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UN appearance - 2 Baghdad vicar - 3 Amazing offer - 5 L GOOD NEWS Floating school - 6 FOR & Spring 2018: FREE Beyond belief - 12 Great Norfolk to Malta motorhome giveaway

I couple, ordained ministers Ray and Ruth Scorey (pictured left) have embarked on an epic journey of faith driving across a wintery Europe to donate their prized motorhome to a Christian charity in Malta. In November, the brave couple, who run Christian charity Norfolk Healing Rooms, set off on the five-week Archbishop to journey across Europe to give away the motorhome to their newly return to city established sister charity, Malta I The Archbishop of Canterbury is set to Healing Rooms. visit the for the first time I Full story - see since his enthronement to the role in page six. February 2013. The Most Rev Justin Welby will be visiting the Diocese of Norwich from Wednesday November 7 to Friday November 9, the Bishop of Norwich has announced. Bishop Graham said: “I’m delighted that Archbishop Justin will be spending time in Norwich surgeon’s the Diocese in November. His first public ap - pearance in the run-up to his enthronement as Archbishop of Canterbury took place here in Norwich in February 2013 and it will be a delight to welcome him back. “Archbishop Justin knows Norfolk well, free operation plea having spent a good deal of time here with members of his family and their friends dur - ing his childhood. His affection for Norfolk A Norwich orthopaedic surgeon is knees in Norwich, but Adelaida’s life will poten - dates from those early days, and I know that tially be transformed at least as much as any one he will be assured a warm welcome.” appealing for support after of those patients if it goes well. She is struggling Pictured above is Archbishop Justin with agreeing to operate for free on a to walk far now and has little or no prospect for Bishop Graham outside the Forum in young Tanzanian health care marriage in Africa as she is. Norwich during his visit in February 2013. “The Norfolk and Norwich Hospital has worker to restore the use of her agreed to allow me to carry out her surgery as a legs and give her a brighter future. privately-funded patient towards the end of May, and some of our wonderful theatre staff, Football league Keith Morris reports. and two of my consultant colleagues, have offered to give up a Sunday morning in May, for no charge, to help me.” title hat-trick ohn Nolan, a consultant orthopaedic “Thanks to Fr Arockiya Seelan, a priest at St I Norwich Central Baptist Church have won surgeon at the Norfolk and Norwich John’s, we have already found a Catholic family the Norfolk Christian Football League title for J Hospital and parishioner at St John’s who have agreed to host Adelaida for the the third year in a row, with two games to Cathedral in Norwich, was introduced to 23- entirety of her stay from April to August – spare. year-old Adelaida during a recent visit to which is wonderful news,” he said. They secured the title with a 3-1 victory Tanzania by his uncle Francis who has been a Now John is appealing for support to pay for against Kings Athletic and are, so far, Catholic missionary priest there for 50 years. Adelaida’s hospital costs, flight tickets and other unbeaten. Francis has visited Norwich on a number of expenses of being in the UK. NCBC will continue their quest for a occasions and has celebrated Mass at St John’s “The support I have received to date has been league and Bishop’s Cup double with a semi Cathedral in the city. amazing, from the clergy at St John’s to all sorts final against Soul Church at Britannia John said: “Adelaida was training as a health of strangers – it really does enhance one’s faith Barracks on Saturday March 13 while in the care assistant but is now unable to work or even in humanity to see such compassion and other semi-final, Heigham Park Rangers will walk very far as her hips have been badly dam - generosity. Quite wonderful really. take on St John’s at Recreation Road. aged by Sickle Cell Disease. I want to help her “I remain particularly grateful to the theatre Meanwhile Silver Road take on Stalham because she wants to help others as a health care nurses, anaesthetist, consultant haematologist Baptist at Fountain Park and Gateway worker in Tanzania. I was struck by the amazing and my surgical assistant who have so kindly Vineyard take on Radicals at use they make of incredibly limited resources, offered to give up their Sunday morning at the Thorpe High School in the semi-finals of the when I visited the hospitals there last year. But end of May to make this possible.” Road Shield on the same day. there is no suitable option for surgery in If you would like to make a donation towards The Bishop’s Cup Final will take place at Mwanza and I have offered to replace her hips the costs, visit: http://bit.ly/2BzNTV0 or email Norfolk FA’s Football Development Centre in Tanzanian health care worker Adelaida who is for free, here in Norwich. John at j [email protected] on Saturday April 14 at 10.30am. coming to Norwich for an operation. “I have spent 25 years replacing hips and www.missionariesofafrica.org.uk/east-africa 2 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Spring 2018 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS GOOD NEWS FOR NORWICH & NORFOLK Dreaming of new beginnings at Easter

I Good News for Norwich & Norfolk is I "With every sun comes a new day. A new begin - Ruth However, just three days later, the view published by Network Norwich & Norfolk ning. A hope that things will be better today than Starkings is became so much brighter and hope returned - part of Christian Community Trust for they were yesterday." their lives changed in an instant. Jesus was not Norwich and Norfolk Ltd. Registered charity This is the opening quote from the Dream - the Family dead he was alive. The tomb was empty and no 1105340. works film 'The Croods'. They are spoken by Worker at the darkness and despair gave way to hope I Website: www.networknorfolk.co.uk Eep, who is not very happy with her life and and joy. They turned around to a better view. I Editorial (01508) 488318. e-mail stories to dreams of 'new beginnings'. Her story is about Meadow Way A new beginning. [email protected] or how her world changed in an instant to some - Chapel in So, as we celebrate Easter we can stand in send copy to Pear Tree Farmhouse, thing she never expected or imagined. . the hope of a new beginning. We may choose Road, Wreningham, Norwich As I watched the film, the opening words to remember what happened that first Easter NR16 1AT. really struck a chord with me. The words have and how, when the view seemed so dark, all of I Advertising: Helen Baldry (01603) 926120 stayed with me and what I hold onto now is a sudden it became so much brighter and so I Distribution: Val Dodsworth (01603) that with every sun comes a new day. Things much better. A new beginning that brought 946294 hope to everyone and still does bring hope I may not always be better, however there is Editor and designer: Keith Morris today. I always something brighter to be seen. I have Regular writers: Mike Wiltshire, Helen been able to discover this by changing my lighter. As we experience the season of Easter, It gives us courage to turn from the empty Baldry, Kevin Gotts, Jenny Seal. perspective. all that is going on around can lead to a change tomb, to change our perspective and to look I Printed by Archant Print. For me, Easter reinforces the truth that with in perspective. out on the view that is before us. To know that I Churches, Christian organisations and every sun comes a new day. A time of change, Maybe, thinking back to that very first in Easter there is hope, there is newness and a individuals from within Norwich and Norfolk are Easter, people were overwhelmed by what had better, brighter day. To stand in the victory, invited to send news, events and pictures which of finding that brighter place. It is a time of just happened. Their friend Jesus had been relate to the demonstration of the Gospel in year when the view around is changing. knowing that Jesus fought for us and won. His social action, community care and evangelism. Spring is happening, colours change, new life taken from them and killed. The one they sacrificial love leading to the world changing is growing, flowers are breaking through and thought would rescue them, the Messiah, was in an instant, giving us hope for something we I The deadline for material for the all of a sudden you notice things are so much gone and I imagine that all hope had gone too. might never have expected or imagined. Summmer edition is Friday May 4. Distribution is from Thursday May 24 . I Reproduction of any part of this publication without permission is strictly forbidden. But please ask as we are usually happy to oblige for a credit line in non-commercial situations. I We endeavour to adhere to the IMPRESS Charlie speaks at UN standards code. If you have a complaint you should, in the first instance, contact the editor [email protected] with A Youth Ambassador details. If you are still not satisfied you should from YMCA Norfolk contact IMPRESS, details below. has addressed an international conference at the United Nations in New York.

