 
**About this Book**

Roger and Janet Niblett were just an ordinary English couple, but then they met the Lord and their lives were totally transformed. Like the Bethlehem shepherds of old, they had a compulsion to share the same good news that Jesus Christ had come into the world to save sinners. Empowered by the Holy Spirit they proclaimed the gospel in the market place, streets, prisons, hospitals and churches with a vibrancy that only comes from being in direct touch with the Almighty and being readily available to serve Him as a channel of His grace and love. God was with them and blessed their ministry abundantly. Praise God! (Pastor Mervyn Douglas, Clevedon Family Church)

The story of Roger Niblett is an inspiration to all who serve the Lord. He was a prolific street evangelist, whose impact on the gospel scene was a wonder to behold. It was my privilege to witness his conversion, when he went forward to receive Christ at the Elim Church, Keynsham. The preacher was fiery Scottish evangelist Rev'd Alex Tee. It was not long before Roger too caught that same soul winner's fire which propelled him far and wide, winning multitudes for Christ. Together with his wife Janet, they proceeded to "Tell the World of Jesus". (Des Morton, Founder Minister of Keynsham Elim Church)

I know of no couple who have been more committed to sharing their faith from the earliest days of their journey with the Lord Jesus Christ. Along the way, at home and abroad, and with a tender heart for the marginalised, Rog and Jan have introduced multitudes to the Saviour and have inspired successive generations of believers to do the same. It was our joy and privilege to have them as part of the family at Trinity where Janet continues to serve in worship and witness. Loved by young and old alike, they will always have a special place in our hearts. (Andy Paget, Trinity Tabernacle, Bristol. Vice President, International Gospel Outreach)

I See Men As Trees, Walking

by

Roger and Janet Niblett

©2015 Janet Niblett

First published in paperback 2015 by Gozo Publishing Bristol

Paperback ISBN-13: 978-1-5086749-7-9

This White Tree Publishing eBook ISBN-13: 978-0-9935005-1-0

Scripture quotations from The Authorized (King James) Version, Rights of the Authorized Version in the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown. Reproduced by permission of the Crown's patentee, Cambridge University Press

The names of some people and places in this book have been changed to protect their identity

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book.

Full list of White Tree Publishing books on

www.whitetreepublishing.com

To God be the glory great things He has done,

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

And opened the life gate that all may go in.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,

To every believer the promise of God;

The vilest offender who truly believes,

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Fanny Crosby 1820-1915

**Table of Contents**

About this Book

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Note

1. Shake hands with a millionaire

2. The call to witness

3. Sarah's story

4. Good news from Guyana

A visit from Val

5. The man from Malta

An appointment with Annie

6. Double blessing

Saved from suicide

7. Do not be afraid of their faces

8. I was in prison and you visited Me

9. Prison letters

Our Photo Album

10. The angels in heaven rejoice

11. Testimonies from the USA

Jerry's story

The man without clothes

Larry's story

12. There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed

Founding La Finca

13. Divine appointment

Delivered from alcohol

14. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

More Books

About White Tree Publishing

Christian Non-fiction

Christian Fiction

Books for Younger Readers

#  Foreword

It is our joy and great privilege to share with you some of the wonderful encounters and events that God has blessed us to be a part of since we came to trust Him as our Lord and Saviour.

We have had the privilege of reaching out to multitudes over the years and seen first hand the power of the gospel to change lives. It has been amazing to see so many lives impacted through the preaching of God's word and the distribution of gospel literature. Our sincere prayer is that you also, will be inspired and challenged to reach out to lost and hurting souls, because God is not willing, that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

God can and will use anyone who is prepared to make themselves available. He will equip you and give you all you need to become a soul winner: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30).

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever (Daniel 12:3).

Roger and Janet

#  Acknowledgements

We would really like to express our gratitude to the numerous friends, brothers and sisters and fellow labourers who have helped, supported and encouraged us in so many ways. You are too numerous to name individually, but we appreciate all you have done to encourage and inspire us down through the years. You have laboured with us and given us an example to follow. You have laughed with us, wept with us, prayed with us and for us and we give God thanks for every one of you.

Special thanks to our dear granddaughter Naomi for dedicating her IT skills to the preparation of this book ― her help, encouragement and support have been invaluable. Chris Wright who has so graciously offered his services in editing and helping me publish this book, and to Pastor Andy Paget for his welcome support, and his expertise in photo preparation.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making request with joy for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:3-6).

#  Note

Roger and I wrote this book together shortly before his death in 2011, telling it in the first person from Roger's point of view. The Lord had given both of us the vision to put our Christian experiences into print. I have now been through it again, clarifying a few details and changing the names of some people and places in order to protect their identity.

Janet Niblett

2015

# Chapter 1

#  Shake hands with a millionaire

"Mornin', Rog. Shake hands with a millionaire. I've got no money, but I'm the son of a King!"

It was the voice of Ernie, a middle aged, bespectacled man who worked in the same factory as me. Ernie was a Christian believer with a strong faith who never missed an opportunity to speak of the love and the goodness of his Saviour Jesus Christ.

I first met Ernie about seven years before, and my initial impression of him was that he was some kind of nutcase. His frequent greetings of "jesus loves you!" were met by my thoughts of Go away! This is for old ladies and idiots, not for me!

I frequently took great delight in mocking Ernie, calling from behind my machine, "Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, Brother!" then ducking down out of sight.

After all, I was a man of the world.

I was always a shy person, and upon reaching my teens I discovered that alcohol brought me out of my shyness, but it also caused me to have some minor brushes with the law. I remember Phyl, my second oldest sister, crying with shame upon seeing my name in the local paper after being charged with theft.

I met Janet, the love of my life, in 1959, and we were married in 1962. We had a very happy marriage and after a few years were able to purchase our own house – our dreams were being fulfilled. There was just one thing still missing. We desperately wanted a family, but after six years we were still childless for no apparent reason.

One day, I heard Ernie declare boldly, "My God can do anything! There is nothing too hard for Him!"

Suddenly it dawned on me: if God can do anything, He could give us a child.

I mentioned nothing of this to Janet, but I remember kneeling by the side of our bed, praying to a God I had never acknowledged but asking sincerely that He would give us a child.

It was about three months later, when Jan told me she thought we might be having a baby. Back in the sixties it was necessary to visit the doctor and wait a week for the results of the pregnancy test.

Not having a phone in the house, meant we needed to go to the local phone box to ring the doctor for the results.

"Don't stay nattering to the doctor!" I told Jan. "If it's positive, give me a thumbs up, and I'll know."

Sitting in the car outside the phone box, I saw Jan give me a great big grin and big thumbs up sign, I shouted at the top of my voice, "There's a God, there's a God, there's a God!"

But as yet, He was a God I didn't know, and had never met. But the Bible declares, The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance (Romans 2:4).

Around about the same time, Jan's Gran Noni, was admitted to hospital in a diabetic coma and developed gangrene in her foot . This began to spread, and I wanted to spare Jan the extra worry, so I told her to have a good cry and prepare herself for the fact that Noni would probably not recover.

Once again, I remembered that Ernie had said God can do anything. After all, He had answered prayer by giving us a child!

I prayed for a miracle again, and to the astonishment of everyone the gangrene began to recede, leaving Noni with one black toe.

After several weeks, whilst visiting Noni in the hospital, she asked Jan to take a tissue from the locker drawer.

