New Life Oct 08 issue 176

NEW LIFE OCTOBER 2008

Issue 176

40p

GOOD NEWS STORIES

SPREADING TEEN SPIRIT... THE NEWS! Meet the We talk to people who bring you New Life Page 6

schoolboy who’s a playground preacher Page 3

WE’RE

Bring ing h o

www.newlife.co.uk

pe bac k to B

B AC K

ING

ritain

EXCLUSIVE Golden girl on who is behind her medal success Back Page

PLUS: GANG MEMBERS CAN BE CHANGED BY CHRISTIAN MESSAGE, SAYS ARCHBISHOP — P5

RAPE VICTIM: GOD HAD A PLAN INSPIRING OTHERS... Miriam Virgo who has launched her own ministry, Fire Fighters

Pic courtesy Reading Evening Post

WOMAN HELPING OTHERS A POlICEWOmAN who was drug raped is using her horrific experiences to help others. Mi ria m Vi rgo sa id God had turned her life around and helped her overcome the pain of brutal attacks. The 27-year-old, who became preg na nt a fter her d r i n k was spiked in 2001, had already suffered sex ua l assault by a ta x i driver two years earlier. She now has a si x-yea r-old daughter Kelesha, which she said is the best thing that could have come out of the situation. Miriam told New Life: “I was at a

by Matthew Murray work party when I was 19 and my drink was spiked. A man pushed me up against a wall and I didn’t know what was happening, I had only had a glass of lemonade. “Four months later I fainted in the supermarket and was taken to the doctors. To my total shock he told me I was pregnant. “I did have a boyfriend but we hadn’t slept together so I knew what must have happened. “I was ready to have the baby aborted but couldn’t go through with it. I felt this sudden love for my daughter and broke down on  Continued on Page 2

Thief could escape jail C A R E E R c r i m i na l A nthony Ea mes could escape a three-year jail term after revealing he had found God. Judge Peter Jacobs said he would consider letting Eames, who admitted burglary, walk free if he could find a place at a hostel for reformed criminals. Eames told the court: “There aren’t words to describe... the pain I’ve inflicted on others.”  FUll STORY – PAGE 2

I pray for my son’s killers

THE mother of a rising football star has forgiven his killers and is praying for them. Ol iver K i ngO n z i l a , 19 , w a s stabbed to death in London last month – just seven months a fter h is 27-year-old brother dropped dead during a football game. But the double t ragedy has not shaken the faith of mother Caroline, who is praying for those responsible for Oliver’s death.  FUll STORY – PAGE 3

Faith began at body find A T E AC H E R who came across a body in a street in Russia has told how the grim find led her on the road to faith. Liz Ray explained t hat as hea rt less loca ls joked a nd smoked cigarettes, a woman and a cop tried to kick the body away. The shocking sight in Moscow led Liz to think about life and she decided to go to church the following Sunday.  FUll STORY – PAGE 9

2 – New Life Newspaper – Issue 176

Young think Shear joy faith matters at church’s say leaders new centre

REDEVELOPMENT The £3.25m building is the result of a two-year redevelopment project of Trinity Church, which has involved the church being expanded to include a café, leisure and com mun ity facilities. Shearer was shown around the centre by Pastor David Bedford of Trinity Church and the centre’s manager Julie Blackie.

COURT HEARS MAN HAS TURNED OVER NEW LEAF

thief could escape jail

Send me more...

NEW LIFE

BULK ORDERS Prices inc. UK delivery Order

Cost

25

£10 (40p each)

50

£15 (30p each)

100

£26 (26p each)

200

£48 (24p each)

400

£88 (22p each)

600

£120 (20p each)

1,000

£200 (20p each)

3,000

£540 (18p each)

5,000

£850 (17p each)

SUBSCRIBE Please send me ............. copies of the ................. MONTH

issue for £ .................... Please send me ............. copies as a regular monthly order LARGER QUANTITIES AND LOCALISED ISSUES AVAILABLE. PLEASE ASK FOR DETAILS

• Only £10 for 12 issues • Free delivery direct to your door

169

GOT A STORY?

New Life newspaper is always looking for inspirational stories and testimonies. If you want to share yours with thousands of people across the UK and the world contact 0115 921 7285 or email editor@newlifepublishing.co.uk

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer returned to the area where he grew up to officially open a mu lt i-m i l l ion pou nd church centre in the city. As a young boy, Alan Shearer used to kick a ball around the back lanes in Gosforth where he grew up. He was back in the area to officially open the Trinity Centre on Gosforth’s High Street.

