The 'Transformed' National Front Leader
Tuesday, 06 22 2011 11:22
Over the years, there have been many stories of lives that have been transformed through our work. Recently, Barry received an email from a man who was impacted in 2006 after watching one of our DVDs. At that time, Steve was second in command in the National Front for the north of England. Here's his story, in his own words.
‘About 6 years ago, I became involved with a racist organization, the National Front (NF). During this time, I was also introduced to cocaine. Over the last year, I became the regional organiser for the NF in the North East, which pretty much meant running the party, along with the chairman.
On the 10th of November, 2006, I'd gone to work feeling the worst for wear. I fell out of a loft hatch, tore ligaments in my ankle, and had some severe bruising on my stomach. My sister rang me up on a Monday night to wish me a happy birthday and to see how my ankle was. A couple of months earlier, she'd left me a DVD by Barry Woodward.
The following night, she persuaded me to watch the DVD. It all became apparent: the drinking and the drugs, and the NF, were all attempts to fill the gap. I ran a bath and whilst in it, I recited the prayer that Barry had prayed at the end of the DVD. I lifted my head from the water and felt God's Holy Spirit in me, granting me calmness and joy where there previously had been hatred and loathing for myself and others.
Since then, with God's help, I've almost got the drugs beat and—what I think is the most amazing thing—caused the collapse of the NF in the North East. After six weeks of praying for guidance, I decided to write a letter, and resign my position at the NF. The chairman's response was 'No bother, mate. I understand'. Last Sunday, he phoned me to say that he had resigned and was winding up the North East branch of the National Front.’
In December 2011, Barry received an email from Steve that read:
'Hi Barry,
My name is Steve and I’m from Sunderland. I just saw you on Sky News and thought that I'd give you an update on where I'm at in my life.
I don't know if you remember me, but after watching your DVD, a present from my sister Sally, a little over 5 years ago, I became a Christian. I was an organiser for the National Front and I was heavily involved with cocaine, with my life going nowhere. You and I had met in Preston at Bethel Church, and again at Millfield Church in Sunderland, where you were speaking for a few nights.
Anyway, I’ve been clean for 5 years, I’m married to an amazing Christian named Joanne, and 5 months ago, we had a beautiful healthy son, who we've named *****. Eighteen months ago, I stopped smoking for good, which was by no means a ‘minor’ miracle. We are a part of a growing church called *****, which has over 250 people attending.
I really felt that it was important to give you an update on my life, as I'm sure you don't often hear from people that you have helped.
Keep up the good work.'
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