The Long Arm of the Lord
November 2009
"Because of my background, I have empathy, not just sympathy for people who’ve been badly treated “ … I’ll never forget the trauma I have been through.”
 “I was born in Elephant & Castle in London and moved to south London as a toddler. I was the third of five sons. Mum and dad divorced when I was six or seven and we spent many years in homes and foster care. I grew up with insecurities and without much parental love. My older brothers had been in trouble with the law and I was following in their footsteps by the time I became a teenager.
“Crime was a way of life. I was living in a thrill-seeking environment and I was regularly stealing and breaking into people’s houses – behaviour that I am not proud of but that’s what I was doing. I was living with my dad and two brothers when one of them invited me to an Elim church not far from where we lived. I was 14 by then.
“I’d only been to church for boy scouts meetings. I got a real surprise when I got there at how many young people were there, about 50 of them, and the church was lively. They made me feel very welcome. My earthly father wasn’t so good to me so knowing that I had a heavenly one that loved me was awe-inspiring. My favourite words in the Bible are ‘my son.’
Christian
 After about six months I became a Christian, shortly after that I got baptized. It was a complete transformation – I am sure I would have gone down if God hadn’t arrested me before the police did. Tragedy was to come around that time - my father committed suicide. We had a very difficult relationship but it was hard to come to terms with. The church showed me so much love and concern. Bible study gave me so much comfort and the more I read, the more I wanted to read. It was hard to take in - the God of Heaven wanting to reach all the way down here to someone like me.
“Ironically Dad’s suicide brought the family together (when my brothers weren’t in custody) and we moved to live with Mum, who had remarried, a step-sister and stepfather. As I got older I felt God calling me to the ministry. I spent a year working in a mission station (an organisation which primarily aimed to show others the need for Christ and encourage them to become Christians) in Canning Town before going on to London Bible College.
“Near the end of my studies, my former pastor invited me to be the assistant minister at his new church in Derby. That was where I met Susan who was working in the youth department. Seven years later we got married. I was at Derby for a total of five years and moved on to churches in Ilkeston, Tamworth, Essex, Plymouth, Coventry, Birmingham Christian Centre (between December 2004 and September 2008) and then .”
Appreciate
 “Although I would never want anyone to go through the things I have, I see it as preparation for ministry. Because of my background, I have empathy, not just sympathy for people who’ve been badly treated – sadly there are many today. It was a long time ago but I’ll never forget the trauma I have been through and it also makes me appreciate God’s love more and more.
“All of the churches I’ve been to have grown and love seeing new people join. Every sermon I have led is Bible-based and I show how relevant it is today. The words in the Bible it are inspired by God and can change lives – just look at mine. I stuttered as a child and I’ve gone on to stand in front of thousands of people across the world speaking of God’s love!”
Fun
“I love seeing people having fun in church – in fact I’ve often said or done things to make the congregation laugh! God is concerned with every aspect of our lives and wants us to enjoy it. Just as I enjoy skiing and walking, I think being in church should be enjoyable too.
“I know some people get hung up on what they should wear to church – I prefer to wear a suit and tie on Sundays but I’m totally convinced that God accepts us whatever we have on. It doesn’t matter what we look like on the outside, but whether we are sincere. In fact most people choose to dress down or be casual these days – I’m sure God doesn’t mind. The Lord’s greatest joy … and mine is to see people’s lives changed for the better – whatever their background. Just look at where He’s brought me from.”
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