176

The increase in the number of students taking the religious studies A-level indicates the extent to which young people regard faith as an important part of their lives, says the Church of England. More than 20,100 youngsters studied religious studies at A-level this year, marking a 5.9 per cent increase on last year. Eighty-one per cent of those students achieved A–C grades. The number of students opting for the religious studies A-level has grown year on year for the last five years. Nick McKemey, the Church of England’s Head of School Improvement, said the steady increase in the number of students taking religious studies “demonstrates that students appreciate the importance of faith in today’s society”. “These figures present a significant challenge to those who would present modern society as wholly secular,” he said. “Young people are choosing to study subjects which show that faith is a vital force, both in their own lives and in developing a fuller understanding of the wider world.”  The number of A-level top grades and high passes obtained this year has continued a 20-year rise that has critics asking whether subjects have become easier or whether a more competitive environment is making students work harder to achieve the best grades.

Alan Shearer cuts the ribbon to officially open the new church centre

• Inspiring stories of faith • Just a brilliant newspaper! £10 for 1 year (12 issues) UK. £18 for 2 years (24 issues) UK. £25 for 3 years (36 issues) UK.

DELIVERY

Name: .......................................................................................... Address: ..................................................................................... .......................................................................................................

Tel: ............................................................................................... Email: ......................................................................................... PAYMENT

I enclose a cheque / postal order payable to New Life Please charge my Visa / Mastercard / Switch / Solo / Maestro Please send your card number, expiry date, issue number (if applicable), security code (last 3 digits on reverse) and the registered name and address (if different) on a separate sheet. Payments will appear on your statement as World Pay.

Please send with an invoice payable on 30 days net credit terms (not available for individual subscriptions) New Life Publishing would like to keep you updated with details of our products and special offers. If you would prefer not to hear from us, please tick this box.

Tel: 0115 921 7280 Email: info@newlifepublishing.co.uk Web: www.newlife.co.uk Or return this form to: New Life Publishing, PO Box 777, Nottingham NG11 6ZZ

A CAREER criminal with a long history of burglaries could escape going to jail after telling a judge he has found God.

Prolific offender Anthony Eames, 37, faced three years behind bars for his latest crimes until he told a court he had turned over a new by Matthew Murray leaf after finding faith in Christ. Judge Peter Jacobs said cially on those who are out he would consider letting there trying to do right in him walk free if a place their own lives.”  He said could be found for him at a he had become a born-again hostel that helps reformed Christian 12 years ago but criminals.    had “slipped away” from The move was welcomed the faith until he re-found by a Chu rch of Engla nd God while on remand. spokeswoma n who sa id Judge Jacobs said he had that prison was not always been th in king of jailing the best way to deal with Eames for three years. But offenders.    because of Eames’ plans to Eames, of Norwich, apchange, the judge said he peared in court after adwas considering a two-year mitting he broke into a city suspended sentence if the centre bar, stole money and offender could find a place assaulted a shop worker. He at the nea rby Ch r ist ia n also asked for another 41 House of Genesis hostel. burglary and theft offences The Rev Jan McFarlane, to be taken into account.   spokeswoman for the DioHe told Norwich Crown cese of Norwich, said: “I Court: “There aren’t really think there are many of words to describe the jourus who are convinced that ney I have been through; the putting someone in prison pain I inflicted on others is not always the answer.   and on my own life. “If Anthony Eames really “There aren’t any words does want to turn his life I can say to you about the around then it’s good that impact of active addiction he’s being given the opporon someone’s life, espetunity to do so.”

Capital prays for peace Churches across London’s 33 boroughs united to hold a Prayer for Peace relay. The initiative aimed at tackling gun and knife crime and bringing peace to London was held throughout August and September. The relay was introduced as part of the church’s response to the wave of gun and knife crime.

LOG ON NOW: www.newlife.co.uk

God wants me to help others says rape victim

 Continued from Page 1 the operating table. “God knew what my life would be without the girl and he knew what it would be with the girl. I prayed to God and asked for his will to be done in my life.” Miriam explained how she had been assaulted by a taxi driver when she was 17. But where ma ny wou ld have crumbled under the circumstances, devout Ch ristian Miriam k nows that with God’s help she can live a life of joy. She added: “I am feeling fine, despite all the bad things that have happened in my life. “God has turned the tables completely around. I have managed to get my life back on track and both me and my precious daughter live a happy life together.” Miriam, a police officer in the south of England, hopes her story can help others find freedom.

