‘Casting out demons is the easiest evangelism I’ve ever done’
‘We’ve given out over 4,000 Bibles on the streets of London’
‘We only had sex three times in the first three years of our marriage’
‘Black Theology is taking Christianity back to its origins’
Oli London: I’ve rejected my trans identity to follow Jesus. Now I want to be baptised
‘God told me to build a business worth millions’
‘My daughter’s heart stopped as I watched on helplessly’
- Previous
- Next
Subscribe and Save! £31.20 one year print and digital subscription
Grab this Deal!
The July issue of Premier Christianity features Pete Hughes on the beginning of revival in the western church, Alpha as a social experiment, Emmanuel Hammond on how God releases our giftings and Katie Ivings on how she met God in a vision, this month's issue is a compelling read. Don't miss out on your own copy of the UK's biggest Christian magazine at only £31.20 for a year's subscription. That's 35% off the regular subscrption rate and just £0.60 per week.
*Offer applies in UK only, but check here for our overseas offers
Real Life
‘A stranger gave me a camera when I was a teenager. It changed the course of my life’
When Emmanuel Hammond was 14 years old, he attended his first Christian festival. There, a photographer felt prompted in a dream to give the teenager an expensive SLR camera. It released a God-given gift that he has been refining ever since
‘I didn’t have a dad – now I am calling my church to father the fatherless’
Rev Fernando Carrillo has a vision to see families restored, chains of addiction broken and young men raised to be godly role models and good fathers. It’s everything that his own life was missing
‘I was trapped under a 280kg quad bike when I heard God say: “You’re not going to die’’’
Following a near-fatal accident, Samantha Jackel had an out-of-body experience. She explains how the audible voice of God provided reassurance in her darkest moments
‘My doctor gave me three years to live. But I know who numbers my days’
When Andy Robinson was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, he found peace where he expected fear. Today, he’s navigating the tension between praying for healing and preparing for heaven
‘We’ve seen more than 1,000 people become Christians in the last 12 months’
God is calling us to equip the next generation, says Josh Green, co-founder of Gen Zeal. If only we’re brave enough to take Him at his word and believe He can do more than we can imagine
‘My father was arrested for pastoring a church in China. Please pray for his release’
Grace Jin Drexel’s father, Ezra Jin, pastored one of China’s largest independent churches before being arrested in a crackdown on religious freedom last year. She shares her story of growing up under persecution and explains why the Chinese Church continues to grow, despite government pressure
‘Our university just experienced a 10-day outpouring of the Holy Spirit’
What began as a normal Wednesday morning chapel service quickly became a 10-day spiritual awakening at Southeastern University. Here, the university’s chief of staff shares the story of the transformative move of God they witnessed
Why our church built a bus stop for prayer
On one busy inner city estate, a church decided that prayer should not be confined to the building, but integrated into the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here’s what happened when they build a ‘prayer stop’ outside their church where no buses ever stop, but plenty of people do
‘God told me to step aside from worship music – and then led me to buy a castle in Scotland’
Andrew Mitchell walked away from worship ministry, only to discover that God had far bigger plans than he could have imagined
‘We saw 903 people saved at our church last year. I believe it’s only the beginning’
Just because it’s quiet, doesn’t mean it’s not revival. Now is the time for churches to disciple well, pray harder and believe God for more. Because he’s only just getting started, says Luke Hancorn
‘I loved my church – until infertility made it unbearable’
Two miscarriages and years of infertility left Debbie Newson traumatised – and church, once her spiritual home, became the place she most needed to avoid. She explains what went wrong, and why understanding the effects of trauma can go a long way
‘I refused to call a male paedophile ‘she’ and the NHS suspended me’
After refusing to use female pronouns to address a male paedophile who racially abused and threatened her on duty, Christian nurse Jennifer Melle was suspended by the NHS and made to face months of investigation and uncertainty. Having finally been cleared and reinstated this week, she shares her story in full
‘I turned my theology PhD into trading cards’
Michael Tang thought he was headed for a career as an academic. Instead, God called him to communicate Christian wisdom through an entirely different means. He urges Christians not to be frightened of thinking outside the box in order to make theology great again
‘Christian men pay for sex, too. I help them stop’
Around one in ten Christian men have paid for sex. Ben Scott explains how a free, non-judgemental path to recovery is helping to reduce sexual exploitation
‘Our family experienced tragedy at Christmas. But the light of Jesus can never be extinguished’
When Catherine Campbell’s brother died on Christmas Eve, a black cloud of grief instantly blanketed her home. But in the struggle, she nevertheless found that Christmas joy can always be found in Jesus
‘I lived my entire Christian life unknowingly autistic. Then God showed me it was my superpower’
From childhood faith to the challenges of an undiagnosed autism, Robert Noble reflects on discovering his neurodivergent wiring was a God-given strength and a reminder that every kind of mind has a place in God’s kingdom
‘Students are hungry for God - I just needed to swap church for the coffee shop to find them’
When university chaplain, Father Rich Miserendo, swapped his office for a coffee shop on campus - and a sign inviting conversation - it opened doors to evangelism that he never expected. If we want to reach young people, we need to follow where God leads and look outside of our usual church settings, he says
‘How we built an AI translator to help everyone in your church hear the gospel’
Kingdom Code’s hackathon saw a room of Christian coders come together to tackle the language barrier isolating churchgoers whose first language isn’t English. Mike Ashelby tells the story behind the innovative AI translation tool they created
‘Faith was the only thing that kept us from choosing a termination’
Beth Appleby was told her unborn baby had only a five per cent chance of survival. Doctors advised an abortion, but Hope is now a healthy, happy three-year-old with no medical needs
‘I found Christ on the streets. Now I am being arrested for preaching him there’