harlie Smith, who is a Mental Health Engage - C ment Worker in Norwich, was invited to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum held in New York on Janu - ary 30-31, as part of the World YMCA delegation, after she pre - sented her work to an international Innovation Camp in Switzerland in October. The Forum brought youth lead - ers from around the world to the United Nations HQ and gave them the opportunity to engage with government representatives, youth delegates, policymakers and other relevant stakeholders in civil society and the private sector. “It was a scary but exciting experience being a World YMCA representative at such an impor - tant event," said Charlie. It was a privilege being asked to attend and to offer a youth voice at a confer - ence that aims to increase youth participation. “During the event I was able to make further connections with Charlie Smith who addressed the ECOSOC Youth Forum at the United Nations HQ in New York. those who are involved with YMCAs across the world. I was also able to place the YMCA at the tance of technology in this market, encourage community based inter - works and promote innovative, centre of conversations on youth but that it would need to be used ventions such as volunteer institutionalised approaches and resilience and what we could do to effectively with the correct goals innovation hubs; and building data initiatives for advancing the youth create further impact for young and aims. from public/private partnerships development agenda at national, people in Europe. “I was elected to address the and the community to leverage big regional and global levels. This is “I was in the group looking into forum about the aims and goals data results.” with a view to promoting solutions resilience and what being resilient that we had come up with. This The ECOSOC Youth Forum aims to the global challenge of strength - actually meant and how it may included: building science, technol - to provide a platform for young ening resilience and sustainable affect young people in different ogy and innovation into an people to engage in a dialogue development. ways. infrastructure to improve literacy; with UN Member States. Also to www.un.org/ecosoc/en/events “We also looked into the impor - building on ‘train the trainers’ to enable discussion of policy frame - /2018/youth-forum NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Spring 2018 3 Vicar of Baghdad faced kidnap and death threats

Canon Andrew White, a former canon in the Church of . While at Coventry Cathedral he was director of the doctor and well-known Middle International Centre for Reconciliation and was East peace envoy, known as the later appointed the Archbishop of Canterbury’s “Vicar of Baghdad ”, who has envoy to the Middle East. Winner of more than 20 peace and inter-faith faced numerous kidnap and awards and author of seven books, he now death threats, told a Norwich leads ‘Canon Andrew White Ministries and Jerusalem Merit’. “Reconciliation work starts audience that it was “the love of with relationship building,” says Andrew, who God and love for people that is trusted by many religious and political drives me on.” Mike Wiltshire leaders in the Middle East. He has built unparalleled relationships with senior Sunni reports. and Shia clerics and says “the vast majority of Muslims are our friends.” He has negotiated in many hostage situations and has often faced kidnap and personal espite a long battle with multiple danger. Once, while trying to save a kidnapped sclerosis, a condition that affects his Brazilian, he was held in a darkened room D mobility and speech, Andrew White’s littered with victims’ chopped-off fingers and optimistic humour in the face of suffering has toes. “People ask me if I am afraid to be in endeared him to audiences around the world. danger zones, but doesn’t the Bible tell us that He and co-workers have set up schools, ‘perfect love casts out fear?’ ” clinics, food centres and homes in the Middle One of Andrew’s favourite quotes is “Don’t East for children and families who have fled take care - take risks!” His Christian father told persecution. Most of the support comes from him at the age of three that Jesus loved him – the UK. “I never dreamed I would be doing this and Andrew says he “has never doubted that – but it’s an incredible gift from the Almighty,” truth.” He often tells audiences: “The love of he says. Jesus is as real for you as it is for me.” Many of the people he supports are Assyrian At one stage he wanted to visit Iraq, but Christians of Iraq who have fled to Jordan after Saddam Hussain’s government refused to let murderous attacks by ISIS terrorists. The him in. Then, after praying about it, he was Assyrians from the Nineveh region are amazed to receive a fax message the next day descended from one of the oldest civilisations in from the office of Tariq Aziz, deputy prime the world. He also points out that millions of minister and close advisor to president Hussain. Jews lived in Iraq over 2,600 years – “today It read: “He wants to see you in his office in there are only six left.” Baghdad next Thursday at 5pm.” To many Iraqis, Andrew White is affection - “Miraculously, I got there, after a 16-hour ately known as Abuna (father) Andrew. Five drive from Amman in Jordan to Baghdad,” years before the Iraq war he, along with Justin recalls Andrew. He met many of the ‘bad guys’ Welby – who later became Archbishop of including the infamous sons of Saddam: Uday, Canterbury – re-opened the bomb-damaged St the psychopathic playboy, and Qusay, the George’s Church, the only Anglican church in ruthless heir apparent. This was one dinner Iraq. Attendance grew rapidly to 6,500 people appointment he did not want to keep – and only and Andrew was nicknamed “the Vicar of went because the terrified messenger said with Baghdad”. It was “a wonderful church,” he tears that he and his family would be killed if says. Andrew refused the invitation. But as life in Iraq became more violent, Andrew and his wife, Caroline, have two Andrew frequently found himself with body sons. The family live in Hampshire, but cannot guards and an armoured vehicle to make his follow Andrew on his many trips which have parish rounds. Many of his congregation were taken him recently to the Middle East, Switzer - martyred for their faith, and Andrew has faced land, America and New Zealand. numerous death threats. Eventually, he was A big man at six feet two inches tall with size asked to leave Iraq for security reasons. 16 shoes, Andrew now often has to speak from a “Archbishop Justin said ‘you’re more useful to wheelchair and is undergoing stem cell us alive than dead’.” treatment for MS, first developed at his clinic in In an earlier life as a doctor, Andrew had Baghdad, which uses his body's own stem cells trained in at St Thomas’ Hospital, - "It has completely transformed my life,” he where he specialised in anaesthetics and was in says. “Well over 3,000 other patients have been charge of the cardiac arrest team. He loved his treated with it, but I was the first.” medical work. One evening, after a personal Canon Andrew White speaking in Norwich time of thanksgiving, he asked, “What next, I Canon Andrew White was speaking in Lord?” Surprisingly, he felt an immediate call Norwich at a series of inspirational meetings to the Anglican ministry. says Andrew, with a smile. He also studied University in Jerusalem. At 33, after various which were arranged by FGB, the Full Gospel “So I went to ‘vicar factory’ in Cambridge,” Judaism and Islam, and attended the Hebrew ministry appointments, he became the youngest Businessmen.