CRIME She has launched a Christian action group, Fire Fighters, which goes out onto the streets and hosts events dealing with issues affecting society such as gangs, gun and knife crime. After a period of prayer and fasting in 2005, Miriam said she got a sense she needed to help others. She said: “God wants me to pull people out of the fi re a nd help save their lives. One of our groups feeds the homeless, and I’m hoping to travel more and tell people my testimony. “We meet every Monday for prayer and get free training from a Christian organisation. “Our slogan is heart for hurt, and we literally want to see people’s lives transformed. “I want to show that regardless of what you have been through, the fact that you’re still alive means there is still hope. “Some people think that if they have been raped or abused then they can’t move on. “I’ve suffered and I overcame those things and it’s made me the person I am today. I’ve been through a lot of hurt and pain but as a result of that I’m a stronger person.”

Giving tourists the information A ministry outreach initiative of London City Mission and Open Air Campaigners is taking the Gospel to some of the capital’s major tourist hotspots. Tell-A-Tourist enlists full-time eva ngel ists a nd volu nteer tea m members of different ages and nationalities to speak to the millions of tourists that flock to London. OAC London Director Peter Kennelly explains: “The core of the mission is sketchboard evangelism, where the preacher paints a few words and illustrations on the board and preaches at the same time.

relaxed “This technique has many advantages. The whole presentation seems friendlier and more relaxed and, therefore, people seem more willing to stop and gather to listen. “Secondly, it’s easier to understand and follow, particularly for people for whom English is not their first language.”

LOG ON NOW: www.newlife.co.uk

Issue 176 – New Life Newspaper – 3

MEET THE STUDENT WHO PREACHES TO TEACHERS A T E E NAGE R who has food and insults hurled at him for preaching in the playground says he won’t give up on his lunchtime sermons. Aaron Morris, 17, has been sta nd i ng on a bench i n the yard to tell pupils and staff alike about his faith since he was 14. He said: “I see up to 75 people gathered at one time, and have seen 30 of them say a prayer of salvation. I knew I had to do more for God, so started getting more passionate and started standing on a bench. “I tell my testimony and talk about the blood and cross of Jesus Christ. Fellow students gather, as do teachers and dinner ladies.” Aaron is determined to see Wickersley School and Sports College in Rotherham transformed by the Gospel. He has been running a Christian Union at the school for three years. He has seen numerous pupils become Ch ristians, but

PLAYGROUND PREACHER... Aaron Morris

My grades are down to grace Faith in God helped a teenager who got 11 grade A* and one A in his GCSEs resist the temptation to go out and party with his friends instead of studying. Alex Lubin, aged 16, gained among the best GCSE results in the country after sitting exams at Kings Norton School for Boys this year. The son of an evangelical church minister attributed his success to the discipline gained from following a religious lifestyle. “As a 16-year-old boy, sometimes t he fi rst t h i ng i n you r m i nd is gratification for the now. I have been blessed with parents and values from the Bible that if you want the truth that is when it will come.” He said it was sometimes a struggle to keep studying when other classmates were enjoying themselves. “It has always been a temptation. But by the grace of God I resolved that. As a person I think I am Godmade. I wouldn’t say because I am a Christian that is why I did so well. “However, the values I have learned and the grace of God have played a huge role. The past two years have involved hard graft.”

his mission is far from over. In his remaining two years at the school, where he is now studying A-levels, Aaron is praying that every pupil will become a Christian. He told New Life: “I’m just an ordinary kid but I know that with God’s power I can see it happen. “My generation needs the Gospel. Religion and church won’t offer them the satisfaction they need, but Jesus will.” Aaron, who gave his life to Christ aged 12, was encouraged to start a Christian Union after visiting a youth conference in 2005. He said: “My school had seen no Christian influence for ten years, and my youth leader had been turned down from sharing God in there.” But Aaron was allowed to start the Christian Union (CU) in the school’s RE department. He now runs the CU every Tuesday lunchtime, and gets up to 25 young people attending to hear him preach.

i’ve lost two sons but not my faith...

