but it all depends on what Tony says as to whether that becomes part of my agenda! Linvoy was talking to Hugh Southon

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Issue 179 – New Life Newspaper – 12

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NO fEAR fOR fAllON’S fuTuRE RORY Fallon knows he wasn’t everybody’s cup of tea when he made the move to Plymouth argyle under departed boss Ian Holloway. and he’s not sure how long he’ll remain at the club beyond the one year he has left on his contract. But whether he stays or goes, he remains entirely unworried because he knows that he answers to a much higher authority than the club officials and boss Paul Sturrock. The much travelled 25-year-old striker counts Barnsley, Yeovil, Swindon, Shrewsbury and Swansea among his former clubs, and admits he hasn’t always done himself justice. But he’s been in great form since the end of last season. He finished the last argyle campaign with a flourish, scoring four goals in seven games, and regularly being voted man of the match. and he declares that it’s a born-

again experience that has put him straight – a faith in God that overcomes all things. He said: “I play for the glory of God. That’s it! He has given me a new life, and I think it’s reflecting in my football. “I am so in love with Jesus, and just want to glorify him on and off the pitch – he is at the very centre of my life and there’s so much I want to do for him. “as a younger man I did all the things that most young footballers do. I wasn’t focused, and was getting into all the wrong things.

EXPERIENCE “But I had an experience of God, became – to quote scripture – born again, and it’s made the most incredible difference to my life.” Rory even turned away from extramarital sex with his long-term girl-

A FALLON BELIEVER... Plymouth’s Rory Fallon in action

friend with whom he was living at the time of his born-again experience. He explained: “We were living together and having the usual relationship in that area, but when I learned what the word of God said about such arrangements we stopped. “Instead, we got married as scripture tells us and in the meantime refrained from sexual activity. “That’s how I want to live my life in all areas. I want to be the man that God called me to be, and all our instructions for that can be found in the Bible. Scripture tells me that God has a plan for my life and that’s the only thing I want in my life.” The same is true of his footballing life, which is why he was never worried as the weeks passed without argyle making a new contract offer to him. He said: “It’s all in God’s hands, and it’s a tremendous relief not to have to worry about such things.”

BIRMINGHAM NEW BOY STARTS EVERY GAME WITH WORSHIP Be bowled

blues brother gives city a prayer... LONG MAY HE RAIN!.. Quincy Owusu-Abeyie

Birmingham city’s hopes of a return to the Premiership have been boosted after signing a star who prays and worships god before matches. african Quincy Owusu-abeyie revealed the spiritual closeness of his national team, Ghana. He told reporters: “When we are together with the Ghana team we pray a lot. “Praying has always been important to me, it comes from my family. “Of course, you really want to have God on your side when you play football, and it’s the same in Ghana. Usually, after dinner, we pray for half an hour or 45 minutes, and then sing a song in our own language when we are all together. “Praying is a very regular thing, we do it before and after every training session.” The well-schooled forward has gained a wealth of experience across the continent after coming

over with a new festival OWZaT for a good idea? The first ever National Christian Cricket Festival is taking place in 2009, and churches are being urged to sign up and book their teams in. The tournament, from June 13–14 in Keynsham near Bristol, is for church-based teams or Christian organisations, and comprises a oneday, eight-a-side tournament and optional 20-20 games the following day. Organiser Mark Blythe, who founded the popular National Christian Football Festival in 2000, told New Life he expected the event to attract church teams from across the UK. He added: “We think 2009 is a great year to start the cricket festival. Teams can come just for the Saturday or make a full weekend of it. “I don’t know how many teams will participate. We already run a football festival started with eight teams and now has 30, so we don’t mind low numbers at first because we know they’ll grow. “It’s incredible how many nonChristians are willing to play in church teams.”

by Matthew Murray through the ranks of Netherlands giants ajax. He may be only 22, but Quincy’s career has already taken him from arsenal to Moscow and back to England with Birmingham via Spain, following a loan spell with Celta Vigo. However, the Blues forward is only a year into his international career, having just been given clearance to play for Ghana last January, when he joined other young colleagues.

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PLEDGED The amsterdam-born attacker represented Holland Under-21s having first turned out for the country of his birth as a 15-year-old. However, in January 2007, Quincy pledged his allegiance to Ghana, his parents home country, and after a bid for international clearance he was granted permission to turn out for the Black Stars.

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