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TimeNorfolk supports a record number

I Norfolk pregnancy loss charity TimeNorfolk has reported supporting a record number of people in 2017. A supporters event held at the Virgin Money Lounge in Norwich on February 22 heard Director Lesley Bradfield say: “'In 2017 we received over 200 requests for help from peo - ple following pregnancy loss and we are the busiest that we have ever been. “TimeNorfolk has been very well supported by our local community within Norfolk which is why we wanted to say thank-you to our sup - porters.” The evening also heard clients share their stories of loss and how they had been sup - ported by TimeNorfolk. Victoria Waterfield shared her story of multiple miscarriages and her journey as a client before going on to be - come a trained volunteer with TimeNorfolk. Victoria is passionate about providing the kind of support to others which she received in her time of need.

Bishop Alan with the Diocese of East Anglia seminarians at the White House in . Number of trainee priests in East Anglia hits 30-year record high The Catholic Diocese of East religious order. “The average age of our seminarians is Anglia has 12 men studying for probably in the 30s rather than the 20s. Each the priesthood at seminaries one brings some particular experience to their across Europe, the highest vocation, which I’m sure will be beneficial to the diocese in the years ahead. number for 30 years and amongst “This is an interesting diocese in terms of the the largest contingents from all variety of parishes. We have large city parishes, market town parishes and coastal parishes from the English and Welsh dioceses, King’s Lynn to Felixstowe. We try to give the despite being one of the smallest. seminarians exposure to all of the various types of parishes during their years of preparation.” It takes between six to eight years to complete ith five new students starting in semi - the process of study and preparation and be naries across Europe in September, ordained as a priest. W East Anglia now has a dozen men The six Norfolk seminarians are Mark training for the priesthood, including six from Ashwood, Anthony Asomugha and Deacon Norfolk. Andrew Eburne, all from St John’s Cathedral The trainee priests are studying in seminaries in Norwich and studying at Allen Hall in based in Italy, Spain and England. Westminster, James Fernandez from St John’s Vocations Director Fr Patrick Cleary, said: studying at Valladolid in Spain, Michael “These days, it’s common for applicants to Brookes (Sacred Heart, ) and Paul approach the diocese in early middle life, hav - Spellman (Our Lady and St Joseph, ing had some experience in the world of work, ), both studying at the Beda College or indeed some experience of time spent in a in Rome. NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Spring 2018 5