Gunman’s plans John Lennon killer Mark David Chapman has reportedly become a Christian in prison. Chapman, who shot the Beatles legend i n 1980, sa id he would spend his freedom telling others about God if he was released. “I want to go from place to place, church to church, and tell people what happened to me and point them the way to Christ,” he said.

Mum forgives teenager’s killers as second tragedy hits family A MOTHER has forgiven the killers of her teenage son and said her faith is unshaken despite losing her second son in just seven months. Caroline King-Onzila said she didn’t know why her son Oliver, a rising football star at Barnet FC, was murdered, but she added that she was praying for his killers. Oliver, 19, became the 26th youngster to die violently in the capital this year after being knifed outside a bar close to his south London home. Paramedics tried to revive him but he died in hospital less than an hour later in the second tragedy to hit Oliver’s family this year. In February, his older brother Herve, 27, collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack during a football game. Speaking from her Croydon home, Mrs King-Onzila told how as a committed Christian she was taking comfort from her faith. “Whoever can take a knife and use it to hurt someone else is possessed by demons and needs help. I forgive that person, because my faith is strong, but only Jesus can help them,” she said. “I don’t know why he was attacked. Maybe it’s from a past argument over football or something. It doesn’t make any sense. I have lost two sons in less than a year. I am devastated.” But she told reporters that her Christian

No�Glue,�No�Mess!

FORGIVING... Caroline King-Onzila and sons Oliver, top, and Herve faith meant she had not lost hope and would pray for her son’s killers. “We should not moan like the people who don’t have hope; we have hope. I feel sorry for the people who did this and I pray for them that they must find peace in the hand of Jesus,” she said. Mrs King-Onzila said she could not understand what had gone through the head of the killers but that the matter was now with Jesus. Barnet manager Paul Fairclough said the midfielder – who last season captained the English Colleges under-18 team against Italy – was a “gentle giant” off the pitch and “as brave as a lion” on it. l Gangs need to get message... Page 5

Christmas!

AND THE ‘TOOTH’ WILL SET YOU FREE! A gadget has been launched that will allow the Gospel to be spread through a mobile phone’s Bluetooth signal. Innovators ‘txttouch’ have developed the software, enabling members of the public who download Good News messages to their

mobile phones to pass it onto others via Bluetooth for free. Former Evangelical Alliance chief Joel Edwards said: “We are to present Christ as good news, we need to take advantage of every tool at our disposal.”

www.goodtoys.co.uk

4 – New Life Newspaper – Issue 176

LOG ON NOW: www.newlife.co.uk

WORLD NEWS ROUND-UP

It’s good news about inflation! ITALY – Sun worshippers in Italy who do not want to change out of their swimwear and flipflops can now attend services at an inflatable church on the beach. The organisers say it takes only five minutes to inflate the 30m by 15m structure, which has its own altar. The inflatable is the brainchild of youth organisation Sentinelle Del Mattino, which hopes to attract more young people to the church during holidays. Leader Andrea Burgnoli said: “God called me to dedicate my life to young people, to go among them and find them, because today it is hard for young people to go to church, so the church has to go towards them. This project was born to attract young people in the places where they normally hang out, such as streets and beaches.” The church is in Campomarino in the Molise region, which is on the Adriatic between Abruzzo and Puglia.

All revved up to help raise cash CONGO – A group of Scottish bikers held a sponsored ride to send out motorcycles and pedal bikes to remote communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) teamed up with the Scottish Bible Society as part of the event, hoping to raise cash so that Bibles can be delivered throughout the Congo. The bikers rode through 72 towns and small villages last month. The Bible Society’s Colin Hay said: “A donation of £12 will help buy a motorcycle or bicycle, or provide copies of the Bible or New Testament in local languages. We hope that this effort by our biker friends will generate a lot of support for the struggling folk in Congo.”

Church group is a real class act… UGANDA – A group from a Tyneside church are back in Britain following a trip to Uganda where they helped build a classroom. Members of Cullercoats Methodist Church were inspired to go to Africa after a visit from the Watoto Children’s Choir last year. Fundraising efforts at the church raised an impressive £20,000, which has helped towards carrying out the work. The team of 24 went out to the Watoto villages near Kampala in July. A church spokesman said: “The Watoto children living in the villages are now part of new families with security, love and a future. I gave thanks to God that he had placed me in a team that has brought some much needed hope to this little corner of the world.”