Formerly an atheist trapped in addiction, Shaun O’Sullivan transformed his life after finding Christ through a street preacher he once mocked. Now, he says he is being targeted by police for proclaiming the gospel on the very streets where he first heard it
‘Single mothers like me are often under spiritual attack. But God is with us’
Through sin, loss, and abandonment, Thandiwe Gaobepe endured heartbreak after heartbreak, God’s steadfast grace sustained her as she raised her three children alone. She wants the Church to recognise the generational impact of single mothers and to stand with them
‘My job is not to judge my son's sexuality, but love him’
A year after finding out that her son was gay, Nina Douglas became a Christian. Working through her son’s sexuality alongside her newfound faith was challenging, until she realised that she was not called to judge her son, but love him
‘I was kicked out of a restaurant because of how I look’
Living with neurofibromatosis, Oliver Bromley has been mistreated his entire life. But he’s still choosing resilience over revenge
‘Being silenced by my church was like being re-abused’
A UK church recently paid £100,000 to a woman abused by her pastor and boss. The abuse Claire* suffered and the lessons churches need to learn have already been published exclusively by Premier Christianity within this major article. But here is Claire’s full story in her own words
What’s it like to have ADHD in church? A mother and son share their story
Philippa Bolton missed her son’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for many years. This ADHD awareness month, Philippa and her son, Isaac, share their advice for Christians with the diagnosis - and the churches that support them
'We got tired of Halloween darkness — so our church created a light beacon'
Angry at the darkness that always seemed to consume their community on Halloween, a group of local churches in Woking, Surrey, decided to take action. Andrew Bates, Outreach Team Leader at New Life Church, shares how their church is redeeming the 31st of October
‘We’ve given out 1,600 Bibles on TikTok - and counting!’
Rev David Sims – otherwise known as @tiktok_vicar – posted a short video on social media asking if anyone wanted a Bible. He never imagined he’d have to start a crowdfunding campaign to meet the demand
Christ gave this mother the strength to forgive her daughter’s killer
Cara Kernodle stood in court and told her daughter’s murderer, “It is Christ who lives in me that has given me the strength to forgive you.” Billy Hallowell reflects on her powerful act of grace as a profound example of the Gospel’s command to forgive - even in the face of deep grief
Christians here are attacked, killed and imprisoned — but we are transforming our community with compassion
Born into a low-caste family in a region where Christians are treated as sub-human, Dr Amir shares how faith, love, and practical compassion are transforming communities and growing the Church in Pakistan — one of the most challenging places in the world to be a Christian
'Our tiny church raised £16,500 - and not a penny of it was for us'
When LifeChurch Eccles launched Together for Eccles, they had no grand plan - just a conviction that their tiny congregation could spark something bigger. The result? A £16,500 community transformation that reminded a forgotten town it hadn’t been overlooked
‘God gave us a vision to empower women on their journey out of sexual exploitation’
Safe housing is vital for women who are exiting sexual exploitation, says Emma Goulds. It’s why the charity she co-founded is partnering with Green Pastures to provide sanctuary for all who need it
‘Iwerne taught me how to fear God. It took years to learn how to love him’
A former participant in the notorious Iwerne camps reflects on the lasting damage of toxic and coercive theology and his path toward healing
‘People go to Magaluf to party, but I went to share God’s love’
Over 19 million young people visit Mallorca every year, often with the intention of partying hard. But 20-year-old Charlie McCarthy went with a different goal: to share the gospel with his peers on Magaluf’s infamous strip
‘God is using gospel music to draw Japanese people to himself’
The border-crossing power of gospel music has long been championed. Church planter Ken Taylor was amazed to find that the movie Sister Act has opened a door for the good news in Japan, an almost entirely non-Christian nation
‘I refuse to let stage four kidney disease stop me praising God’
When Candice McKenzie was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that affected her kidney function, she refused to slow down. Years on, the Premier Gospel presenter is sharing her testimony and continuing to bring joy to the airwaves
‘We surveyed our community asking one simple question and our congregation doubled as a result!’
Rev Vinny Whitworth shares how a midweek ministry, born from a simple community survey, transformed the life and future of his small Bolton church
‘The Jesus Army nearly broke my faith – but Christ’s teachings still sustain me’
The Jesus Fellowship Church started as a small Christian commune but became one of the most abusive cults in Britain. Since closing in 2019, it has paid out more than £7.7m in compensation to abuse survivors and twelve members have been convicted of sexual offences. John Everett shares his story of how he was recruited into the Jesus Army, and what happened when he left
‘I’m a Ukrainian church leader. Amid the heartache of war, we’re baptising more people than ever’
The Russian invasion is still wreaking a heavy toll, and the need is great, says Ukrainian church leader David Karcha. He reports on how his church is seeing God move powerfully, even amid the chaos of war
‘My colleague was murdered by Kenyan police. I spent seven years fighting for justice’
Award-winning human rights lawyer Janice Muchemi explains how her Christian faith motivated her to keep campaigning for justice, even when the odds were stacked against her
‘I lost my career for questioning transgender ideology’
Christian artist Victoria Culf explains how an honest conversation about gender led to accusations of transphobia and the loss of her work
‘Healing from trauma has been a long journey. Now I’ve written a book to help others’
Tracey-Jane Campbell was a successful music artist. But behind closed doors, she was struggling to come to terms with childhood trauma and abuse. Now, she wants to help others
‘More men are finding Jesus - my church is full of them!’
A small chapel in the Welsh Valleys has experienced significant growth in recent years, with much of it driven by young men coming to faith. Pastor John Funnell of Noddfa Church shares the story
‘We saw whole youth groups give their lives to God!’