YMCA opens new Amazing offer from communities office I YMCA Norfolk has thrown open the doors of its new Communities Team office on Waldegrave Road in Bowthorpe for an open day. The Communities Team is made up of the All Hallows Sisters Families Team, Youth & Community Team, SOS project workers and On Track project workers. The open day, on February 13, was the first time that the whole team had met The Community of All together. Hallows at Ditching - Following a shared breakfast and team building, the doors of the offices were thrown ham has made an open to the local community and profession - amazing offer of its als from Sure Start, Bowthorpe Church, and beautiful premises for the Matthew Project as well as YMCA trustees, patrons and staff. just a “hazelnut rent” to Communities Team Manager, Louise use as a place of Hinchley, said: “We were really pleased with how much the local community in Bowthorpe Christian community supported the YMCA Norfolk Communities and service in a team open day. We have only just moved in, nationwide Dragon's and we are really keen to build relationships with the local church and community. Den style campaign. “We are hoping to bring new opportunities for lots of young people and families both in the area and county-wide as we grow and t is asking interested groups: develop our new team, and new office “To what purpose would space.” I you put a small cluster of The offices at 7/8 Waldegrave Road, houses, a chapel and beautiful Norwich NR5 9AW, also has a training room grounds in the service of God that will be used to deliver Mental Health and the Church?” First Aid as well as other in-house training. The Community of All Hallows at on the Norfolk/ border is mak - ing this generous offer to the International feast Church because the Sisters are I The Norwich Integration Partnership, a moving to become a dispersed partnership of three local charities, including Community and are in the so that others can serve God in Andy Bryant canon.missionand - The splendid St Michel’s Norwich Christian charity English+, working fortunate position of being able this place." [email protected] 01603 House at All Hallows in with refugees, asylum seekers and other mi - to offer the site to a new user Bishop Graham has asked 218 331 Ditchingham. grants is hosting a sumptuous feast of inter - rather than sell it. Canon Andy Bryant from Nor - For more information about national cuisine for up to 200 guests on For over 150 years the Sisters wich Cathedral to support the the Community of All Hallows Thursday, March 22 at Blackfriars Hall in have sustained a life of worship Sisters through this time of please contact Sr Sheila or Sr Norwich. Tickets are £26.71, details on: con - prayer and service on this site, change. Canon Andy said: "This Elizabeth at [email protected] reaching out to the vulnerable is a wonderful opportunity and [email protected] and marginalised. Now they we look forward to hearing peo - 01986 892749 want to see if there is a new ple’s suggestions so that this site group, organisation or set of can continue to be a resource for individuals who can re-imagine the Kingdom of God both in East the site for the 21st century. Anglia and beyond. How, the Sisters are asking, “The Community hopes to be might this place become a able to offer the site for a hazel - resource to God’s Church, a sign nut rent in return for the new of the Kingdom, a place of occupier being responsible for Christian community and serv - the maintenance of the site. ice? So the Sisters are launching a However the Community will be nationwide campaign to make as shaping the exact nature of the many people as possible aware agreement in response to the of this offer. particular need of the organisa - FOR YOUR NEXT The Sisters want to hear from tion chosen to take on the site.” anyone who would like to take Over the years, the Commu - FUNCTIONBelsey Bridge Conference OR Centre, EVENT Ditchingham, on the site and use it in the serv - nity of All Hallows has been provides friendly service and great facilities for ice of the Church and the richly blessed in many ways and ● Kingdom of God. they have always wanted to your function in a quiet rural setting. Those with the very best ideas share this with others. The for - ● Function rooms for up to 110 people will then be invited to attend a mer school run by the All Dragon’s Den-style event where Hallows Community is now the Locally sourced food, tailored to your they will be asked to make a Belsey Bridge Conference Centre, ● individual requirements pitch for the Sisters to offer them run by the Christian Conference the use of this site. Trust. And part of the former ● Free Wi-Fi and AV equipment The Community of All Hal - convent buildings are now used lows Visitor, the Rt Rev Graham by Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney, Hotel quality bedrooms at affordable prices James, Bishop of Norwich, has offering a home and meaningful been encouraging the Sisters to work to homeless people. At the think creatively and beginning of a new chapter for 0300 111 4444 imaginatively about their future. the Community, their wish is to CONFERENCES Sister Sheila, the Community Co- continue to share the resource of [email protected] Leader said: "Our Community this site with the wider Church. AWAY DAYS has been richly blessed by using For more information about www.cct.org.uk/belseybridge this beautiful site over many the offer and the process Belsey Bridge Conference Centre EVENTS years. Now we want to pass it on involved please contact: Canon Ditchingham, , Suffolk NR35 2DZ SHORT BREAKS CELEBRATIONS FUNCTIONS 11:55:05 6 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Spring 2018 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS The great Norfolk to Malta Steve’s motorhome giveaway trek A Norfolk man, who admits he is Cromer couple Ray and Ruth rubbish at DIY, has travelled 6,000 Scorey embarked on an epic miles to help build a desperately journey of faith driving across a needed floating school in Cambodia. wintery Europe to donate their Jenny Seal reports. prized motorhome to a Christian charity in Malta. Jenny Seal reports. teve Gaskin, from , recently took time off from his Norfolk team building I Ordained ministers Revs Ray and Ruth S events company to complete his eighth over - Scorey run the charity Norfolk Healing seas short-term mission, spending two weeks in Rooms. They lead a team of caring volunteers Cambodia building a floating school for 240 children, who offer prayer for physical and emotional despite describing himself as the ‘World’s Worst at healing at events and public venues. Their DIY’ mobile Healing Room is a regular sight at Steve Gaskin, 61, runs Right Angle Events, with North Walsham’s Vicarage Street car park, the his wife Kate, daughter Lizzy and a close team of 10 East Car Boot Sale and the Celebrate other employees. Steve, who is a former Scotland events in Norwich and King’s Lynn. Yard detective and trained secondary teacher, has Their original mobile Healing Room was a repeatedly chosen to travel outside of his comfort caravan. In 2013 it was upgraded when the zone to volunteer on a short-term mission project Scorey’s bought a modern motorhome to do that serves an overseas community. the job. However, two years later a house He has worked on projects in Latvia, at a move meant the motorhome had to be children’s orphanage in Bulgaria and, for the past replaced. two years, built a school in Uganda. In November, Ruth Scorey explains: “When we Steve travelled to Cambodia for two weeks with the moved into a third-story apartment in charity Mission Direct to build a floating school. Cromer, we didn't have sufficient car- Steve and a team of 11 other volunteers, who parking space for such a big vehicle. varied in age, profession, background and belief, So in September 2016 we put the were overseen by a building expert from America motorhome up for sale to fund the and three professional Vietnamese builders. Above, Revs Ray and Ruth Scorey refurbishment of a second-hand Describing the site when they arrived, Steve said: from Cromer with their motorhome Mercedes high-top van, a smaller vehicle “There was a load of rafters and bamboo poles and I which they gave away after a five- that would fit into our car park. looked at it and I said: “There is no way we are going week journey across Europe to to build a school in two weeks!” “The Mercedes Sprinter was decked Malta. out and up and running by February The project was a partnership between Mission Direct, the local Galilee Church, which floats on an 2017, but after five attempts to sell the Left, the couple arrived in Latvia adjoining raft to the new school, and an education motorhome, we realised that God had a just in time for the annual candle- charity called Serve Cambodia. The school will serve different plan, as He often does!” lighting ceremony of "The Eleventh a displaced community of Vietnamese people, who The couple spent weeks praying about Of The Eleventh", to commemorate what to do until Ray very clearly heard Latvia's victory and freedom over have few resources, no rights and face Government God say, "Give away the motorhome". the Soviets in 1918. persecution for being Christians. When Ray asked God, "to whom?" the Steve said: “We walked into the most abject reply was, "to Malta." At the Healing Rooms Conference poverty I’ve ever seen and I’ve been exposed to Ruth said: “You might think it'd be easy the leaders had symbolically lit different things here in the UK, Bulgaria, Latvia and to give away such a beautiful vehicle but matches and placed them on a map recently Uganda. The raft was on the Mekong Delta we had to wait months while Healing of Europe, one on each country the and you really couldn’t afford to fall into that, Rooms Malta was set up by our fellow Scoreys would travel to on the way because all sorts of materials go in there untreated.” Healing Room regional directors. And to Malta. Ruth and Ray then planted The working conditions posed some challenges. even then Malta has many cars, small a match and took communion in Steve said: “We got to the project at about 8 o’clock. roads and a hefty import tax on large each country along the way, in a By half past 11 it was just too hot to continue vehicles so they weren't keen on us trying spiritual act of healing the land. And working.” to foist a motorhome on them!” in Latvia and Venice they took part in “We had to bundle 180 of these bamboo logs to “When we received an invitation to take annual candle-lighting ceremonies. start off the foundation. It looks like fun sitting, the motorhome to Latvia for a Healing On Saturday, December 9, the working on the floating poles but they weren’t Rooms conference in November, we were couple arrived with much joy in bolted down so one false move and you’d be in the really champing at the bit. Finally, a Malta. Ray said: "How amazing to water, which you really, really don’t want to be.” He couple of weeks before the Latvian discover that the team in Malta had continues: “The roof only took us a couple of hours conference, the Malta Healing Rooms had a similar prophecy involving to put up – no health and safety whatsoever.” caught the vision!” Italy and Spain for a brief diversion on family candles lighting each other across their land. As Steve sits at the desk of his busy Taverham On November 6, the couple set off on a probate business. God is switching on the lights in Europe!” office he points out: “The thing is I’m the world’s five-week journey across Europe to give away Ray said: "No-one in their earthly mind Ruth said: “Malta Healing Rooms is an worst at DIY. Kate and I have this standing joke. the motorhome to their newly established would think to camp in Poland or take on the amazing ministry, uniting non-denominational She says: ‘How come you can go 6,000 miles to do sister charity, Malta Healing Rooms. first snows of Austria in November. Certainly, churches with charismatic Catholics, and we some DIY, but I ask you to paint the bedroom and They travelled from Cromer to Harwich there were times when two sets of pyjamas are very excited indeed to be working closely you can’t do it?’” catching a ferry to Hook in Holland. They then and two sleeping bags were still not sufficient! with them. Our prayer is that our gift to Malta The trip did utilise some of the skills Steve, a mem - drove to Kiel in Germany, taking the opportu - And yet, in quite clear displays of light, God will be seen as a charitable act that does not ber of Norwich Central Baptist Church and a black nity to sprinkle the ashes of Ray’s mother on made it apparent that He was most definitely incur import tax.” belt in taekwondo, considers more within his skillset. her brother’s war grave and then on to the with us on our journey.” Norfolk Healing Rooms is part of a growing With another member of the team, a retired primary country’s Travemunde to set sail to Latvia. To make things more challenging their trav - international organisation, biblically based and school teacher, he was able to lead a training course After a 27-hour crossing they arrived in els through middle Europe were accomplished run by a loving, encouraging team of Chris - for the teachers of the new school. He also got to Riga, Latvia for a four-day Healing Rooms in darkness as the vehicle's leisure battery tians from a mix of churches. For a healing preach, lead Bible talks for children and young Conference, before setting off to Malta. wouldn't charge, until it was fixed in Rome. appointment, or if you wish to join the team, people and run martial arts activities. The couple travelled to Lithuania, Poland - Because of this and other incidents, light and contact [email protected] , leave “I’ve been equipped with skills to teach,” he said, with a heart-aching visit to Auschwitz - the darkness became an important theme for the a message on 07900 341287 or visit “and I’ve been equipped with skills to hopefully get Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, couple on their adventure. www.norfolkhealingrooms.co.uk the Gospel over, which to me is the only reason why NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Spring 2018 7 floating school mission