Ike relief effort USA – Major Christian relief organisations deployed response groups – armed with meals, water, ice and prayers – to storm-affected areas of Southwest Texas in the wake of Hurricane Ike last month. The Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Rapid Response Team were among those who took part in the massive effort.

MP-glee for Missionary! PeoPLe of Niger are learning about the Christian faith thanks to new technology spreading throughout their land. Solar-powered MP3 players containing the Gospel message are touching people around the continent. The device, called a Megavoice, is made in America and distributed to Christians throughout the world as an evangelistic tool. A Megavoice contains a 90-minute recording of the biblical story from Genesis to Jesus in local dialect. There is an appeal for repentance and salvation at the end.

popular British missionaries to Niger Ian and Jenny Hall are using the tool, where it has proved particularly popular when serving among the Tuareg nomads in the Sahara desert of Niger. Ian told New Life how a donation from a church in Britain allowed him to buy 50 Megavoices. He added: “They are the best piece of technology for sharing the Gospel among illiterate people groups that I have ever heard of. “The fact that village chiefs want to hear the Gospel is incredible.”

PHones Will fUnD PoVerTy ProJeCTs Charity’s food plea for Africa

ANSWER CALL TO HELP POOR PEOPLE who want to ring the changes and help those who are in poverty around the world can answer a church and charity’s call!

The Salvation Army wants to turn old and unwanted mobile phones into life-saving water and other resources in aid of some of the world’s poorest people. Funds generated from the donation of the unwanted mobiles will support the international charity’s work in countries around the world. SALVageID was set up by the Salvation Army’s International Development Unit in the UK after it was recognised that many people just forget about their old phones. Major Mary Capsey, director of The Salvation Army’s International Development Unit (UK), said: “Many people upgrade their mobile phone every 18 months, but often the old handsets simply get put in the back of a drawer and forgotten about. each donated handset

resPonse To HiV HelPing CHange liVes

WHAT A WASTE... Don’t bin your old phone, let it help the world’s poor is worth an average of £4, and so we’re asking the public to hunt out their unwanted mobiles and turn them into practical help for some of the world’s poorest people, by donating them to The Salvation Army’s SALVageID.” Just three mobiles donated to SALVageID can generate enough funds to enable The Salvation Army to provide a

THe response to HIV by local Christians and faith-based organisations among marginalised communities are transforming lives, a relief and development agency says. At the 2008 International

family with clean water for life. Five phones will resource a team to educate and campaign against human trafficking, while 40 phones can provide a group with a financial loan to start their own business. And the cost of building a new well in India could be achieved with just 175 old mobiles. “We’re asking churches, social groups, schools and businesses to organise a collection of their old mobile phones and donate them to The Salvation Army’s SALVageID scheme,” said Major Capsey. “We’re asking businesses to consider making collections among staff, or to donate all the old phones in the office. With your help we can really change the lives of many thousands of people over the next few years.” The Salvation Army can provide posters and other information to publicise your collection. They also offer freepost envelopes to return your mobile phones and free collections for donations of more than 20 mobiles. For details, visit www.salvationarmy. org.uk/id or call 020 7367 4548.

AIDS Conference in Mexico, Tearfund called on decision makers to reassess the potential that the church has to reach such groups. The agency says that it is the churches that are help-

ing to overcome stigma and discrimination by enabling access to treatment and support for people living with HIV. Spokeswoman Veena o’Sullivan said: “The church is a powerful agent of change.”

INTeRNATIoNAL development agency Christian Aid has launched an emergency appeal to support the millions of people going hungry across Africa in the face of escalating food prices. In its scale and reach, this is a crisis of proportions unmatched for decades. Most African countries are not self-sufficient in food, and are now being hit by massive price hikes so that formerly cheap imports are now unaffordable. In the first three months of this year, all major foodstuffs hit their highest prices in real terms for nearly 30 years, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).

CaTaSTropHE ethiopia is facing a potential catastrophe, with 126,000 children in immediate danger of death and a further six million at risk of malnutrition, according to the UN. Kenya has seen price hikes of 50 per cent in six months. In Burkina Faso, almost a quarter of children under five are emaciated and half a million people are dependent on handouts. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, families are forced to miss meals. Christian Aid’s Nick Guttmann said: “Christian Aid is doing everything we can to help – but we want to do more. We are urging people in Britain, the churches and religious groups to help us increase our support to those most vulnerable to this crisis.”