Gen Zeal’s Josh Green is witnessing a mindblowing response to the gospel among young people in the UK. It’s time for the Church to pray and believe for more, he says
‘God called me to improve the mental health of a million people’
After becoming disillusioned with his military career, Will Petty reached rock bottom, grappling with depression and alcoholism. He explains how God led him to a greater purpose and a new vocation – to forge a path for others to find their healing
‘We gave away thousands of £10 notes at Spring Harvest’
Inspired by the parable of the talents, Phil and Wendy Wall MBE distributed free cash at major Christian festivals. Twenty-five years on, they reflect on the many lives changed because of it
‘People don't recover from locked-in syndrome. I’m a walking miracle’
Rev David Hazeldine surprised medics by making a near-full recovery from locked-in syndrome. The experience revolutionised his understanding of God’s mercy
‘My husband abused me. The church told me to forgive him’
Jill was told by church leaders to “forgive” her abusive husband. She explains why such advice amounted to spiritual abuse
I help drug addicts get clean…but they often relapse. Here’s what it’s teaching me about God’s grace
Working at a drug detox centre certainly has it’s challenges, says DB Ryen. But it’s taught him more about forgiveness and second chances than he ever thought possible
How fighting cancer strengthened my faith
On World Cancer Day, Heather Tomlinson reflects on the gifts that emerged from her battle with cancer, revealing the profound blessings and insights she never anticipated would come from such a trying time
‘We only had sex three times in the first three years of our marriage’
As a Christian couple, Hannah and Ben Tarbuck thought they were doing everything right by saving sex for marriage. But it didn’t result in the passionate wedding night they were expecting
What climbing Kilimanjaro taught the viral vicar about justice
Much like climbing a mountain, working for justice and freedom requires commitment, endurance and community, says Rev Chris Lee. He reflects on what he learned on Africa’s highest peak
‘If you charge me, I’m going to bring 50 homeless people to eat the meal I’ve paid for’
When a wealthy businessman paid for 50 homeless men to go to lunch, Jon Kuhrt was reminded of the parable of the banquet – and of our human propensity to mixed motives
‘We’re trying to change skiers’ perceptions of who God is’
When Lara and Will Sussman became Christians, they wondered how God could use them. It turned out, he wanted them just where they were – in a French ski resort
‘An angel saved my life – by sticking my foot to the curb!’
Do you believe in miracles? Charlie Gobel recalls the evening he was miraculously saved from death, and how it changed his life forever
‘Christmas was often the worst time of the year, but with God’s help, I have managed to reclaim it’
Does the biblical instruction to honour your parents mean you have to spend the festive period with your emotionally abusive alcoholic father? That’s a question Alexandra Walker grappled with for many years
'Ministry in war-torn Lebanon is tough. But the good news of Jesus shines in the darkness'
Rouba Yammine, a church leader in Beirut, Lebanon, shares her experiences of life and ministry in a war zone, and asks Christians everywhere to pray for peace
I don’t judge the prisoners I work with. There but for the grace of God go I
Working as a prison chaplain is sometimes funny, sometimes sad and often challenging. But it has taught Rev Hilary Edgerton more about grace than she ever thought possible
‘Casting out demons is the easiest evangelism I’ve ever done’
Real life ghostbuster Chris DeFlorio says the Church needs to “wake up” to the realities of spiritual warfare this Halloween
'Jesus is changing lives in Magaluf'
Hundreds of people heard the gospel preached on the beaches of Mallorca this summer. British student Charlie McCarthy was among the many volunteers who engaged in evangelism on the island, organised by Reach Mallorca. He explains what God did, and how engaging strangers in conversations about Jesus has grown his own faith
‘I spent my childhood in a Japanese prison. Then God sent me back as a missionary’
Basil Scott endured three “horrible” years inside a Japanese prisoner of war camp during the second world war. He explains how God later called him back to Asia, and why reconciliation is at the heart of the gospel
‘I was adopted and abused. Now I’m teaching young people to repair bicycles so they can know God’s love’
Neil Obbard was an Army sniper filled with anger over his childhood abuse. Seeing the young people on his estate in Leeds suffering with similar traumas, he started a bicycle repair programme with the hope of reaching them with the good news
‘I encountered God through Psalm 23 in the midst of my cancer treatment’
When Alex MacDougall was diagnosed with cancer, his world fell apart. In the depth of painful treatment and uncertainty, he had a radical encounter with God. Here, he tells the story of how a psalm set to music brought him peace and hope
‘Black Theology is taking Christianity back to its origins’
Anthony Reddie has made history by becoming the first Black professor in the University of Oxford’s theology department. But what is Black Theology, and how can it serve the Church?