"What do you think is inside this tissue?" Noni asked.

"Well, it looks like a black pebble Noni", said Janet.

"That," said Noni, "Is the end of my toe. It fell off, and there is new flesh underneath!."

Not only were we totally amazed, but even the medical staff were shocked and took photographs of Noni's foot to document what had happened.

Following the birth of our daughter Claire Louise in March 1969, we felt that our lives were complete. We had a nice home, a car, and the child we had wanted for so long. Yet still there was something missing.

I began to feel an emptiness and void in my life. One Sunday lunchtime, after returning from the pub where I had been drinking with George my father in law, I announced, "I'm fed up! There must be more in life than eat, drink, sleep."

What I didn't know at that time was that Ernie had been praying for me for the past two years, and God the Holy Spirit was beginning to show me my need of a Saviour.

When Claire was three months old, we arranged for her to be christened. One of the godparents we chose was Sue, the wife of a drinking friend named Dave. Sue presented us with the gift of a small white Bible for the christening. We had never owned a Bible before, and little did Sue know that the words in this book would change my life forever.

Often, when coming off a night shift and being unable to sleep in the day I would open this Bible and read God's word, being careful not to let Jan know what I was doing.

I kept the Bible hidden in the drawer at the side of the bed. The more I read, the more I saw that God had sent His Son Jesus into this world to die for my sins and to give me new life, just as Ernie had told me over and over before.

There was however one major problem. There was another man in the factory where I worked. He claimed to be a Christian, but he was a member of a religious sect. When he was talking to me about his beliefs, I began to feel very confused. Some days after talking with Ernie I would believe that Ernie had the truth, then talking with the other man I would think his way was right. And so I found myself totally and utterly confused, not knowing who was right and which one to believe.

One day in November 1969 Ernie invited me to a week-long crusade which was being held by Rev Alex Tee at the Elim church in Keynsham, near Bristol.

By this time I was being drawn by God's Spirit, and I agreed to accompany Ernie on Friday night, the last night of the crusade.

"I'm not going out for a drink with the boys on Friday night," I casually announced to Jan.

"You're not? Why not?" was her surprised reply.

"Well" I said, "I've decided to go to church with Ernie. He's the man in work who's been talking to me about God."

I was greeted with surprised laughter. "You, going to church? You must be joking!"

But I wasn't joking. I was searching and I was determined to find the truth about God, and also the truth about myself.

Friday night came and I was feeling very nervous. Church was not my scene and I really didn't know what to expect.

It was a cold, wet November night, and Ernie and I had difficulty finding the church which was tucked away on a housing estate. We eventually reached the church at the stroke of 7:30 pm. We were greeted at the door by the preacher, and I will never forget what he said. He looked me straight in the eye and said, "A thousand welcomes!"

I felt real sincerity in the preacher's voice, and once the service began I found myself singing along to Power in the Blood, and Oh, Happy Day. These two hymns remain real favourites for me even today. The message preached was from Mark 8:22-25, telling the miraculous healing of a blind man who Jesus took out of the town called Bethsaida.

The Bible tells us that Jesus led the blind man out of the town, spit on his eyes, put His hands on him and asked him if he saw anything. The man looked up and said, "I see men as trees, walking."

The preacher began to explain that the man in the story couldn't see clearly; he was in a state of confusion. As I listened, I became convinced that someone must have "had a word" in the preacher's ear about me. He was describing exactly how I was feeling. I couldn't explain it, but I thought he was speaking directly to me. He continued with his message, explaining that Jesus put His hands on the man's eyes again and made him look up. He was restored and saw every man clearly.

When the preacher finished his message he made an altar call, asking anyone who wished to give their life to the Lord, to raise their hand. I had no hesitation and raised my hand immediately, believing with all my heart that I was a guilty sinner, needing a Saviour, and realising that God had been showing me that only by coming to Jesus, asking forgiveness for my sins, could I receive spiritual sight and be set free from the confusion I had been experiencing.

That night, on the 14th November 1969, I became a new creature in Christ Jesus. My past with all its sin and shame was forgiven: As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12).

I knew without a doubt that my life would never be the same again. I now could see clearly. As Ernie and I were leaving the church, someone handed me a card which said, With the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10).

Handwritten below the scripture someone had put, "It is important to tell someone what you have done. You may find this difficult, but God will honour you as you honour Him."

I got into the car and immediately the thought came to me, "What will all your mates in work think about you?" Fear leapt all over me at the prospect of telling the guys in work, where I had previously been one of the chief joke tellers. Before I could say anything about my feelings to Ernie, he looked up and said "Rog, you have got something better than all the men in the factory."

I realised there and then that God knew my thoughts and had guided Ernie to speak those words of encouragement. I certainly needed them, because as soon as I reached home I found out that the devil was mad.

I walked into the house and excitedly said to Jan, "Something wonderful happened to me tonight! I gave my life to Jesus and now I'm saved!"

I had hoped to receive some words of encouragement but was really upset when Jan said, "What a load of rubbish! I'll give you three weeks and you'll forget all about it!"

I knew at that point that I had really passed from darkness to light, and that I needed to pray that God would open the eyes of my wife to His wonderful love and mercy.

I went into work on Monday morning knowing in my heart that it was important to confess the Lord before men and tell someone about the decision I had made on Friday evening.

Several machines away from where I was working was an older man named Jim, I thought he would be a prime candidate to hear my good news. Walking up to him I said, "Jim, I've got something to tell you"

"Oh yes, what's that?" Jim replied

"Oh never mind" I stammered out, and walked away, feeling somewhat a failure. However, I knew even at that early stage of my walk with the Lord that I needed not to be ashamed of Jesus Christ. I then thought of Malcolm, a young lad of nineteen who I always got on well with. 'I'll tell him' I thought, and approached Malcolm this time feeling a little more confident.

"Malcolm! I got saved on Friday night," I blurted out.

"Oh yes, that's nice" came his reply, and I went back to my machine feeling relieved and pleased with his non confrontational attitude.

About ten minutes later men were coming from all directions, (doesn't news travel fast) most of them laughing and jeering. Someone piped up, "Hey, Rog, what's this we hear about you seeing the light?"

In a flash, the Holy Spirit came to my aid, and before I could even try to think of an answer the words popped out. "No, mate, you've got it wrong, I haven't seen the light. I've got the light! And now I can see!"

I discovered after nailing my colours to the mast and displaying a changed life in the work place, that men would often come alongside wanting to share their problems, and even asking for prayer.

During the next few weeks I began attending church regularly, reading my Bible, and beginning to learn to pray. One Sunday morning when I had gone to church, my father-in-law George came to see Jan. He wanted to know why I wasn't at home.

"Oh, he's gone to church," Jan informed her dad.

"Who's been putting all this religious nonsense in his head?" George asked.

"Apparently it's some middle aged man Rog works with, called Ernie," Jan replied.

"Ernie? Not Ernie Gardiner is it?" George responded.

"Yes," said Jan, "that's the name."

George's reply was so amazing. He said, "Ernie Gardiner was a regular in The Rising Sun pub in West Street where I used to drink, but after he 'got religion' he didn't come drinking there ever again," George told her.