LOG ON NOW: www.newlife.co.uk

Issue 176 – New Life Newspaper – 5

THANK GOD I PASSED AFTER 27 YEARS! Devout Christian Teresa Clarke has thanked God after passing her driving test – after 27 yea rs of trying. Te r es a , 62, r evea led she had spent more than £15,0 0 0 on 450 h o u r s of tuition, and had been t h roug h 20 d r iv i ng i nstructors and 12 tests. A further 35 tests were cancelled after her instructors wa rned she was si mply not good enough to pass them. The committed Christian said she had often turned to God for advice about whether to keep trying. Teresa, of Wroxham, Norwich, said: “I was a little upset after I failed my first couple of tests.

Your full-service solicitors...

DREAM “Now my d rea m h a s come true, and I am just delighted. I never wanted to give up. I asked God if I should carry on and the answer I had in my heart was sweet peace. I’m looking forward to taking people to church, to not having to ask my husband to take me shopping and to going to see my daughters.”

IN GEAR... Teresa Clarke

Pic courtesy Eastern Daily Press

GANGS NEED TO GET MESSAGE Archbishop: Lives can be changed

...serving you and your church for quarter of a century

CRIME TALK... Dr John Sentamu

KNIFE and gun gang members have seen their lives “radically changed and absolutely transformed” by the Christian message, the Archbishop of York has said.

Dr John Sentamu told a gun and knife summit that he knew of many members of gangs who had seen their lives turned around after hearing the Gospel. And he urged Christians to leave their comfort zones to stem the rising tide of killings just two days before the 26th youngster to be stabbed in London this year died — making it the most violent year on record. Dr Sentamu said: “The church has a role to play because it is based in community. It lives there and hence is uniquely placed to impact. It’s yours and my fault if we are not engaging and gun and knife crime is increasing.” His speech mirrored concern about the wave of weapon crimes sweeping Britain, with the annual Crime Survey’s chilling figures showing a knife crime is committed every four minutes. Dr Sentamu, who played a key role in Birmingham churches’ response to the gangrelated murders of Charlene Ellis and Letisha Shakespeare in 2003, spoke as the president

MAKING A CLEAN SWEEP!

by Shirin Aguiar-Holloway

of Youth for Christ (YFC) last month. In a “Guns, Gangs and the Gospel” talk, Dr Sentamu, who endorsed the Street Pastors initiative, said the “disease” of gun and knife crime was the church’s responsibility. “We have the means and resources in our people. Do not ask what the system can do for you and your cause. We can get into the system and transform it in the power of Christ for the benefit of those who need it. It’s high time we got out of our buildings,” he said. Dr Sentamu told New Life that he had “seen some life”, from sending people to prison as a judge in Uganda to defending them as a barrister and later working as a prison chaplain. Roy Crowne, director of YFC, which works with 11,000 young people, said: “The answer to guns, gangs and the Gospel is Jesus Christ.” Former Tory MP turned Christian author Jonathan Aitken, who is chairing a study group on prisons and prisoners, told New Life: “The Archbishop’s solution would work gloriously well if the church would listen to his call to action. I believe strongly in the spiritual transformation of individual sinners and offenders. Making it work is a big challenge.”

Dozens of volunteers from churches across Aston in Bi r m i ng h a m took to t he streets and worked together with the community in a big clean up. It was part of national social action drive Hope08, which has people seen work-

ing together for their community. Events in Birmingham have included a fun weekend and community projects0. Sandra Daniels, who attends Mount Zion Christian Centre, said: “We want to show God’s love in a practical way.”

St James Court, Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1BT Tel: 01332 291431 Fax: 01332 254180 21-22 Burns Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8AA Tel: 0115 9324101 Fax: 0115 9446302 Both offices Tel: 08450 555 111

www.robinsons-solicitors.co.uk

LOG ON NOW: www.newlife.co.uk

6 – New Life Newspaper – Issue 176

NEW LIFE www.newlife.co.uk

WORKING TOGeTheR TO BRING you The GOOd NeWS THROUGHOUT 2008, a campaign by Christians will be spreading hope through community projects and social action schemes. From organising community events, to spreading the Gospel via a wide selection of media, Hope08 will involve Christians demonstrating the love of God in the UK. Churches will be joining together in a way that hasn’t been done before. Anglicans, Methodists, Pentecostals, Baptists and others will put aside their differences to work together for the greater good of the country. And the ‘hope’ is that people who are not yet believers will gain a deeper understanding of the love that was preached by Jesus – and experience that love for themselves.

dAily inspirAtion New Life works with internet-based ministry theway.co.uk, an on-line Christian resource centre. Among a range of other information and services they provide a daily inspirational email designed to help you get your day off to a great start every day.