Pictured is Norfolk man Steve Gaskin out in Cambodia where he helped to build a floating school (below) and tell the children BIble stories (left).

I do it, and I do get a fantastic sense of achieve - ment through the Lord. I do believe strongly that the Lord has said to me, ‘this is what I want you to do’.” In the afternoons, when it was too hot to work, the team visited communities and sites of interest. Some of their adventures included stepping through a disused minefield, visiting a Buddhist temple, seeing Cambodia’s Killing serve the community. Talking about seeing the ongoing costs. We paid off a debt for our driver Kate”, Steve said, “I couldn’t go on these Fields and buying litres of shampoo to treat lice school in situ for the first time, Steve said: “That and we also left some money for the church as missions. She looks after me, she prays for me in the hair of local children. was one of the most joyous occasions of my well.” and she keeps the company running.” They also met and heard the story of life.” Steve raised his contribution from a variety of With characteristic passion, Steve is enthusias - Sokreaksa Himm, a victim of Pol Pot and the In celebration, a short service was held in the sources including support from Norwich Cen - tic about encouraging other people to give short Khmer Rouge’s brutal regime, who has written a school where the pastor dedicated the facility tral Baptist Church. He said: “We raised £500 term mission a try. He said: “It can sometimes book, ‘The Tears of My Soul,’ about his journey open for anyone, of any faith, at any time. from one sale of muffins. That’s really generous. be quite frightening going with people that you to forgiveness towards those who killed his Despite their extreme poverty the community And when you look at what that £500 can do for don’t know, to a part of the world that you don’t family in front of his eyes. Sokreaksa now runs a then treated the team to what Steve describes as fellow Christians 6,000 miles away, it is quite know, to do work that you don’t know. But, Christian conference centre and school where a ‘sumptuous lunch’. awesome. That will pay for teachers for months what I would say is that, you get a huge amount the team led an evening youth event at which The school opened for its first term in January and months. It will provide resources and most of support. And you will come back with a Steve was given the opportunity to lead martial 2018. It welcomes 60 children in each of the two importantly, allow them to stand on their own really good sense of fulfilment.” arts, deliver a short talk and give the teenagers a classrooms in the morning and then, following a two feet.” He says, with a big smile: “I will continue to keyring each, displaying their own fingerprint. lunch break, a further 60 children in each during Steve is keen to return and has been asked by do mission abroad until such time as I’m too Despite Steve’s initial doubts, the team were the afternoon. Serve Cambodia to go back for a month to raise infirm.” able to complete the build of the floating school It cost £15,000 to build, which the team of vol - the level of mathematics, English teaching and If you are considering short term mission and in the allotted time. From its building site, it was unteers raised as part of their costs. Steve said: learning in one of its schools in addition to run - would like to chat to Steve Gaskin about his towed back with the church, a couple of miles “We were also able to do some teacher training ning a martial arts course and getting involved experience, feel free to email him at along the Siem Reap River where it will now and we left £5,500 to the school for wages and in the praise and worship. “If it wasn’t for [email protected] 8 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Spring 2018 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS

about communion. Joy McCann with young members of the Vineyard She said “I found a translator I knew, church in Mwanza who were baptised in Lake who took me to church on his motor - Victoria in Tanzania, watched by some crocodiles bike and it was an amazing time. Before and, below, at the day-care centre. we took communion I gave an opportu - nity for anyone who wanted to become Christians that day and seven boys came forward. I know five of them were from the street and two lived in the surrounding area. “Pastor Daniel led them in a prayer and I just stood there in amazement as they so willingly gave their lives to Jesus and received communion with the church. I asked Daniel if we could soon arrange a baptism and also where we could do it. His reply was “Yes, of course, in two weeks, we’ll do it in Lake Victoria.” “The baptism was one of the most precious days of my life. The boys were well taught on baptism and counselled beforehand, and we baptised five of them in the lake. The scenery was so Biblical. And, with us all singing the chorus ‘I Have Decided to Follow Jesus’ in Swahili and English on the shoreline, it was breath-taking. “It was also quite humorous when those around me said, “Oh, look… is that a crocodile? We’d better move up the land now.” I seemed to have far more urgency than the others to do so as I watched the nostrils floating close by!” Now, while on her break in Norwich, Joy is equipping herself for these new ministry and evangelism opportunities in Tanzania. She is doing an online theology course, as well as leadership training and evangelism school sessions. She hopes when she returns to Tanzania to put more time into the new church and mission opportunities, as well as continuing her role in the day- Finding Joy with the care centre. Joy said: “My role as missionary has been teaching the kids the word of God, and teaching them to pray and sing, as well as doing creative lessons. We have seen so many of the kids come to know crocodiles in Africa about Jesus, and their parents often comment that they have noticed mas - Watching a crocodile glide past, ince May 2016, set up a day-care centre where Joy church in Mwanza. sive changes in their behaviour since after seeing five boys baptised Joy (27) from teaches children about God. She said: “I had a real yearning in my they have been at the day-care. The kids S New , The journey to East Africa began in soul for a Vineyard church in Mwanza. I come home wanting to pray with their in Lake Victoria, Tanzania, has lived in Mwanza, a 2002 when Joy, who was just 11 years had been sent from Gateway Vineyard brothers and sisters and teach them has been one of the most city on the shore of Lake old, was diagnosed with Chronic Church in Norwich and had really what they learned in the lessons at Victoria in northern Tan - Fatigue Syndrome/ME. The illness missed many of their teachings, values, school.” surreal moments of the last zania. Joy volunteers confined her to bed for 13 years with deep prayer ministry and the ‘come as She said: “The day-care is in massive 18 months for Christian with the Christian charity exhaustion and light sensitivity. you are’ approach.” need of funding in many areas and we missionary, Joy McCann , from Tanzania Bridge of Hope. Throughout this extended period of ill Through Facebook, Joy discovered ask you to pray with us for provision in The NGO aims to lift the health, and despite never having visited plans to start a Vineyard church in her all our areas of need. A big need is Norwich. Jenny Seal reports. local community out of the continent, Joy was sustained by adopted city. She met up with the school transport so that we can take poverty and has recently visions from God of a place in Africa newly-trained indigenous church more kids from wider areas of Mwanza. where she would go when she leader, Pastor Daniel, in Mwanza, and Parents often ask if we can transport was better. was immediately impressed. “There their kids yet. Since the new school year In 2015, through a lot of was something very different about began in January, we have been able to prayer at her Norwich church, him,” she said. “There was light in his receive 13 children but have overall Gateway Vineyard, Joy was eyes, a new vision.” capacity for 80-100. We have made it healed. “It almost felt too good to be true,” possible for donors to sponsor vulnera - Making the most of her she continued. “I very quickly became ble and orphaned children to be restored health, Joy jumped at involved in the church, Vineyard schooled at our day-care when their the opportunity to visit Tanza - Mwanza. They had just started meeting parents aren’t able to pay fees.” nia for three weeks. Just six in a little dusty cinema. I had You can read more about Tanzania weeks later, Joy moved to goosebumps as we worshipped God Bridge of Hope and how to sponsor a Mwanza as a long-term with nothing other than our voices, child at missionary. hands clapping, and the Holy Spirit.” www.tanzaniabridgeofhope.wordpress. Now, after 18 months, Joy is Joy tells of when a group of local com back in Norwich for a short boys, who live on the street, came to see For more information you can email break, taking time to rest as what was going on in the normally Joy on [email protected] , or to well as having a few medical ticket-only cinema. Joy said: “I heard support her work in Tanzania, you can checks after contracting some them ask one another: “Is it free?’” and, donate via her blog: local illnesses in Africa. As she “Is this a church?” The boys became http://joymccann.blogspot.com reflects on her life in Tanzania, regular visitors to the church and very And if you would like to follow in her she is particularly thankful quickly started engaging, particularly footsteps, there is an open invitation. for the recent delight of in the worship. Then one Sunday, Joy “Volunteers are warmly welcome to finding a new Vineyard was asked to teach the new church come out,” said Joy. NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Spring 2018 9

Norwich author John PIercy Book on forgiveness packs a punch and his wife Krystyna. I Norwich author John Piercy who, among elderly war victims, as ‘What if the person we forgive with his Polish wife Krystyna, has especially those being helped by won’t reciprocate?’ travelled over 105,000 miles in the Jewish Hospital in Budapest, The book includes more than 40 mercy ministries to help very old founded in 1802. To assist in much- black and white photos and is writ - and disabled survivors of the needed care, John and Krystyna set ten in a way that invites readers to Holocaust at Auschwitz, has written up the Norfolk-based Shalom dip into the pages at any point and a very practical new book on Habakkuk Trust. be reminded of the enormous im - the theme of forgiveness and John, a former maths teacher portance of practicing forgiveness. reconciliation, called ‘No Better and Krystyna, who speaks five “Forgiveness is good for you,” Way.’ languages, first met as trainee says John. “And so is reconciliation. Written for people of faith – or teachers at King’s College, London. I’ve written this book to encourage none – the book draws on their Their home today is at Stoke Holy these attitudes which are crucial for experiences during 29 mercy Cross, Norwich. positive and healthy living.” missions to Hungary, each one a John’s seventh book is written The 82-page book, ‘No Better journey of around 3,600 miles. with clarity and humour, and it Way’ is available for a £5 donation in “Every one of these mercy missions shows how costly but life-changing support of the Shalom Habbakuk was a miracle,” says John. forgiveness can be. The book Trust. As Christians, he and Krystyna packs a punch and includes true For details, contact John Piercy felt led to do mission work in stories of the loss and pain that re - on 07943 836530 or email Hungary – and discovered “the in - sult from failing to practice forgive - [email protected] credible need” for medical supplies ness. It tackles tough subjects, such By Mike Wiltshire Rohingya refugee clinic role