It was a week or two before Christmas, and I was walking near the Bristol bus station when I heard the sound of Christmas carols wafting on the air as the carol bus was touring the city. I stopped on the pavement and listened to the words of the well-loved carol Oh Come, all Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant, Oh come ye, Oh come ye, to Bethlehem, come and behold Him born the King of angels, Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

I had attempted to sing this carol countless times in years gone by, with a pint of beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other, with absolutely no understanding of the words. But that night I was rooted to the pavement with tears streaming down my face as I realised that I could now adore Him for opening my blinded eyes to the truth, and for bringing me out of darkness into His marvellous light.

Six weeks after I had been saved, I decided to be baptised in water (total immersion). Jan wasn't keen on coming but as she told me later, she came out of duty, thinking it would look bad if my wife didn't attend. There were about twelve Christians from my workplace at the service and they were all praying for Jan's salvation. She wept throughout the service and left the meeting under deep conviction of sin. God had begun working in Jan's heart.

The next day I was working an afternoon shift (2 pm – 10 pm), and while I was at work the Lord began to show Jan her sinful heart and her need of a Saviour.

Being a Monday Jan had removed the sheets from the bed to wash them, but because her mind was so troubled, and she was feeling such deep conviction of sin, she forgot the remake the bed. After putting our daughter Claire to bed at about 7 pm, she suddenly realised that our own bed had not been made. She picked up the clean sheets from the airing cupboard, went into our bedroom, and immediately felt the overwhelming presence of God. She dropped to her knees, and simply asked the Lord into her heart to forgive her sins and to give her new life, even as He had done for me.

In her own words she said. "I prayed to the Lord for forgiveness, got up from my knees and knew without a shadow of a doubt that God had heard and answered my prayer. I knew I was saved"

I arrived home at 10:20 pm, feeling really tired after a long day at the factory. I walked into the kitchen to find Jan standing at the cooker, grinning from ear to ear. "What's up with you?" I asked, sensing she had something up her sleeve.

"I'm coming with you!" she said.

Being tired and slow to catch on, I replied, "What do you mean, you're coming with me?"

"I'm coming with you to heaven!" she responded. "I got saved tonight."

"Are you sure?" I questioned, in disbelief.

"Yes, I'm sure," came the reply. "I asked Jesus to forgive my sins, by the side of the bed, and now I know I am saved!"

What rejoicing! After being saved for just six weeks, God had graciously answered prayer and saved Jan as well. Together we began to seek God and to grow in our new Christian life. We began to experience God's wonderful blessings. The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow with it (Proverbs 10:22).

Not long after being saved I read the account in a newspaper of a millionaire who sadly took his own life. He had left a suicide note which basically said, "I have been everywhere, done everything, and I cannot find peace and contentment." It was then that I realised what dear brother Ernie meant when he said, "Shake hands with a millionaire. I've got no money, but I'm the son of a King."

God's riches cannot be purchased. The riches God gives are love, joy, peace, contentment, and true satisfaction. Yes, Jan and I both had become millionaires, and we wanted the whole world to know!

# Chapter 2
#  The call to witness

"I've brought a couple back from church for coffee!" Jan said excitedly, as I met her at the front door.

I just stood there and said, "Oh no. Why did you do that? You know I hate meeting new people."

The truth was, I really liked to be with people, but because of my shyness I found it quite an ordeal to sit and talk with people I didn't know. However, it was too late to do anything about it as the young couple had already parked their car and were coming through the garden gate.

The couples names were Pete and June. They were about the same age as us, but had both been Christians for about ten years, and spent two years in Bible college. To my surprise, they were easy to get on with and we were enjoying a nice relaxing coffee when June looked at me and said, "Can I ask you a question?"

I was a little taken aback, but said, "Yes, go ahead." I wasn't expecting to hear the words that June directed at me,

"What would you do if you knew you only had two weeks to live?"

What a question. What a challenge.

"I don't know," I said hurriedly. "I've never thought about it."

"Well," said June, "Ill give you ten minutes to think about it and see what you decide."

Almost immediately the thought flashed through my mind ― if I knew I only had two weeks left on this earth I would share the love of God and the good news of the life changing power of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection with as many people as I possibly could.

A few minutes later June said, "Well, have you thought about what you would do?"

"Yes," I said, "if I only had two weeks to live, I would use that time to tell as many people as I could about the Lord Jesus."

"Do you really mean that?" came June's response.

"Yes I do," I was quick to reply.

"That's good," June said. "We're going into Bristol's main shopping centre in Broadmead on Saturday to witness and to give out gospel tracts. Will you come?"

"Yes I will," I responded.

Later that evening, after June and Pete had left, I began to feel nervous about the prospect of going out into a public place to share my faith. But I had made a promise that I could not break. I do thank God for using June and Pete to challenge me to serve Him in this way, because that Saturday was the beginning of forty years of exciting open air evangelism.

Shortly after receiving the challenge and call to witness, God spoke to me in a very remarkable way. It was just as the Sunday evening gospel service was drawing to a close. The gospel had been preached and the pastor asked the congregation to bow their heads in prayer. As he made an altar call for anyone who wished to surrender their lives to Jesus, I closed my eyes, and I received a vision. This had never happened to me ever before, and only a couple of times since. In the vision I saw two roads: one leading upwards, the other downward. I heard the words heaven or hell, then I saw something which looked like playing cards moving along on a conveyor belt. It was so vivid that I knew this was something very significant from the Lord.

Shortly after this vision, Jan and I wrote our first gospel tract. It was entitled Which Way?, and yes you can guess, it was all about the broad road which leads to hell and the straight and narrow way which leads to life eternal. We subsequently wrote and printed several other tracts.

Quite often several friends would gather at our home and we would sit around the dining table carefully folding the tracts ready for distribution. We folded tracts for several years and eventually we were able to purchase a folding machine which could fold at least 200 tracts per minute. This was a wonderful acquisition.

One day I walked into the room where Jan was using the folding machine, and there I saw it. I realised that this was exactly what God had shown me in the vision several years before. I hadn't understood it at the time. It had appeared to me like cards on a conveyor belt, but now I realised it was tracts coming from the folding machine. Praise God He is always faithful to His promises, and He is a truly amazing Saviour and friend.

I would like to share, just a few of the testimonies of the wonderful way in which God has used gospel tracts and open air witness to reach multitudes of lost souls, many of whom would probably never enter a church building but who have been reached in this way.

# Chapter 3
#  Sarah's story

Sarah Daruvalla was a young woman of about twenty-five years of age who was heavily involved in the drug scene in Truro on the south coast of Cornwall. Not only was Sarah a drug user, but she also dealt drugs, and was well known amongst the punk rockers in the 1980s. She was also involved with witchcraft and magic.

Jimmy, a friend of ours, was passing out tracts in the Bristol bus station and offered a tract to Sarah. Unknown to Jimmy, he was to be the next piece of the puzzle on the journey to Sarah's salvation. The night before Sarah left Cornwall for Bristol, she had a strange experience. She was sitting in the squat where she was living and when she blew out the candle to go to sleep she thought to herself, "I wonder what life is really all about."

Because of her involvement in the supernatural Sarah was very aware of spiritual forces, and wondered if there really was a God beyond her understanding. As she had these thoughts, she also had an impression in her heart of the words, I am the way, the truth and the life. She didn't know who had said these words, but was very shocked and surprised that they had seemed to come from somewhere outside of herself. She tried to go to sleep, but her thoughts were alternating between good and evil as she remained restless.