Issue 176 – New Life Newspaper – 7

MEET SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO DELIVER NEW LIFE ACROSS THE WORLD

READ ALL ABOUT IT

BRUMMIEs claim they are seeing miracles taking place at a church in a city suburb after several people said they were healed. For the past two years, the vicar of st David’s church in shenley Green, selly Oak, has been holding healing sessions at which people have reported change. The sessions are open to church members and non-church members alike, and as word has got around the sessions have become so popular that the Rev Nick Evans has allotted a specific room and time. Each Thursday morning, people with a range of ailments arrive looking to Nick to lay his hands on them and provide some form of healing. And while Nick is at the forefront of the sessions, he is by no means claiming the power is his own. He believes God has given him a gift to heal and it is his duty to do so. “All healing comes from God,” he said. “It is God working through me. sometimes people will tell me what is wrong with them and sometimes I can just tell. “When I place my hands on them, some people may feel heat, they may feel cold

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

Find A ChurCh We’re also working with Find a Church, who run a brilliant website listing the details of more than 42,000 UK Christian churches. Simply tap in your postcode for help to find a great church in your area.

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

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

A B

Admit that you have done wrong

C

Commit yourself to living God’s way

The Bible says, ‘All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23).

Believe that Jesus died so that you can be forgiven, and ask God to forgive you ‘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). Jesus said, ‘Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’ (John 8:12). Log on to www.lookingforgod.com for more help.

FREE

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

your letterbox, WHETHER it’s pushed through to you when dohanded to you at church or given h newspaper ing your shopping, Christian outreac of homes in New Life finds its way to thousands h month. Britain and across the globe eac writ ten about For more than 25 years, we have Jesus Christ, the Good News of the Gospel of to desperate sending that precious message homes throughout the UK.

uplif ted

words from We often rec eive enc ouraging ifte d and upl n bee e reader s who se live s hav ens of doz the of one transformed after reading . lish Good News stories we pub an outreach Of course, as our paper is used as personally ’t don we als, for churches and individu dreds of hun on rely deliver them to homes; we on. nati the out faithful volunteers through to introduce For this special feature, we wanted you to some of them...

they’ve China in their hands! A cOUPLE are spreading the Gospel by distributing New Life newspaper in Hong Kong. christopher and Evelyn Beling take 25 copies each month, giving them to church folk and members of their community. The couple, from the Ph i l ippi nes, learned about New Life when visiting the UK a few years ago. Evelyn, 54, said: “It is a great paper, and it is a great encouragement to people here in Hong Kong. I particularly can show people the testimonies, and the stories about issues like forgiveness, which are very helpful. “People are responding here in Hong Kong, even though it is hard to reach locals. But there are lots of other nationalities here and they find it easy to put their faith in God.”

WHAT’S YOUR STORY? If you’re a New Life distributor and hand it out in an unusual place or have a story about how it’s worked, we’d love to hear from you. Call 0115 921 7285 with your details

it’s full steam ahead to spread the Word s IG NA L b ox c ont r ol le r s throughout Britain are being given the Good News through New Life newspaper. The Railway Mission has several chaplains who distribute New Life, taking the message to thousands of railway workers in different capacities all over Britain.

iNfOrMAtiVe church pastor Brian Oxboroug h worked for t he Ra i lway M ission for t wo years and used to give out 50 copies of New Life each month. He said: “It’s hard to gauge what we achieved through the paper because people come and go and you don’t see the same person often because there are so many

different workers. But lots of people have read New Life on the trains and in signal boxes, depots, offices and every aspect of railways you can think of. “New Life is a fine newspaper and is very informat ive to readers. It was a great pleasure to have the pr iv i lege of goi ng i nto a manager’s office with the message of christ. “Working on the trains can often be a boring job and between trains workers have lots of time, so some of them certainly would read New Life if we gave it to them.” Br i a n r ece nt ly moved from the north of England, and decided to stand down from that a rea’s Ra i lway Mission.