‘I see my rugby as worship’
As a professional rugby union player, Peter Browne’s faith has steered him through both success and failure. In it all, we’re called to glorify God, he says
‘I was recruited into a Christian cult’
Young Christians across the UK are being manipulated into joining a dangerous movement. Catherine Warr shares her story
‘Christians have nothing to fear from magic shows. They help me share the love of Christ’
Magic and magicians have often been misunderstood in Christian contexts, says Mark Shortland. He explains how he uses it for the gospel
‘70 years on from Billy Graham’s crusade, the time is right for another mission to London’
Alex Bowler gave his life to Christ at a Billy Graham rally in 1989. Now, he’s planning a twelve-week mission to London that begins in Harringay, where Dr Graham’s historic 1954 crusade started 70 years ago. Here’s how you can get involved
‘We’ve given out over 4,000 Bibles on the streets of London’
Discover what God did when two Christian teenagers decided to hand out Bibles in the middle of London
‘I was shot at point-blank range – twice! But God saved me’
After surviving sexual abuse, drug addiction and an assassination attempt, Tommy Hanrahan became a church leader – and saw both his abuser and would-be murderer come to Christ
‘We played worship songs in a war zone’
Worship leaders Mark and Carrie Tedder recently held ‘Concerts of Hope’ for Arabs and Jews in Israel. Their mission was to play healing music over troubled souls, but when the air raid sirens sounded, their own faith was put to the ultimate test
A pilgrimage like no other
Kate Orson says following in the footsteps of the Waldensians in Italy made her grateful for freedom and challenged her to start memorising scripture
‘I’ll never stop working for peace and justice’
It is 20 years since Rev Inderjit Bhogal OBE launched the first City of Sanctuary in his home town of Sheffield. But the work of welcome, hospitality and reconciliation is more vital now than ever, he says
‘Deaths by despair’ are common in Blackpool. But we’re seeing Jesus changing lives
A recent study found Blackpool had the highest rate of deaths linked to alcohol, drug abuse and suicide in England – dubbed “deaths by despair”. Meet one church leader bringing the hope of Jesus
‘We wanted to make the resurrection come alive for our children’
Jono and Lucy started cooking meals from around the world and praying for other countries with their kids. Now, they’ve developed The Fisherman’s Meal, a way to experience the Easter story as a family together
‘I am a surfer against slavery’
When Matt Rundle joined a church trip to South East Asia, his heart was broken by what he witnessed. Now he’s on a mission to use his passion for surfing to tackle sex exploitation
'Two of my friends just died, and I’m devastated. But I know God understands'
Prayer is central in all that we do but at times of agony it matters more than ever, says Michael Coren
‘Russian rockets could kill us. So we’re translating the Bible in bomb shelters’
As the war continues in Ukraine, life is indescribably hard for the millions still living there. But bringing the word of God to people in their heart language is more vital than ever, says Steven K*, however dangerous
Charlie Mackesy’s ‘Jesus at the Door’ illustration is changing lives
Scott McNamara explains how his ‘Jesus at the Door’ evangelistic card, birthed on the streets of Northern Ireland and illustrated by Oscar award winning artist Charlie Mackesy is reaching thousands with the gospel
‘No one believed a baby found in a ditch could survive’
When baby Miracle was found discarded in a drain in Uganda, local resident Gladys feared the worst. But thanks to the support of neighbours and a local Compassion-run project, a new family is learning to thrive
‘Losing my wife led me to people with leprosy’
When Jonny’s wife Rachel died suddenly, aged just 39, the grace of God and the support of his local church community carried him and their three young boys through the darkest days of their life. Now he’s working to ensure that those with leprosy get the same support
5 Christian heroes who rescued Jews from the Holocaust
On Holocaust Memorial Day, Heather Tomlinson reports on those honoured as the “Righteous Among the Nations”
Reader Survey 2024
Complete the survey on the form below.
‘The end of my husband’s life was the beginning of mine’
After the death of her husband from an asthma attack, Alisa Latty-Alleyne made a decision to follow Jesus. But leaving a lucrative career for Christian ministry was never part of the plan
‘My HIV diagnosis brought me closer to God’
When Tanya* was first diagnosed with HIV, she was too ashamed to tell her family and terrified about what might happen. On World Aids Day, she shares her story of how God gave her the strength to carry on
‘It was the most afraid I’ve ever been’
When two growths were found on his brain, Andy Percey’s future became uncertain. But God brought the Baptist minister through, and the giant of fear was conquered
‘Wartime gave us a skill that we wanted to offer to God’
As Remembrance Day approaches, 102-year-old veteran, Jack Hemmings, celebrates the start of a Christian humanitarian air service formed in the aftermath of the second world war
‘I prayed for ravers in Mallorca to give their lives to Jesus – this is what happened’
When 19-year-old Nathan Kosciecha travelled to Mallorca one summer, it wasn’t for the sex, drugs and alcohol, but rather to see lives transformed by Christ. In an area ruled by darkness, he witnessed Jesus’ power as chains of sin were broken
‘God healed me of my adoption trauma’
Being adopted left Fiona Myles with pain that led her down a dark path, but God rescued her, brought a precious daughter into her life and now she helps others find healing
‘Not having children makes me a misfit at church’
As part of world childless week, Catherine Disher reflects on her own journey, and what she wishes other Christians knew about not having children
‘Jesus set me free from self-harm to travel and tell others about his love’
Iggie Clark was always destined to be an evangelist. She grew up reading tales about missionaries, but struggles with mental health in her teens nearly derailed her dreams
'God rescued my son from a coma and healed him of brain injuries'
After being knocked off his motorcycle on a Californian motorway, Vincent was airlifted to a Christian hospital. His mother mobilised thousands to pray, and jumped on a flight from Wales to the USA. This is what happened next
‘People in church see my wheelchair before they see my gifts’
Disabled Christians are not there to be ‘cured’, cared for or pushed to the margins, argues Naomi Lawson Jacobs, who issues a clarion call for creating an accessible church culture and a community of justice
An ‘accidental’ silent retreat transformed my relationship with God
Emma Hide was horrified to find that the Christian retreat she’d booked was actually four days of silence. But embracing the quiet revealed more than she could have imagined
‘My wife’s death was tragic, but God is still good’
When Brad Franklin’s wife died suddenly, aged 37, she was pregnant with the couple’s seventh child. Four years on, Brad reflects on returning to ministry, widowhood, remarriage and glorifying God in our suffering
‘A health crisis at university made me feel worthless. But God taught me how to trust him more’
A devastating diagnosis caused Emma Hide to question everything she believed in. But God was able to restore her foundations and now her faith is stronger than ever
‘I have a terminal cancer diagnosis, but I’m excited about the future’
Paul Garratt is no stranger to suffering. It seems a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over has been poured into his lap. And yet, he is trusting that God will do something beautiful through his life
‘God helped me forgive my dad’
After years of toxic behaviour, the relationship between Catherine Disher and her dad was strained. But in the moments leading up to his death, she witnessed God working in his life. What happened next astonished her
Leroy Logan: ‘The Lord commissioned me to join the police’
Despite his father being severely beaten by police officers in a racist attack, Leroy Logan persevered with his application to join the Met. His career has seen him valiantly fighting for change – even at significant personal cost. Now a new challenge awaits
I was abused by a deacon in my church. God helped me forgive AND seek justice
Forgiveness was not the end of the story for Cerys Morgan. She explains how God also led her to seek justice in her abuse case
Writing about Julian of Norwich helped me through cancer
It is 650 years since Revelations of Divine Love, the first book to be written in English by a woman, was published. As Claire Gilbert reflects on losing her mother as a child, battling cancer and living through the Covid-19 pandemic, she finds Julian’s writings are as relevant today as they were six centuries ago
‘How I prepared to bless King Charles at his coronation’
What was it like to pronounce a blessing over King Charles III in front of a global audience of millions? Bishop Mike Royal writes about the unforgettable moment inside Westminster Abbey, and how he narrowly avoided a coughing fit!