Norwich-based humanitar - 27 deaths. Three-quarters were under 15 years old. ian and aid worker Eldred For ten days we worked from Willey has recently spent dawn to dusk to create a top-quality two weeks helping interna - medical facility right in the refugee camp. As there was no airlift during tional relief organisation this period, we had to source all Samaritan’s Purse set up supplies in-country. The nearest large city being five an emergency diphtheria hours away, this was quite a clinic in Bangladesh to challenge. Somehow the team serve Rohingya refugees. scraped together oxygen tanks and airways, antibiotics and He reports on his antihistamines, analgesics and tran - experience. quillisers, syringes and cannulas, gloves and gowns. It was a low-bud - get launch as staff begged, borrowed amaritan's Purse was and persuaded people to part with responding to the tragic the requisites. S Rohingya crisis which, since The site team gave a morale boost last August, has seen some 650,000 to 100 Rohingya men by recruiting refugees flooding across the border them as site labourers and setting from Myanmar, fleeing ethnic cleans - The Samari - them to work digging humanitarian- ing. At least 6000 have died at the tan’s Purse standard nine-foot latrines, hooking cruel hands of the Burmese army, and clinic in up a water bladder and pump, and many of those who escaped arrived Bangladesh connecting a generator. famished, with just the clothes on with charge With the clock ticking, staff created their backs. nurse Kelly shelving out of tent boxes, and In 1982, the government of Myan - Sites stripped wires with a pocket knife. mar declared the Rohingya to be monitoring a Somehow the result outshone every - child. stateless non-citizens, and the United thing around in professional quality. Nations have since described them as camp, where half a million souls now ing ground for epidemics. microorganisms restrict breathing Samaritans Purse is leading the way “the most persecuted minority in the jostle together in overcrowded and One of the first to strike was diph - and sometimes drop down into the in bringing an effective medical world”. insanitary conditions. Black and theria – a serious bacterial disease lungs where they cause inflammation. response to a people in desperate Most of the Rohingya refugees orange plastic shacks with sparse, affecting the mucous membranes of Before the clinic opened Kutupalong need. have settled in the huge Kutupalong shallow latrines make a perfect breed - the nose and throat. The invading camp saw 2,500 people infected and www.samaritans-purse.org.uk BRIGHT QUALITY PLUMBING K.P. ELECTRICS No job too small One year warranty on all work FOR ALL YOUR DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS. Available weekends and evenings NEW ADDITIONS, REPAIRS AND EMERGENCIES. Repairs and upgrades undertaken FAST, FRIENDLY, RELIABLE SERVICE Free estimates. No extra call-out charge Handyman services also available PLEASE PHONE 01603 744208 Please phone Greg Bright MOBILE: 07770 921399 Home: 01603 479216 Mobile: 07814182940 10 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Spring 2018 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Eating out City centre cafe that is a re v

Set in the chancel of a beautiful a bite to eat Norwich city centre medieval church, Revelation is much I Helen says: “I enjoyed the Ploughman’s more than just a café and tea Lunch, which came with a good selection of room as Helen Baldry found cheeses, ham, a granary roll with butter, coleslaw, pickles and salad, during my lunch - out. break with a friend. The food was delicious, fresh and was served quickly. On a Tuesday lunchtime, the cafe was busy but there were tables available. It was a pleasant space to sit ocated on Redwell Street, the and admire the medieval architecture and Revelation Café, tea room and chat with my friend – who happens to be an L Christian bookshop offers an oasis of architect! The opportunity to browse the peace amongst the hustle and bustle of the Christian resources on offer in the bookshop city. next to the cafe area was a bonus and some - The cafe offers delicious locally-sourced thing you can’t do anywhere else in Norwich. and homemade food at competitive prices, In a city that offers so many options for lunch, including vegetarian and some vegan it was nice to choose an independent cafe like choices. Revelation and know that I was supporting a Lunchtime options, including homemade unique ministry in the city.” soups, sandwiches with side salads, jacket potatoes, Paninis and specials of the day, are available Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 3.30pm. If you fancy a little light reading while you eat, Revelation offers a range of resources such as Bibles, Christian titles and an extensive range of secondhand books. The friendly staff are always pleased to cater for outside parties wishing to celebrate birthdays, weddings, confirmations and extraordinary place.” ordinations, either for lunch or suppers. The cafe hosts regular evening events such as Manager Steve Foyster has been at the helm book launches, quiz nights and Burns Night. of Revelation, previously known as Norwich Discussions on emotive topics – including men - Christian Resource Centre, for ten years. tal health, recovery and grief - have been held, He said: “What we have here is a community. attracting a receptive and engaged audience. It is where people meet up, and are nourished – Revelation is a nurturing and non-judgemen - in mind, body and spirit. Every day it is tal environment where people can express their wonderful to welcome old friends as well as thoughts and share their opinions and experi - new faces into the centre. ences. “I think we do give an exceptional level of The next special event at Revelation cafe is St customer service with an extensive knowledge George's Day evening on Monday 23 April. that goes back years and years. It is an Please call 01603 766978 for further details. on the menu

I Prices NSpicy sweet potato and butternut squash soup served with a roll and butter £4.20 NSpecial: Vegetarian sausage cassoulet served with new potatoes £6.95 NChicken & Bacon panini £5.25 NJacket potato from £4.95 NBread and butter pudding served with custard, ice cream or cream £2.95 NJam sponge served with I Location custard, ice cream or cream £2.95 Revelation Café and Tea Room NPloughman’s lunch (Cheese/Ham) served St Michael at Plea Church with roll and salad £5.95 Redwell Street NHomemade quiche served with new pota - Norwich, NR2 4SN toes and salad (pictured) £5.95 I Contacts I Opening hours Tel: 01603 619731 9.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Saturday. Email: [email protected] www.revelation-norwich.co.uk NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Spring 2018 11

Year of double celebrations in Eaton elation

I St Andrew’s, Eaton – the only thatched admired hall church, one of the largest of its James. Party in the Park will take place on church in Norwich – is this year celebrating two kind in Norwich. The light, airy building, opened June 23, 12-4pm. anniversaries, 675 years apart. in 1993, is used for most services and The parish of Eaton was well-established It is 700 years since the first minister, numerous musical events throughout the year. by the time of the Norman Conquest, and Geoffrey de Boton, was appointed to the Celebration art, craft and musical events, extensive details appear in the Domesday medieval flint-built church in 1318. exhibitions, holiday club and social events will Book of 1086, commissioned by William the The church in the heart of Eaton village, mark the year of double celebrations, along Conqueror who invaded England in 1066. close to the River Yare, is also celebrating the with a picnic and outdoor service on the 25th anniversary of the opening of its much- bandstand in Eaton Park, with Bishop Graham www.standrewseaton.org.uk 1000 hours of kindness