When Sarah got up the next morning, she said, "If there is a God outside of myself, then show me."

When her coach arrived at Bristol bus station, she noticed Jimmy approaching her. He was carrying a Bible. Sarah was angry and immediately felt defensive. "Oh no," she thought, "just what I need ― a bible basher. And he's heading my way."

Jimmy offered Sarah a tract called The Clock. As Sarah quickly glanced at it, she noticed the words she had heard in her heart the night before – only this time she knew who had spoken them: Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life.

Jimmy asked Sarah if she could spare a few moments to talk about the contents of the tract, and she replied, "I can talk for more than a few minutes. I've just missed my coach connection by three minutes, and I have to wait three hours for the next coach"

During her conversation with Jimmy, she revealed that she was on her way to the Continent to pick up a large supply of drugs to take back to Truro. Jimmy invited her to come to a church service on her return to England in two weeks' time. Sarah agreed, and took details of the address and times of meetings.

Jimmy called us and told us of his encounter with Sarah, and requested that we pray for her. I wasn't very confident that she would keep her word. After all, two weeks was a long time away. But we prayed that she would come.

God was obviously working in Sarah's life, because sure enough, she kept her word and turned up at the church. The gospel was preached and when an altar call was made Sarah responded ― and we rejoiced with the angels in heaven. As soon as the service was over, Sarah dashed out of the church, ran to a phone box ― this was before everyone carried mobile phones ― and called her parents in Cornwall to tell them that she had become a Christian, and that she would no longer be a source of worry and trouble to them.

We later found out that Sarah's mum and dad, Peter and Gwen, had been saved for about six months at that time, and had been earnestly praying that Sarah would go to the Billy Graham crusade which was being held in Bristol. Sarah didn't attend the Billy Graham meeting, but praise God she met the Lord Jesus Christ in a little church in St Paul's Bristol. Sarah's life was transformed. Now, twenty-five years later, Sarah and her husband are serving the Lord in Cornwall, and Sarah's testimony has been, and still is, a blessing to many.

# Chapter 4
#  Good News from Guyana

I never cease to marvel at the power of God's word, and how God will go to such lengths to reach a seeking soul. One day, we received a letter from a lady in Guyana, and it contained one of our gospel tracts which had been returned with the decision slip completed. At the top of the letter was written, "Thank you for saving me"

We know that only God can save a soul, but we rejoiced in knowing that it was a tract of ours that had reached her in her time of need.

The letter informed us that the lady was a mother of six children, whose husband had left her. She was under so much pressure that she was contemplating taking her own life. She told us that as these thoughts were running through her mind, she heard a noise at her front door. Going to investigate she found a gospel tract that we had printed in a shed at the bottom of our garden. The tract was entitled Saved from Suicide.

She told us that she read the message in the tract, and realised that only God could help her. She knelt beside her sofa and committed her life to the Lord.

Praise God! We have no idea how this little pamphlet reached Guyana and this lady's front door, but we do know that God hears the faintest cry, and that he can miraculously reach us when our heart is crying out to Him.

A Visit from Val

God likens His precious word to seed which must be sown in a person's heart in order for them to have faith: Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).

Just as natural seed is sown into the ground and is unseen until a shoot springs forth, so it can be with gospel tracts as we will see in this wonderful way in the conversion of Val.

One evening about twenty-four years ago, Jan answered the telephone to be greeted by the words, "Hello, my name is Val. You don't know me, and we have never met, but I received one of your gospel tracts a year ago and I completed the decision slip on the tract and sent it to you."

Val continued, "Some time later I made a public confession of faith at a Billy Graham crusade, and from that time I began to grow in my Christian walk. I believe the tract I received from you was the springboard to my attending the Billy Graham crusade. So many wonderful things have happened in my life, and I would love to visit you and share what God has done."

We were so thrilled and excited, and we arranged for Val to visit our home. She related to us how that for some reason unbeknown to her, her mother had rejected her from childhood. Val left home at the age of fourteen and began living with her older sister. This estrangement continued into adulthood, but after Val had received the love of God into her life she resolved to pray that somehow God would bring reconciliation into her family. To Val's utter amazement she received a phone call from her sister stating that their mum wanted Val to visit her.

During this and subsequent visits, Val shared the love of God with her mum, who then invited the Lord Jesus into her heart to forgive her sins and to be her Saviour. The change in Val's mum was so dramatic that Val showed us two photographs, one of her mum before her conversion, and the other photo taken after being saved. It was almost impossible to believe they were in fact the same person. Val's mum's countenance was now filled with a radiance that was not evident before.

Some time later, Val's mum went to live in a care home where she freely shared her faith and the love of Jesus with a number of other residents before she passed away into the presence of her Lord.

# Chapter 5
#  The Man from Malta

In a miraculous way, God always watches over His word. We received a letter bearing a Maltese stamp. We were very curious to know who it was writing to us, as we didn't know anyone on the island of Malta. The letter was from a Christian man living in Malta requesting that we might send him a quantity of tracts entitled The Clock.

We gladly parcelled up a thousand of these tracts and posted them to this dear brother in Christ, enclosing a letter asking if he would write and tell us how he had come to possess one of our tracts.

We were thrilled to receive his reply informing us that the tract had been given to him by a Malaysian nurse while he was on holiday in Israel! Praise God, we never know where these tracts will end up. But we know that God's word will not return unto him void.

A couple of years later a team of us were heading to the town of Taunton in Somerset to hold an open air meeting. It was summer time and the traffic on the motorway was particularly heavy. Fearing we would be held up for a long time, the decision was made to leave the motorway and head for the nearby seaside town of Weston-super-Mare.

Whilst passing out tracts, a man approached me and held out his hand to take a leaflet. He then crossed the street and I could see he was reading the tract and also glancing across at me. Eventually he crossed back, walked up to me and said, "Excuse me, have you ever sent any of these clock tracts to Malta?"

"Yes," I replied, "I sent a thousand to a dear brother a couple of years ago."

I was totally shell shocked when he looked me in the eye and said, "I am the brother you sent the tracts to!"

Oh how we rejoiced together and praised God that He had redirected us from Taunton to Weston-super-Mare and blessed us with this wonderful, divine appointment. This dear brother told me that he had been inspired to write a tract, and he joyfully took one from his pocket to show me.

An Appointment with Annie

Annie was a young French student who was hitch-hiking her way around the UK. One day she met Jimmy, our friend who had given the tract to Sarah at the Bristol bus station. Jimmy invited her to visit our home with him one Saturday afternoon. Annie's command of English was quite limited, and we didn't want her to feel left out as we chatted, so Jan gave her a gospel booklet in French which she gladly received and settled back to read.

We had a meeting scheduled for that evening, and Annie said that she would like to accompany us. I will never forget the expression on Annie's face as we began to sing God's praise and the Spirit of God began to move upon her heart. Tears began to roll down Annie's face, and at the close of the service she committed her life to the Lord.

The next day Annie left Bristol as she was due to return to France after her holiday. About three weeks later, Jimmy received a letter from Annie. She was writing to say how glad she was to have met Jimmy, but more importantly, how thrilled she was to have heard the gospel and to have received the Lord Jesus Christ into her heart. She testified of experiencing an overwhelming peace and joy she had never known before.

Part way through the letter however, the handwriting changed. The new writer was Annie's father, who explained that Annie had been tragically killed in a road accident just one week after returning to France. Her father had found her unfinished letter to Jimmy, and completed it and sent it to England.