I hated the people who bullied me. When a Christian told me to forgive, it made me angry. But God had a plan
Sy Garte’s experience of childhood bullying led to him becoming a bitter, angry man. When a miraculous encounter with God replaced those emotions with a supernatural joy, it started him on a journey towards faith in Jesus
‘Civil war displaced our people. But even in the wilderness, God is there’
When civil war ravaged South Sudan and displaced his community, Rt Rev Joseph Aba, Bishop of Liwolo, followed his people into exile. He says God is powerfully at work in the Ugandan refugee camp in which he now ministers
‘I was sacked for sharing my Catholic faith with a patient who asked my opinion on same-sex marriage’
The Catholic hospital chaplain Fr Patrick Pullicino was fired after expressing his views on same-sex marriage. After winning compensation from an NHS trust, he believes Christians must pray and campaign for their freedoms to be respected
I’ve been researching domestic abuse in Black majority churches. Here’s what survivors have told me
Dr Ava Kanyeredzi has co-authored a new study on attitudes toward domestic abuse in Black majority churches. Her research suggests some churches tend to protect the abuser rather than the victim
![20220822_122704[1]](https://d17xjl6rg4e8ic.cloudfront.net/Pictures/415x277/6/6/6/30666_20220822_1227041_239779_crop.jpg)
‘God used furlough to reignite my dream’
When Covid-19 shattered the aviation industry, easyJet engineer Mark Draper was put on furlough. It was the start of a journey that would lead his family halfway across the globe
‘I shaved my head during a church service’
Judith Russenberger recently shaved her head as an act of repentance during a church service in Southwark Cathedral. Here she explains why
‘Asbury is already different’: After the Holy Spirit hits your campus, what happens next?
Jennifer McChord is Asbury University’s vice president of enrollment and marketing, and her daughter is a first year student there. She tells Premier Christianity what those first few days were like, and what they have learned from the outpouring they’ve prayed so long to receive
‘My daughter’s heart stopped as I watched on helplessly’
When 14-month-old Liberty Feesey visited her GP with a persistent cough, her father, Paul, had no idea that only 24 hours later she would be in intensive care fighting for her life
‘The closer I got to the doors, the greater the sense of God’s presence’
Tens of thousands of worshippers have flocked to the rolling revival meeting at Asbury University over the past 14 days. The national director of Vineyard in the UK and Ireland, Debby Wright joined the crowds and filed this report while on a plane back home
‘This is real. God is very present’ Reports of revival are breaking out in Asbury
At Asbury University, Kentucky, students have been worshipping God continually for the past seven days, with reports of miracles and the manifest presence of God. Pastor Bill Eliff, who remembers the Asbury revival of 1970, has been there for the past two days. Here’s his report
‘I wondered if I would ever get married, but God had a plan’
From awkward dates to celebrating marriage, a lot can change in a year. Tim Bechervaise shares his story this Valentine’s Day
‘We held hands and started praying’: Teen turns to God as earthquake strikes
The death toll continues to climb after two major earthquakes devastated areas of Turkey and Syria. Christians in the area are sheltering in churches and asking for prayer for those still trapped in the rubble
A famous atheist endorsed my book about Jesus
Michael Coren has been trying to break down barriers between atheists and Christians. He explains how his approach is resulting in small victories
7 things climbing Mount Kilimanjaro taught me about faith and justice
When Esther Swaffield-Bray set out to climb Africa’s highest peak, she had no idea of the lessons she would learn along the way
I’m a Christian working in the NHS. The system is broken. Here’s how you can pray for us
What you’ve seen in the news is not exaggerated, says Dr Giles Cattermole. Pray for solutions and for NHS staff, but also for the salvation of our nation, he says
‘God told me to build a business worth millions’
Megan Landreth-Smith explains how a vision from God prompted her to start a soft drinks company that is helping to end sexual slavery
I’m not a nun, but God called me to make a public vow of celibacy
Rev Kate Wharton did not foresee God calling her to a life without a husband and children. Here, she explains her journey, and why she chose to mark her commitment to a life of singleness with a service at Liverpool Cathedral
‘God is present whether we feel it or not’ - A Ukrainian Christian reflects on what Advent means to him
When living through conflict, the season of Advent takes on an even greater significance, says Taras Dyatlik
I think Matthew Perry's encounter with God was real. It reminds me of my own
The Friends actor has spoken candidly about a supernatural encounter with God on his kitchen floor. It reminds former Miss England, Natasha Hemmings, of her own conversion experience
Burnout caused me to deconstruct my Christian faith, but liturgy helped me put it back together again
When tragedy caused Aaron Damiani to doubt everything he believed, it was ancient church practices that provided him with the space and safety he needed to believe again
Like Stormzy, my son was stabbed. Here’s 4 things the Church can do to tackle gun and knife crime
As Stormzy speaks about being stabbed and two men die in Brixton, Pastor Lorraine Jones Burrell shares her experience of losing her son to street violence, and encourages the Church to do more
‘Quitting booze was the best leadership decision I ever made’
Twelve months after he decided to stop drinking, Carl Beech explains why being a sober leader is something he’ll never regret
Oli London: I’ve rejected my trans identity to follow Jesus. Now I want to be baptised
After speaking to a priest and reading about Jesus, he decided to reject gender ideology altogether
I used to feel like a girl trapped in a boy’s body. But now I know God created me male