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6DQGZLFKEXႇHWIURP SHUKHDG 1000 Hours volunteers litter picking on Overstrand beach. 6RXSEXႇHW SHUKHDG A Norwich church’s away an impressive 196 cakes to cleaning road signs in Thorpe neighbour, giving your postman a the pupils and parents of Cawston Hamlet and preparing school bar of chocolate or cooking a meal revolution of kindness, Primary School. Josie said: “We snacks in Hellesdon. for someone in need. -DFNHW3RWDWREXႇHW called 1000 Hours , has had so much fun giving away Big Issue sellers and the home - “Activities such as painting a been making its mark cakes. People were amazed that we less in Norwich have benefitted fence for a community project, vis - SHUKHDG weren’t charging for them. It’s was from a sandwich, a hot drink and a iting residential homes to engage across the city and great to be able to tell them that we chat every Saturday and Sunday in activities with the residents, county during the 40 just wanted to bless them as God thanks to the Gateway Vineyard running a baby café in Thorpe St loves them.” Soup Run team. Andrew and several projects days of Lent. Chocolates have been given out Bags and bags of litter have been planned in conjunction with the to stewards at Carrow Road, to bin picked up from Overstrand beach Norfolk & Norwich Hospital to men, care home workers and to when 24 adults, 11 children, two show appreciation for staff and ateway Vineyard Church the crew on a Ryanair flight from babies and one dog got busy. Litter also provide reminiscence packs hopes its members and Alicante to Heathrow. has also been picked up in Eaton, for dementia patients and support G supporters can rack up at Church member, Sue Hatherly Thorpe Hamlet and off Plumstead for relatives of patients. least 1000 hours of voluntary work said: “You can’t imagine the crew’s Road. Hannah said: “We believe that and acts of kindness towards other response. The flight attendant’s A family fun day at the simple acts of kindness will send people during the six weeks of face lit up and she kept thanking Sports Hall was also offered for ripples across our city and county. I Lent. me, saying they’d been up since free to local families. cannot wait to begin and I hope Acts of kindness so far have 2am and this was just what they Church pastor, Hannah Deal, that in big ways and small we will included baking cakes and brown - needed! I even got a thank-you said: “We are asking our church be able to show God’s love and Call us on 01603 619731 ies for hairdressers and school from the captain.” members to think about doing sim - kindness to people.” pupils. Josie and Esther Baker gave 1000 Hours volunteers have been ple acts such as baking a cake for a Visit: www.1000hours.co.uk Cafe & Christian bookshop St Michael-at-Plea church, Redwell Street, Norwich 12 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Spring 2018 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Anne’s story is beyond belief

Anne Murrin’s nne’s life has not been easy. In her 71 years the autobiographical Anne Murrin at her home A retired Norfolk entrepre - with her new book Beyond Belief. book, ‘Beyond neur has faced real difficulties, including TB as a teenager, Belief’, is a tale bringing up three children alone of triumph over and the threat of paralysis from adversity for the a chronic back condition. How - ever, when Anne recounts her retired business life and business successes, it is woman from a life-affirming story. Published in October 2017, Blofield who has Anne began writing ‘Beyond defied pain, Belief’ for her family as a record despair and of her Broadland-based property management company. She destitution with soon realised that the story of God’s help and her self-made enterprise couldn’t be told without wider guidance. reflection on the factors that Jenny Seal birthed and motivated it – her reports. sustaining faith, her health problems, a failed marriage, a privileged childhood at a private school in a Staffordshire convent and her many close friendships. “Because all my children live away,” Anne said, “I don’t think they were fully aware of every - thing that was involved and I thought it would be a good record to write the history of the business. I also thought it might provide inspiration and encour - agement to future generations. As I got into it I thought more and more that I needed to explain why I had to run the business. And as it progressed, I realised more and more the power of God behind me.” Driven by high standards of In her 30s, Anne had found worsening around this time, and months in isolation. During this tuary and was invited to the customer service and a proactive herself with no prospects, and a final diagnosis with the possi - frustrating period she experi - weekly prayer group which has attitude, the author established whilst bringing up her children bility of future paralysis, led to enced a powerful faith become a big part of her life. and ran her business, Heron on benefits, she took the coura - episodes of depression and the encounter out of nowhere. Now an involved member of Property Management (formerly geous step to become a mature need for a wheelchair. “God’s most holy presence St George’s Catholic Church in Heron Homecare) for 20 years student and achieved a degree Incredibly, Anne tells the story completely engulfed me,” she Norwich and Our Lady Mother before selling it for a sizeable at the University of East Anglia. of the ups and downs with writes. “It filled my being with of God church in Thorpe St sum. At the time it wasn’t cus - Just as life seemed to be back on humour, Godly wisdom, insight such joy and feeling of closeness Andrew, Anne was also recently tomary for businesses to be run track, and as her new business and, despite everything, opti - to Him – I was enraptured. It elected the Formation Minister by women and Anne had to deal started to succeed, her father mism. As you read the book, was a very real experience of for the Secular Franciscans in with some patriarchal attitudes. died while on holiday abroad. the author becomes someone His Mystical Being. I was on Norwich. To add to this she was a single Her painful and debilitating you would love to know. ‘Cloud Nine’.” A grandmother to seven, mother of three, after divorce spinal condition that she began Meeting Anne Murrin in her Despite later experiencing Anne lives an active life despite from a difficult marriage. suffering from at age 15 began home, Heron House, named years of feeling anger towards the devastating prognoses and after her former business, is God and distant from him, this diagnoses she received 25 years not a disappointment. On a episode remained a source of ago for her back problems. With cold winter’s day her person - strength. Looking back, even in the help of remedial massage, Kevin Cobbold Funeral Services ality matches the bright the hardest moments, she can complementary supplements sunlight streaming into her see God’s leading and nudging and aqua therapy Anne’s spinal comfortable living room, both in inexplicable answers to condition has greatly improved through her large windows prayer and in ordinary but and she can now walk unaided. and glass doors. Anne, with unexpected moments. “I’ve had enormous healing,” 01603 528800 07789 586817 her back carefully supported “I think, having an experience she said. “I was almost wheel - by cushions, talks about diffi - like that, you almost can’t not chair-bound at one point and cult subjects with a smile on believe,” she said. “Even though was told that I could become Christian funeral director her face and a chuckle punc - I went through times when I completely paralysed. You don’t tuating her sentences. thought, ‘why is God allowing see too many complete miracles Independent, affordable and personal It is this affability and posi - all this to happen?’ I couldn’t these days – but certainly I tivity that seems to have not believe because of that never ever dreamt I’d be doing opened up and allowed her experience.” all the things I’m doing now. Home visits, Full quotations, Funeral Plans, Memorials to capitalise on many oppor - Although her belief was cer - Never dreamt at all! God was tunities in her life. But in the tain, Anne didn’t get involved in truly on my side.” 109 Cromer Road, Norwich, NR6 6XW darkest times when these church life until her mid-40s. I Beyond Belief: Through Trials to have failed her, it has been “For years, I felt very much in Triumph, The Miracle of a Broad - www.cobboldfunerals.co.uk her strong faith in God that the wilderness with my faith,” land Business by Anne Murrin. has brought strength. she said. It wasn’t until Anne 249pp. Self-published in October [email protected] When Anne was 17 she got came to a crisis point with her 2017 through Witley Press. Tuberculosis and was spinal condition that she found £9.95. Available from Amazon ordered to bed rest for six herself in a church seeking sanc - and other bookshops. Printed by Archant Print, Thorpe Print Centre, Norwich