We wept when we heard the news, but we were so thankful to know that Annie not only heard the good news of God's love and mercy, but more importantly that she had responded just in time. Oh that we might take every opportunity the Lord gives us to tell of His love, for we never know if this might be a person's last chance to hear the truth.

# Chapter 6
#  Double Blessing

It is such a blessing to learn of the wonderful ways in which God uses the printed page to reach lost souls with His Word, and to bring men and women out of darkness into His marvellous light. We received a letter from a lady in Wolverhampton telling us how the Lord had moved in the life of her family.

This lady was already a committed Christian, but had accepted one of our gospel tracts when we were holding an open air meeting in Wolverhampton. She took the leaflet home, read the message, then placed the leaflet into a drawer and thought nothing more about it. Several months passed by and her daughter, who was not yet a believer, went to the drawer to get something for her mother.

She noticed the tract, and out of curiosity began reading it. God graciously opened her eyes and her heart to His wonderful love and she gladly surrendered her life to the Lord and was born again to the obvious joy of her mother. However the story doesn't end there. This lady's daughter was so changed that her husband also came to know the Lord.

Saved from Suicide

One day we were holding an open air meeting in the South Wales town of Newport. Whilst we were passing out gospel tracts, we were approached by a middle-aged man who wanted to share his story with us. Apparently he was spoken to by a couple of the team several months previously, and appeared to reject their efforts to share the gospel with him, stating, "I know what I'm going to do, and I'm going to do it today."

He began to relate to us that he had been diagnosed with leukaemia, and feeling unable to cope with this news he had planned to take his own life that day. He told us he left the shopping centre and headed for a footbridge over the railway line. He had checked out the train times and was intending to throw himself from the bridge into the path of an oncoming train. However, the train he was expecting did not appear.

A short time later, a goods train pulling tenders of sand approached the footbridge. He jumped from the bridge but instead of landing on the rails, he landed unhurt onto a truck of sand.

The train continued on its way, eventually coming to a stop at Hereford. Feeling somewhat shocked to still be alive, he got out of the truck, brushed himself down, and walked to a nearby road. Having no money on him, he decided to hitch a lift back to Newport. Not long after, a car pulled up, containing two ladies who offered to take him to Cardiff.

As he settled himself into the car, he noticed a Christian Bible verse on the dashboard and discovered that the two ladies were making their way to a Christian meeting in Cardiff. He eagerly accepted their invitation to join them and that night he received the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart as Lord and Saviour.

What a marvellous thing. He set out that day to end his life, and ended that day by receiving God's gift which is eternal life. He wanted us to know that he believed the conversation with the team members several months previously had been the beginning of God opening his heart and mind to God's wonderful love.

# Chapter 7
#  Do Not Be Afraid of Their Faces

We never know what kind of situation may arise when we stand on a street corner or in a busy shopping precinct and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. But we know that God is with us and He gives grace for every situation. There have been so many eventful street meetings, but several stand out in my memory.

We arrived in the Broadmead shopping centre in Bristol one Saturday lunchtime to find the place buzzing with street vendors and buskers. It was proving difficult to find a spot where we would not be interfering with those already there.

Eventually we found a very large shop premises that was closed for business, and in the process of being refitted. The perfect spot! Here, no one would be able to accuse us of affecting their trade.

There were approximately fifteen of us that day. We spread out along the shop frontage and began singing, testifying, and preaching God's word. Suddenly, without warning, one of the workmen in the shop opened a top window and threw down a bucket of water all over us. Although it came as a complete shock, no one missed a beat on the guitar, or a word of the chorus. We continued, with water dripping off of us as if nothing had happened.

This spectacle caused many shoppers to stop and listen. Praise God! What the enemy planned for evil, was turned into good. As soon as we had finished the service, I went to the door of the premises and rattled the door. Several workmen ran into the back of the building, but one was brave enough to come to the door. I gave him a great big smile and a gospel tract, and asked him to kindly pass it on to the person who had thrown the water. Praise God, He is always the victor. Who knows, that young man could be saved today!

On another occasion we were witnessing in the small town of Bridgwater in Somerset, when we found ourselves being bombarded with eggs by some youths who were on a flat rooftop across the other side of the street. Although we were splattered with egg, no one received an injury and the incident did not prevent us from continuing with the outreach.

A few months later, a Christian whom I had known for a number of years, contacted me to relate to me a story about a young man who he had been witnessing to over a period of time. This young man had said, "I have seen so much unreality in the church, but the other day I saw a group having eggs pelted at them in Bridgwater. They didn't retaliate or get upset – now that's what I call reality!"

My friend asked the young man if the leader of the group was using a walking stick. "Yes he was," came his reply.

"I know who those people are. Would you like to meet them?" my friend asked him.

"I really would," he replied.

Several weeks later this young man was in our home. He had surrendered his life to Jesus and was born again into the family of God.

Not everyone we meet appreciates the preaching, and there have been many occasions when we have been heckled or threatened. The Bible tells us that the preaching of the cross is an offence to many.

One day in Broadmead in Bristol, a man who was extremely angry and irate, pushed his way up to me. With his nose almost touching mind, he threatened me saying, "I could knife you right now!"

Without any hesitation, a young lad who was with us stepped forward and declared, "Well, at least he knows where he's going!" Yes, out of the mouths of babes and sucklings!

This was enough to make the man turn on his heels and head off down the road.

God fights our battles for us, for Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

# Chapter 8
#  I Was In Prison and You Visited Me

It was about fifteen years ago when I received an unexpected phone call from a Christian brother called Hugh whom I had known for several years. Hugh had recently suffered a heart attack, and as part of his rehabilitation he was advised to walk several miles every day. It was his custom to walk awhile, and then stop at a farm gate and spend some time in prayer before continuing with his walk. He told me that an amazing thing had happened to him.

One day, while he was praying, he heard the word Leyhill in his heart and mind. Naturally, he wondered what the meaning of it was. When he reached home he asked his wife Venie if she knew what the word meant, and she replied that she thought Leyhill was a village in Gloucestershire.

They found a map and searched in vain for a place called Leyhill, so they contacted the telephone company to ask if they were familiar with it. To their amazement, they were told that Leyhill was not a village in Gloucestershire but the name of an open prison.

Hugh was intrigued to know why God would bring his attention to Leyhill, and he set about contacting the prison chaplain. They arranged to meet, and the outcome of this meeting was that Hugh was going to launch a midweek service at the prison, and was calling me to ask if I would come and preach the gospel to the inmates.

After praying about this, I felt sure that God had opened the door and agreed to go to Leyhill. I had no idea what to expect and went with a real sense of inadequacy and not a little nervousness and trepidation.

When the time came to preach, an inmate who was tattooed like a hell's angel grabbed a chair and placed it down right beside me. This made me feel really uneasy, but when the message was over I made an altar call and an inmate walked forward with tears rolling down his face, "I am a double murderer," he blurted out. "Would your God forgive me?"

When the service was over I asked the hell's angel guy, "Why did you put your chair right beside me?"

"Well," he replied, "we get some phoneys in here and I wanted to see if you were genuine – but you're alright!"

This was the beginning of over fifteen years of tremendous blessing reaching out to men in many different prisons, as one by one other prisons contacted and invited us to come to take Sunday services and some Bible study groups.

