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
Priest in West Bank's only Christian village speaks of Israeli 'impunity'
Priest in West Bank's only Christian village speaks of Israeli 'impunity'

Father Bashar Fawadleh, parish priest of Taybeh, wants perpetrators of attacks and intimidation to be held to account.

Pastor arrested in Cuba after uploading Bible lesson to YouTube
Pastor arrested in Cuba after uploading Bible lesson to YouTube

Pastor Rolando Pérez Lora was accosted by police mere moments after uploading the video.

Brazilian court rules in favour of student who said transgender women 'obviously born male'
Brazilian court rules in favour of student who said transgender women 'obviously born male'

A Brazilian veterinary student has been vindicated by a Federal Regional Court which ruled that she has no case to answer over online posts stating that transgender women “were obviously born male”.

Beyond self-sacrifice: why we need to expand our perspective of generosity in Lent 
Beyond self-sacrifice: why we need to expand our perspective of generosity in Lent 

As we fast and pray, perhaps we should also ask: what could we share? What might we release for the sake of someone else?