Andrew Bunt wrestled with his identity for many years before reading the Bible helped him find peace. He welcomes new NHS guidelines, which acknowledge gender-questioning young people may be experiencing a transient phase
Sex is a good gift from God. But it isn’t easy when you have a chronic illness
Sex is often challenging to talk about. But as a Christian with a long term chronic illness, it can be even harder. Here are some of the lessons Fiona Smith has learned over the years
‘My wife had a psychotic episode, then I was diagnosed with incurable cancer. Here are 16 lessons we're learning in God's classroom'
Serious illness has brought my wife and I closer to one another, and closer to God, says Alan Palmer, as he lists 16 spiritual lessons he's learned in the midst of crippling treatment for blood cancer
‘I will never be rid of the temptation to look at porn. But I have learned to resist it’
Through his decades-long battle against an addiction to porn, Nick Mance has learned to shun shame and run into the arms of a God who loves him and longs for him to be free. Now he’s sharing his story to encourage others to open up about their struggles
Criminal Christianity? What this Bible smuggler taught me about breaking the law
The first Christians told the authorities, “We must obey God rather than human beings!” It’s a principle Brother Andrew lived out, says Dr David Landrum
Windsor: ‘Hundreds are pouring into our church to thank God for the Queen’
As visitors descend on the small town of Windsor, church leaders there are providing a space for people to grieve and remember the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
How our church is studying the Bible with Christians in Burundi
A church in Norwich is learning from the experiences of Christians 6,000 miles away, as two congregations come together to study the scriptures over Zoom
‘To our surprise, we’ve become a hub for Ukrainian refugees’
Six months on from the Russian invasion, churches, schools and organisations across the UK are working together to make a difference. Jennifer Ross gives us a snapshot of the good work happening in the Diocese of Rochester
‘I was abused for a decade and made to feel it was my fault’
As the damning report into the sexual exploitation of children in Telford is finally released, 20-year-old Samantha Smith shares her story of grooming and abuse, and how her faith is slowly helping her through it
3 stories about the global food crisis that keep me up at night
Nearly 30 percent of the world’s population - are food insecure. Here’s how the Church is stepping in to help
TikTok is helping us reach millions with the gospel
Just months after posting their first video, John and Jade Reynolds Christian content is reaching millions. John explains how you can use this social media platform for the Kingdom
Meet the medics offering hope and healing to Muslims in Jesus’ name
A Christian run hospital in Cameroon is offering both medical and miraculous solutions to the Fulani tribe. Charles Gardner reports
‘I was scarred by my abortions, but God healed me’
Rachel MacKenzie explains how she encountered God’s love and compassion
No one expects a priest to be a victim of domestic abuse, but it happened to me
Abuse can happen to anyone, even those in church leadership. When Esther* finally reached a point of crisis, she found a listening ear and practical help from Clergy Support Trust
‘The only thing that I could do was to pray’: The faith behind the Hollywood film Thirteen Lives
As Ron Howard’s film about the Thai football team trapped in a cave is released in the UK, one of the children tells the story of his faith and the future that followed his miraculous rescue
‘I helped capture Saddam Hussein’
Eric Maddox’s pioneering interrogation techniques led to the capture of one of the world’s most wanted men. But if it wasn’t for hearing the voice of God, Eric never would have joined the military
‘Archie’s faith inspired mine, I won’t give up fighting for his life’
After a tragic accident left him in a coma, Hollie Dance is convinced her son just needs more time to heal and is adamant that she’ll fight to her last breath to give it to him. She reveals how his wish to be baptised was fulfilled in hospital and how their faith is sustaining them through this tragedy
I was bombed in the Falklands war, but God miraculously saved me
The Falklands war ended 40 years ago today. But for Steve Jones, whose life was miraculously saved during a bombing raid on Ajax Bay during the conflict, it was just the start of his faith journey
‘Grenfell changed my life’ - how one woman brought God’s presence into a place of tragedy
Today marks five years since the fire at Grenfell Tower killed 72 people. In the aftermath of the tragedy, volunteering to support the emergency workers at the site had a profound effect upon Gail Millar, ultimately changing the course of her life
God is still in the miracle business. I know because he did one for me
When God supernaturally rescued Joanna Watson from a car crash that could have ended her life, it set her on a new path. She’s spent years collecting stories of other miracles and, ahead of Pentecost, says we should expect them in our own lives, too
‘A coma stole years of my life’
After contracting meningitis during childbirth, Marcy Gregg awoke to a world she no longer recognised
Bowel cancer led my husband to Jesus. I pray it does for Dame Debs too
When Louise Blyth’s husband died of bowel cancer aged 34, his death was marked by a supernatural peace that led them both to find faith
Hallucinations and delusions made me lonely. Medication helped, but the Church has a role too
Loneliness is the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Sharon Hastings suggests how the Church can reach out
‘The Church is working as Christ intended’ Diary of a Christian aid worker on the Ukrainian border
Gwyn Williams has just returned from the Ukrainian-Romanian border. There, he saw the despair of people traumatised by loss, and experienced the joy of seeing the Church work together to show Christ’s love.