There have been so many amazing encounters, and it has been wonderful to see what God can do when a man repents of his sin and commits his life fully to God. One such man is Errol.

Errol came from a Christian family, several of whom were preachers and evangelists. Errol, however, had chosen a different path and was in prison. He began coming to the services and was obviously being drawn to God. Each week Jan, myself or others in the team would say, "Well, Errol, have you given your life to the Lord yet?"

He would smile and say, "Not yet."

Then one day he came into the service with a big smile on his face. He had surrendered his life to the Lord. On his release from prison he found a church in which to worship, and became the pastor of a church in Slough. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17).

I was at the front of my house waiting for the refuse collectors and recycling team to empty my bins. One of them crossed the road, pointing to the large scripture poster outside my home. He said, "Would you pray for me?" He then told me he had some personal problems and I agreed to pray for him.

Approximately a year later, I was preaching in Bristol prison and I had chosen the subject of "God recycles broken lives". I shared with the men that God can take all our brokenness and He can make us new; He can heal the broken hearted and give hope to the hopeless; He can take the things that men and women reject, and save and restore them.

At the conclusion of the service, a young man came forward, grabbed my hands, and said, "Remember me?"

It was the same man who had been collecting the recycling material and had asked me to pray for him. I had no idea he was in the service. Isn't it amazing how God directed that specific message just for him? That day he committed his life to the Lord and was made brand new.

One Sunday morning we had led worship at Horfield Prison in Bristol (now called Bristol Prison), having ministered to seventy or eighty men. I finished the gospel message and invited those who wished to be saved to come forward. Among them was a young man who made a beeline to me, grabbed my hand, and said, "Rog, I want to ask you two questions. The first is, did you ever hold services in a hall in River Street, St Jude's?"

"Yes I did," I said, wondering whatever the next question would be.

"Well," he continued, "will you please forgive me? It was me who broke into the building and scattered all your things over the place"

"Young man," I replied, "you were forgiven the night it happened. We prayed for you to be saved and I am so glad that God has given you this opportunity today to put things right."

# Chapter 9
#  Prison Letters

Only eternity will reveal the full effect and power God's word has on the lives of those who hear it. The following letters are just some that we have received as a consequence of visiting men in prison.

15th August 2010

Letter from James:

Hiya Roger and Janet,

You probably don't remember me, I met you guys whilst I was in Horfield prison, back in June 2007, which was where I came to a saving faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. My name is James, (hopefully my name will ring a bell). If not, not to worry.

When I was leaving Horfield to come to this prison (Erlestoke), Roger, you gave me a little pamphlet and it had directions on it for how one can commit his life to Jesus. You told me to write to you, that was two and a bit years ago. Wow! I don't even know where to start, the last three years have been a real journey, and God has really blessed me. This faith thing is a real special deal, but its not without its ups and downs neither. There's a word that has come to mind, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us, who are being saved, it is the power of God" 1 Corinthians 1:18.

The emphasis for me being on the words being saved. Although we're saved, the moment we believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, we're also being saved moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day. His process of sanctification for me had been quite a tough one, hence that's why I said this Christian life is not without its ups and downs, But hey, glory to God for He is good.

Anyway, I heard from a brother in Christ who knows you, who comes into this prison as part of our Bible study group, that you were in hospital. I don't know the specifics but I just wanted to write to you and let you know you are in my thoughts and also to thank you for coming into Horfield prison and witnessing to me and others to the truth of God. Whatever it is that you're passing through, I pray that the God of peace will strengthen you and keep you strong. God bless you, and much love in Christ.

James

Letter from Lee

HMP Horfield Prison Bristol

Dear Sirs and Madams,

I was at your service in the chapel on Sunday. I really did enjoy your sermon. You gave me a leaflet after the service and I read that leaflet over and over and would like more literature if it's possible. My life is at a crossroad today. I am completely lost and alone, and would like Jesus in my life. Please can you say a prayer for me, help me to find the true love of God, so I can find peace of mind.

May God bless you,

Lee

Letter from a Prison Officer

HMP Horfield Bristol

Dear Roger, Janet and Nicola,

Thank you all for a brilliant time last Sunday morning. As always, the message came over loud and clear, and as always so natural. I could write a book about the emotions I feel when I see you and listen to you, though it's very hard to put down in a few short lines. It's sort of sweet and sour, and joy and pain, and love and shame (must write that in a song) all rolled into one. It's hard to describe but I know what I mean and I am sure you do too.

I've spent 25 years as a prison officer, and I must confess that the church detail on a Sunday was always a pain ― now I volunteer for church on Sundays, and that is down to you.

Though I'm not quite ready to give my heart and soul to the Lord ― yet some very wonderful things have started to happen to me already, for which I thank the Lord every day.

Thank you,

God bless you all,

Gary

21st October 2001

Letter from Mike

HMP Channings Wood Prison

Dear Friends,

Today was one of, if not the best day of my sentence. Most probably of my life as well. All I remember is such heartache and misery. I've been standing in the middle of hell for such a long time that I really believed I was an evil, bad, destined for hell person. Today although I've been to church many times and heard many services and preachers preach, I've always believed that these people are 'nutters'. Who do they think they are? God isn't real!! and many other negative remarks, some of which I couldn't and wouldn't print.

Today, I have seen and heard more than enough to help me make a decision. Today I told the Lord our God I will follow him, I will believe on him, his love, his forgiveness. Being a member of Her Majesty's pleasure for a crime, namely armed robbery, you can imagine I've committed many, many sins. If not in actions, then in thought. For four or five months I've been very, very unhappy. Although I've been a drug addict and alcoholic for some eleven years, these past few months have been very, very bad. I've suffered abuse and also been abusive. I felt very guilty of my actions, all my past sins. Today, thanks to the light that is carried and spread through the five people who came to the church in Channings Wood, I have been given a new lease of life. I know you will not take any credit as it was the Lord who showed he has always been with me, but I would sincerely like to thank you, all of you, the singing, the preaching, the confidence, and above all your friendliness has touched me (to the point where even now I'm welling up).

Today a young man cried with us and the Lord. He gave himself to God. I felt honoured if not confused at this sight, and would and will pray that I will be shown how to cry.

Many things I picked up today and one of these was, "We all have tear ducts."

I will take on these suggestions that were made and I will get a Bible, I will pray at least once a day. I am a novice but I would love to learn, one day at a time. My release date is 7th December '01. I don't live very far away from Bristol and I have lived in Bristol before. I do know the area a little and would really appreciate the address of the church where you hold your services. I would like to feel the power, love and full charge of one of your services. The charge I felt today has repowered 24 years of my life, and I feel like a newborn. Today I feel I have been saved.

8th February 2010

Letter from Eddie

HMP Horfield Prison Bristol

Hi Roger and family,

It is good to see you again and I am praying for you to get better. I know that God is good and he will not let you down, Roger. You will be well, because you are a man of God, and a good one.

Roger, remember this, God said He will never let His people go, amen. So you just hang on in there, in Jesus' name, amen.

Anyways, God ain't answered my prayer as yet, but I know He will. But please keep praying for me and my family, to give me a second chance in my relationship with my family. I love my family and don't want to lose them. Also for Him to keep me on His path, also for my partner to know God too. Thank you, Roger.

