Conference reaches people with addictions

A church conference focusing on addicts and addictions saw 43 people respond to the Gospel message.

Fixed was organised by Barry Woodward, an evangelist and former drug addict who now runs the Proclaim Trust.

Around 400 people took part in the conference at The Bridge Church, Bolton. They included addicts, recovering addicts, and people working in addiction-related services and ministries.

Woodward said he wanted to equip and challenge people "to live better".

Sessions explored "tough love", how to handle and mentor people with addictions, and successful recoveries.

The conference included a time of prayer for people with addictions and six people were baptised at the end of the day, including one recovering addict who was on day release from prison.

He approached Woodward during the day and thanked him for writing his book, "Once an Addict", in which Woodward tells his own story of addiction and recovery.

Woodward said the day was a "huge success" and there are now plans to host another Fixed conference in the future.

News
Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message
Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message

The BBC has invited Bishop Mariann Budde, the US bishop who challenged President Donald Trump at an inauguration service in January, to give a Christmas message.

Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack
Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack

Christian leaders in Australia have expressed their solidarity with the country's grief-stricken Jewish community after a deadly terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday night. 

A pogrom on Bondi Beach 
A pogrom on Bondi Beach 

Australia, once one of the safest countries in the world for Jews, has become one of the most dangerous.

The little-known history of the X in Xmas
The little-known history of the X in Xmas

Many Christians worry that writing “Xmas” crosses Christ out of Christmas, but the story of the X is an ancient, deeply rooted Christian custom.​ This is the story ….