I’m an Irish Protestant who just met the Pope. But I promise I’m not a heretic!
It was an honour to be invited into the Pope’s presence, writes Presbyterian minister Steve Stockman
What finding Jesus taught me about my Jewish roots
When Jennifer Rosner became a Christian at university, she had no idea that her new-found faith would lead her ever deeper into her Jewish heritage. Here, she shares her story
How 90 days of cold showers, fasting and no TV changed my life
Find out what happened when a Protestant embarked on a radical Catholic spiritual exercise which promised him freedom from addictions, individualism and pride
‘God sent me to a war zone’
When the Soviet Union collapsed and Chechnya descended into war, Paula O’Keefe found herself bringing the gospel to a people scarred by conflict and hungry for God
I beat my anxiety by going on mission
18 year-old Jiyun Baek became a Christian during lockdown and shortly afterwards set off on a short term mission trip. She explains how stepping out of her comfort zone to serve on board Logos Hope, has helped calm her anxiety
Like Ronaldo, I lost a son. At first I wanted to scream at God. But now my faith is stronger
When Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez announced the death of their baby, it brought back memories for Ian O’Reilly, whose own son, Tristan, died days after being born at Shrewsbury Hospital. 22 years later, his faith has been tested and refined by his grief, but is stronger for it
‘Meeting the practical needs of Ukrainians is far easier than healing their emotional scars’
Over two million Ukranians have now crossed into neighbouring Poland. Christians there are meeting the practical needs of refugees and holding out hope to those fleeing war
No-fault divorce would have ended my parents’ marriage 30 years ago. Today, they’re serving Jesus together
With her dad addicted to drugs and in the middle of a breakdown, Emma Fowle is convinced that a no-fault divorce would have ended her parent’s marriage. As it was, time – and the prayers of her church family – both played their part in its miraculous restoration
'It’s 6 months since my son took his life. The tsunami of grief has been brutal, but I still believe in a God of love'
Sharon Grenham-Thompson, also known as 'Glam Vicar', lost her teenage son Leo to suicide last year. Having been forced to face the unthinkable, Sharon explains how the devastating news has affected her faith
Supporting Ukrainian refugees is a colossal task, but here’s how our church welcomed a family of 17
Associate pastor Brian Whittaker welcomed 17 Ukrainian refugees to his church on Sunday
‘I walked from Cardiff to London to encourage ethnic minority young people into leadership’
Daud Irfan was six years old when his family fled persecution in Pakistan for a new life in Wales. Since then, he and his father have followed in the footsteps of their Methodist heroes, the Wesley brothers, by walking 170 miles to encourage diversity within the Church
‘Everything is destroyed’ 29 days of hell in Ukraine
Masha was forced to flee Borodyanka when her city was destroyed by Russian bombing. She shares her story of the war so far
‘Cancer has caused my faith to soar’
When she was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer, Fi Johnston wondered if her faith would stand the test
‘The Bible is more important than bread to me now.’ Ukrainian Christians report miracles in the midst of war
Despite the awful situation in Kiev, God’s miracles are everywhere and people are hungry for the Word of God, says Anatoliy Raychynets, of Ukrainian Bible Society
‘I’ve been a church leader in Ukraine for 30 years. I’m not going anywhere’
Wayne Zschech has been a church leader in Ukraine for nearly 30 years. He’s not intending to leave any time soon
‘When the women arrive, you can see the sadness, the pain in them’
On International Women’s Day, hear about the women in Nigeria finding ways to forgive the men who abduct and rape them
Behind the headlines: Inspiring stories of faith in Ukrainian cities under siege
You won't hear these stories anywhere else. But for Christians, they are an encouraging reminder that Ukrainians are people of deep conviction, who are well used to keeping the faith in dark times
‘My Christian son was abducted by a drug gang’
Michael’s mother was astonished to discover her polite, well-behaved teenage son, who attended church regularly, had been recruited by a drug gang
‘Everything mum told me was a lie’
Helen Naylor grew up thinking she was the daughter of two disabled parents, but a discovery in adulthood turned her world upside down
I’m a Christian with OCD. This is my story
From the age of 17, Sarah Clarkson’s imagination has been bombarded by unwanted and disturbing images. She explains how the love of God has been present, even while she has learned to live with OCD
'God's love doesn't depend on how I perform' Team GB Winter Olympian shares his Christian faith
The former British skeleton pro Adam Pengilly says his biggest lessons about God were learned not when he was winning, but when everything was going wrong
Children in Syria are freezing. Here’s what Christians can do to help
ine years after Samara Levy first started collecting aid for Syrian refugees, she returned to the country in the depths of winter. What she found there shocked her
How I overcame my fear of death
Do you secretly fear heaven won’t be as good as your life here and now? You’re not alone, says Mike Williams, but it was not this way for the early Church, and it need not be for us
'A vision from God lifted me from the pit of despair'
At just 22, a seizure left Erica Gomez bedridden and in constant pain. But throughout her trials, she’s learned to rely on the presence of a saviour who is always there
How God miraculously protected us from Storm Arwen
The CEO of a Christian conference centre in the highlands of Scotland believes his team were supernaturally protected from one of the worst storms in decades
‘I met an angel outside my church on Christmas morning’
What I am about to tell you may sound unbelievable.