I am now going to read the book of Jonah, Roger I know that the good Lord will give me a second chance with my relationship. My partner and my daughter mean a lot to me, Roger. I love them so much, please keep praying for us, for the good Lord to give my relationship and family a second chance.

Roger, God to me is always in first place, since I became a Christian. Anyway, take care and hope to see you soon in Jesus name. God bless you, Janet, and your church. Please don't forget us in Prayer.

(There are several pages of photographs next. To skip the photographs and go straight to Chapter 10, click HERE)

#  Our Photo Album

# Chapter 10

#  The Angels in Heaven Rejoice

It was late November, and we travelled eighty miles to spend the day at Channing's Wood prison in Devon. Prior to the afternoon service, several of the inmates were rehearsing for the prison nativity play. One young man who was playing the role of the Angel Gabriel, and several other inmates, stayed after rehearsals were over and we had a time of praise and worship, concluding with a gospel message.

It was lovely to see almost all the young men pray to receive the Lord into their lives. On the journey back to Bristol, someone broke the silence with the words, "Isn't it great? The Angel Gabriel got saved today!"

We laughed so much, and remembered God's word which says, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth (Luke 15:10).

There are so many interesting characters, one of which springs to mind. He was a young man called Connors who always said, "I like you, Rog. You're just like one of us."

I was so glad to hear him say this, as it showed me that they could identify with me, and I could reach these men on their level. This lad's favourite chorus was His name is Jesus, Jesus; sad hearts weep no more. He has healed the broken hearted, opened wide the prison door, He is able to deliver evermore.

Anytime we saw him, he always shouted, "Let's sing Open wide the prison door!" to the amusement of everyone in the prison chapel!

As you can imagine, things don't always run as smoothly in a prison service where many men are gathered who are not familiar with church, as they do in a conventional church gathering. One such occasion took place in Bristol prison. There was a large number of men present, and the power of God had been moving amongst the inmates. At the end of the sermon I invited anyone who wanted to give their life to the Lord to leave their seats and come to the front of the chapel.

Immediately, around twenty men came and spontaneously knelt at the altar. I explained to them that if they prayed sincerely from their hearts, God would hear and answer their prayer, and that if they truly repented of their sins they would be saved! It can be difficult for unchurched people to make their own prayer, so I invited them to repeat the sinners prayer after me phrase by phrase.

I began, "Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You just as I am," and the echo came back, with deep voices "Dear Lord Jesus, I come to you just as I am." I continued "I am sorry for my sins." Back came the echo, "I am sorry for my sins." Just then I noticed a young man rising from his seat at the back of the chapel, to come forward to join those already on their knees. I quickly responded in order to encourage him, "Come on down, sir," and found it very hard to hold things together when the echo came back from the guys on their knees, "come on down, sir!" I am sure our God has a sense of humour when these unexpected events occur.

There was however one occasion in particular when the situation was very tense and serious. We were just about to leave home to go to a prison to lead a midweek Bible study when the telephone rang. The Chaplain was calling to say that there would be no classes that evening, but that he would see us the following Sunday for morning worship.

Upon reaching the prison on Sunday morning, the Chaplain who was normally very jovial was unusually serious. He told us, "We need to be very alert and sensitive this morning, because there are some unusual circumstances here at the prison. Firstly, Bible study was cancelled on Wednesday because the prison was on lockdown whilst officers searched cells trying to locate a large kitchen knife that had gone missing. The knife has not been found, and has probably been thrown out with the kitchen waste. But we cannot be sure. Secondly, today is the tenth anniversary of the prison riots, and many inmates have very long memories. Two inmates have been shipped out to another prison to minimise any risk of trouble. And thirdly, there has been a racial issue in the last couple of days which was sparked off by a disagreement between two individuals."

As we waited for the service to begin, we prayed earnestly that God would guide and protect and have His way. The time came for the men to be escorted into the chapel by the prison officers. Now, the chapel has a centre aisle, and normally the guys would mingle and sit on either side, but this day was different. As the men filed in, all the black guys took seats on one side, and all the white lads on the opposite side. The atmosphere felt unusually tense.

We had a short time of praise, and then I stepped up to deliver the message that I felt to preach that day. It was very difficult to speak in this atmosphere, and it appeared that the words I was speaking were not reaching the men. It was at this point that I did something I have never done before during my preaching in a prison. I suddenly stopped speaking, left the platform and headed down the centre aisle to where a very tall black inmate was sitting.

I knew this man by name, and knew also that he had given his life to the Lord. As the whole congregation and officers looked on, I stood beside the brother in Christ and said, "Brother, would you please stand."

You could have heard a pin drop. The young man stood to his full height of approximately six foot four, and I said to him, "Isn't it great to have the love of Jesus in your heart, brother? Please give me a hug!"

With this, he stooped down, wrapped his arms around me, and the whole congregation, black and white, burst into shouts of joy. The tension was broken, and we went on to have a great time. When the inmates had returned to their cells, the Chaplain said he had never witnessed anything like that before, and that he was going to record this incident in the governor's journal. I thank God that he gives us wisdom to know what to do, when things seem out of our control.

# Chapter 11
#  Testimonies from the USA

During my many visits to the USA, I was privileged to join a group of Christian brothers on their regular visits into the County jail. I had many amazing encounters, several of which I will share with you now.

Jerry's Story:

I met Jerry in 2000, shortly after he had been arrested for the murder of two children. He'd committed this terrible crime whilst under the influence of drugs. When I met him, he was in solitary confinement and not allowed visitors. After asking permission from the sheriff, I and two other brothers in Christ were allowed to go into Jerry's cell to preach the gospel.

Jerry listened earnestly to the word of God, and when the invitation to come to Christ was given, he stood with hands raised to heaven and eyes filled with tears. He repented of his sins, and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. Three years later, whilst visiting the same area again and listening to a Christian broadcast on the radio, the programme presenter told how Jerry's life had been changed. Jerry's testimony was that he had repented of his sin and received Christ as Saviour. Although he was facing the Death Penalty, he had peace with God and knew that heaven was his home.

When I returned the following year I learned that the Death Penalty had been carried out and that Jerry was no longer with us. But I praise God for His wonderful mercy and amazing grace in saving Jerry. I'm just so thankful that the Lord allowed me to be his channel in reaching Jerry with the Gospel.

The Man Without Clothes:

It was in 2003, when I was visiting a County Jail, that I and a small group of Christians met a man with no clothes. He was in solitary confinement, and because he was suicidal, he was not allowed anything in his cell – no clothes, no books, absolutely nothing at all.

On this occasion I did not enter his cell but preached to a group of prisoners nearby, ensuring that he was within earshot of my voice. As I preached, two other brothers stood with him. It was a joy to preach the love of God and to be told afterwards that this man had surrendered his life to Christ.

Two weeks later he was no longer in solitary. He was clothed, in his right mind and in a cell block with other inmates.

Larry's Story:

In September 2006 I was asked by the couple we stay with to look out for a man called Larry, who was in jail on gun charges. That evening I felt extremely fearful while driving to the jail and realised that the enemy was trying to stand in the way of the work of God, but the Lord powerfully brought His word to my heart that He is ... not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). This gave me fresh courage!

I enquired after Larry in the first cell block and was surprised to find him there. He came to shake my hand and remained just on the other side of the bars as I brought God's word and shared the love of Jesus with the inmates. Larry responded to the invitation and joyfully received Christ as his Saviour along with many others. My parting words to Larry were to encourage him to read the Bible, to draw near to God and to live out-and-out for the Lord. Just two days later I returned to England.