The Rev Nick Evans during a meeting or they could feel tingling or nothing at all. some hear vibration, buzzing or other sounds – it varies from person to person.” Nick’s efforts are supported by the Anglican church. The Venerable Hayward Osborne, Archdeacon of Birmingham said: “One of the striking things about Jesus is that he heals people. And so the church, from its very beginning, has sought to do the same.”

pack up your Bible in your old kit bag!

tune in We also work with Christian 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.

Hands on vicar sees people being healed

PEOPLE are being urged to pack their Bible with their lunchbox to mark Bring Your Bible to Work Day this month. christians across the UK will be taking part in the event on Monday, October 27 as a follow up to Bible sunday, which takes place the previous day. A carpenter, make-up artist and local newspaper journalist have confirmed they will be taking part. Make-up art-

KEEP TURNING FOR THE BEST IN SPORT 

A real driving force! TRUCKERS get more than they bargain for when they stop for their tea break at various stops up and down the country. Glory Road Ministries dishes out 200 copies of New Life along with other Gospel literature and goodies each month. Founder Keith Creighton said New Life was given out at truck stops near Chesterfield, Leicester, Goole and Ipswich. He added: “We put New Life on the display tables alongside Bibles and other literature so the truckers come to us and get them. New Life

NEW LIFE TALKS TO SOME OF THE SPORTS WORLD’S BIGGEST NAMES – STARTS ON PAGE 11

features celebrities which is why we get it. Truckers can quite easily relate to someone who they see on television or on the football field. It makes them interested in faith.” One of the distributors at the Junction 29 cafe on the M1 is Bernard Pell (pictured). He said he always gets a good reception from drivers. The retired trucker added: “I see the drivers reading them in the trucks and they also read them when they’re walking across the yard. It’s a great paper and is bringing people to the Lord.”

Alex is 92 not out! paper ‘helped’ to save woman’s life Is this New Life’s oldest distributor? Alex Paterson may be 92, but he doesn’t allow age to stop him as he gives out hundreds of copies of the newspaper each month outside supermarkets across sheffield. The canny scot slips a Gospel tract inside each paper, before giving them to shoppers and telling them that Jesus loves them. He said: “I drop some of them off at churches, but put others in Asda, Tesco and all sorts of different places. I get a much better reaction from people than if I just give them a Gospel tract. It particularly makes me laugh when I see men reading them while their wives are doing the shopping! Others read them while they are waiting for a taxi outside.

better “some months I give out up to 500, and sometimes I give 150 or just 50. I used to give out tracts but got so many refusals and realised this is a much better way of evangelism. The reason I give out New Life each month is simple – to tell people about Jesus.” Alex, who worked in the New Life sales and distribution department when our offices were in Yorkshire, is a missionary to sierra Leone, and regularly travels to Africa to work among the poor. Last month he drove the length of the UK to raise funds.

A cOPY of New Life newspaper once helped save someone’s life, one of our distributors has revealed. Betty Kirkland, of Leicester, said a woman in the local community named Dora was on the verge of suicide, but a copy of New Life came through her letterbox at the right time. Betty said: “Dora was getting ready to take tablets and kill herself when something came through the door. she was ready to throw it out with the rest of the rubbish but then read the headline and it really impacted her. “she saw the contact details on the back page and rang us up. she became a christian and was a member of our fellowship for some years before she died.” Betty and the team at Narborough Road christian Fellowship

ist Bolanle Okunsanya said: “I take my Bible to work because it brings calm into the busy environment of making people look good quickly. The Word has a way of bringing peace, comfort and sustenance in every situation. “It’s super easy to listen to my Bible on tape when I can, but I’m looking forward to getting an iPod with a docking station, so I can literally carry the Bible with me.”

in Leicester distributes 400 copies of New Life at a town-centre outreach event each month. They set up a stall in the city’s Market Place on the third saturday of each month. Betty, who has handed out New Life for more than 20 years, gives out any remaining copies in her local area.

terrifiC she added: “Over the years we have seen people come to christ through New Life, it’s a terrific resource. I used to put them in the drop-in centre many years ago. “It’s a christian paper that has Good News in it, unlike the national papers which has so much bad news. I love the testimonies, and how they tell of changed lives that find hope in the Lord Jesus christ.”