‘A chaplain saved my life…literally’
Agnes Vella explains how a chance encounter with a Maltese priest in an English hospital changed her life forever
Why our church is knitting angels to bring a Christmas message of hope
Angels let us know that God is with us and reassure us that we need not fear. And that’s a message that our communities need now more than ever, says Sarah Wickett
‘There was such an atmosphere of joy and happiness’ says vicar who confirmed 59 people in one day
Despite having pre-pandemic congregations of less than 90, two churches in Wales recently held a bumper confirmation service that saw 59 people welcomed into their church family in one day
It’s -5C and we have no heating or hot water. But even in the storms I know God is with me
Following Storm Arwen 13,000 homes in the north of England remain without electricity. But as advent begins, Rev Mike Slade reflects on being thankful that God is with us, even when things are hard (and cold!)
I would be imprisoned if I spoke about Jesus in Iran. Thank you for welcoming me to the UK
Ghazal is an Iranian convert to Christianity who recently received her ‘leave to remain’ from the Home Office. She explains why thousands of Iranians like her are turning to Christ
How 750 persecuted Christians were rescued from Afghanistan
The evacuation was nearly thwarted, but God had a plan, reports a Christian charity helping to rescue Christians from the Taliban
Jordan Peterson’s daughter say she’s ‘found God’. Let’s keep praying for her
The 29 year old daughter of controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson is reading the Bible, praying and experiencing a peace she’s never felt before.
‘I found God in a refugee camp and now I rescue cursed children’
When Argaw Ayele fled famine and war in Ethiopia to start a new life in Europe, he never dreamed that God would send him back to rescue children deemed as cursed by their tribes
A miracle saved my husband from malaria, but I am thanking God for a vaccine that will save millions more
Hours after she posted a desperate prayer request on Facebook, Becky Murray reported that her husband had made a miraculous recovery
Why I invited a 17 year-old Afghan refugee to live with my Christian family
Jesus extended hospitality to all, and so should we, says Dan Morris
‘I’m transgender and I love Jesus’
Chrissie Chevasutt battled gender dysphoria for decades. They explain how a dramatic encounter with the Holy Spirit during a transgender dressing appointment changed everything
‘It’s not “religious” its real’ - The open air Prayer Station changing Crewe’s estates
A series of ‘delightfully informal’ Christian gatherings are having a profound effect in Crewe
‘I went to prison for gift aid fraud’
Dr Mohammed Johnson was pastoring a successful church in Luton when he was arrested for fraudulently claiming £150,000 in gift aid. It was the start of a nightmare that would ultimately end with him being sentenced to four years in a maximum security prison
What my worst dating fail taught me about hearing God
Daniel Hamlin explains what an awkward moment on a first date taught him about sacrifice and obedience
I thought a quiet home would make me calm. But God’s peace doesn’t require silence
Due to a traumatic childhood, noise has always made Mandy Gill anxious. But, as a Christian, she is learning that true peace comes not from the home we live in, or the quiet around us, but from somewhere else
‘We have overcome’ The Fijian Rugby Olympic legends singing praises to God
After receiving their gold medals at Tokyo 2020, the Fijian Rugby team sang, “We have overcome, by the blood of the lamb”. Paul Kerensa reports
‘I rescue children from slavery’
When Becky Murray visited Pakistan, her heart was broken by the thousands of children forced to work as slaves in the country’s brick kilns. So she set about buying their freedom, one child at a time
'God told me to home educate my child' - why one Christian parent joined the growing ranks of home schoolers
The number of children being educated at home has risen by 75% this academic year, with "Covid anxiety" being listed among the reasons. Megan Wilkie, who recently took her daughter out of school, tells us about the highs and lows of being a Christian home educator
Meet the viral vicar who reaches millions on TikTok
When Rev Anne Beverley started making TikTok vidoes for the seven young people in her church, she did not expect to become an internet sensation
The Disappeared: 6 missing Christians to pray for
There are thousands of people worldwide who have been ‘disappeared’ for their beliefs – or because of the action their faith inspires them to take.
Sexually assaulted on a mission trip: how my dream almost ended before it began
Becky Murray’s sexual assault led her to question God’s calling on her life, until she met a nine-year-old girl who made her reconsider
‘I don’t believe God gave me fibromyalgia. I do believe he can use it for good’
When Jo Cordell’s health failed, she felt like her body had become her enemy. Here she shares how God met her in the midst of her pain
What is a 'naked wedding' and why should Christians have one?
An estimated 127,000 weddings were cancelled last year, as couples chose to postpone their nuptials in the face of ever-tightening Covid-19 restrictions. But speaking ahead of National Marriage Week, Charlie and Emily explain how their Christian faith inspired them to go ahead with their special day
How an answered prayer led this Christian businessman to deliver 2 million items of PPE
24-year-old business owner Josh Parker wanted to help the national effort to stop the virus, but he didn’t know how. So he asked God. Within weeks, an unexpected phone call led to him partnering with the NHS to deliver 2 million PPE gowns
’I get very emotional every time I see that video. What did they do to my husband?’
Pastor Raymond Koh was violently abducted in Malaysia four years ago and hasn’t been seen since. His wife Susannah Koh believes the police were complicit and is leading the campaign for his release
Jesus appeared to me in a dream
Former Muslim Dee explains how a Christian friend’s prayers and a supernatural encounter with Christ turned her life around
Where joy and sorrow meet: How our faith survived the death of our child
John and Dana Hanley share their deeply personal reflections following the death of their toddler, Mattias
'I left an abusive Christian community’
Mary Ngatia suffered emotional, spiritual and sexual abuse at the hands of Jesus Army members. Years later she discovered a God able to heal and help her begin a journey towards forgiveness
- Issues
- Topics A-Z
- Writers A-Z
- © 2026 Premier Christianity
Site powered by Webvision Cloud