I had been back just one week when I received a phone call telling me that Larry had dropped dead in his cell. Larry was not an old man. He was probably about forty-five years old, but God had called him and his life's journey was ended. Praise God that he'd given his heart to the Lord and was ready to go to meet his Saviour. to god be all the praise and glory.

Although we experienced many serious moments, we also enjoyed many lighter times. One such occasion was when a group of us were eating out, and were attended by a very helpful and friendly waitress. During a conversation with her, I asked, "Tell me, do you love Jesus?"

There was a long pause. A blank expression came to her face and she eventually replied, "No, sir, I don't like cheese."

We all burst out laughing. Such was the confusion caused by our differing accents!

Jan and I first visited Virginia in 1990, where we met a lovely couple called Carroll and Joyce Atkins, who have become very dear and precious friends. They have blessed us with their love and hospitality many, many times, as we have holidayed with them.

Whenever we visited the USA we always loved to spend some time on the Blue Ridge Mountain Skyline Drive. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery and especially the wildlife, the deer and the occasional sighting of bear. On one occasion we were able to film a female bear and her two cubs from the safety of our car as they played in a tree at the side of the road. This was indeed a lovely sight.

One day however, we had an unexpected encounter. We had parked the car at a beautiful viewpoint, and decided to walk the short trail to Betty's Rock, a rocky outcrop popular with walkers. We were walking along the narrow path which was flanked by very small trees, when Jan, for no apparent reason, glanced over her left shoulder, froze on the spot, and whispered, "There's a bear!!!!!!!!"

I looked across and saw a large black bear, about twenty-five feet away. It was walking slowly towards us. The locals had always told us it is not a good idea to run away from a bear. We spotted one large tree up ahead and began walking (rather swiftly!) towards it. As we glanced back, we could see the bear standing sniffing the air. He most certainly had picked up our scent.

We reached the large tree, stood behind it and gingerly peeped out from either side of its large trunk to see what the bear was doing. On reflection it must have appeared like something out of a comic book! The bear continued to stand still, sniffing the air for several minutes, and we made the decision to walk slowly away from it. We reached Betty's Rock and breathed a sigh of relief that the bear had not followed us.

The next Sunday we related the story to the folks at church and everyone laughed! Several weeks later one of the congregation presented us with a painting of the encounter which she had painted onto a slate roof tile. It was such a lovely thought, and has provided us with a permanent reminder of the time we had a close encounter with a large black bear ― and lived to tell the tale!

# Chapter 12
#  There Remaineth Yet Much Land to be Possessed

Now Joshua was old and stricken in years, and the Lord said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed (Joshua 13:1). I read these words one day, and although I didn't consider myself old and stricken in years ― I was in my mid 60s ― somehow I felt that God was going to open some new doors for Jan and myself.

We had been supporting an orphanage in Honduras called La Finca De Los Niños for many years, and now the circumstances were such that Jan and Nicola, a dear sister in Christ, were able to volunteer for one month, getting to know and helping with the care of the hundred children at the orphanage. This mission was a real blessing, and in the following three years I (Roger) was able to go as well. What a joy and privilege it was to share the love of Jesus with these precious children and teenagers, and also to encourage the staff who worked so faithfully, not for a month or two but 24/7, year after year.

Founding of La Finca:

In 1964 Evangelist Ernest Soady made his first trip from Los Angeles to England. He visited the home church in Derby of a young woman called Josie Bullock, where he told of the work in Mexico. During those meetings, the Lord sent a marvellous revival with a mighty outpouring of His Spirit. Many people were saved, healed, filled with the Holy Spirit and called into the ministry.

Josie herself was greatly impacted. She was also filled with the Holy Spirit and her faith was strengthened. Having been touched in this way she felt motivated to seek Brother Soady about serving the Lord in Mexico. Knowing that she was studying to be a midwife, he encouraged her to pray and continue her studies, believing God would guide concerning the future.

The Lord gave Josie a vision of a place where pine clad mountains swept down to a valley that was lush with coffee plants, banana, orange and grapefruit trees and two streams flowing through the valley. In the vision she saw herself surrounded by a crowd of Hispanic children.

In 1968 Josie contacted Brother Soady, who had continued Evangelistic Missionary Crusades ministry in Mexico and other areas. She felt strongly impressed to follow the call of God to serve him in Latin America. He also felt that it was God's time for her to step out in faith. The Soadys invited Josie and her friend Averil to join the ministry training team in Los Angeles. About the same time, Brother Soady felt the Lord directing him to make a missionary trip to Honduras with two minister friends.

While there, and seeing the plight of the children, God spoke to him about doing something to reach out to help them. There was such tremendous need amongst these children who had no one to care for them. Many were stealing to stay alive, others were prepared to sell themselves for money.

After a year of training for Josie and Averil at Evangelistic Missionary Crusades HQ, including earnest prayer, language study and orientation into Mexico, it was time for the next move. In 1969 the Lord provided, and they were able to begin their journey. A small group of seven, in two vehicles, began the long and eventful drive from Los Angeles to Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

A missionary pastor, Virgilio Figueroa and his wife Marta, also with loving hearts for Honduran children, showed Christian love and hospitality to the missionary group. They became interpreters, guides and prayer partners as Josie and Averil looked for the children, and the Soadys started the legal process of establishing the ministry in Honduras. God impressed Paul and Floy Heck, also from Los Angeles, to contribute funds towards the purchase of the property now known as La Finca de Los Niños. In God's time, all seven went to the hospital in time to receive the first four babies.

On their arrival to the hospital in the capital city Tegucigalpa they enquired if there were any children in need of a home. The Director of the hospital took them into a room full of cots. Every baby in that room had been abandoned. The Director said, "No one wants these babies. Take as many as you can manage," They went from cot to cot praying over the babies, seeking God's guidance as to which children to take and, sadly, which were to be left behind. That day, the team took four babies from the hospital, and that was the very beginning of the work that God was establishing in Honduras ― a work of faith, a work only God could do.

This work was to blossom and grow, just like the precious children they were to take into their care. Initially, Josie and Averil from the team stayed with the children in a small house in the red light district of Tegucigalpa, as this was all they could afford. It was not a place to raise children. Josie and Averil made the accommodation a matter of prayer, asking God to provide a suitable place where the children would be safe. At this time, Brother and Sister Soady returned to Honduras.

Brother Soady was holding a service in Tegucigalpa, where the congregation were all typically poor, with the exception of one woman who stood out from the rest as clearly not being a poor woman. When the service was over, this lady approached Brother Soady and explained that she loved the Lord, that her husband was not a Christian, but she believed that he was in a position to help Brother Soady. She suggested that they arrange a meeting. It transpired that her husband was the brother of the President of Honduras.

Following this meeting, her husband offered to sell at a considerably reduced price a hundred acres of land to be used to build an orphanage. The land was 4,000 feet up in the mountains, away from the city where the air is cooler and the climate better. This would provide a safe haven in which the orphan children could be raised. Eventually Josie and Averil moved to Valle de Angeles, the village in which their new plot of land was located. When they arrived at the plot, there was nothing there ― just a huge expanse of land, no cultivation or buildings, just a little hut. Josie looked around and recognised immediately that this was the very same place that the Lord had shown to her in her vision.

Over the years, the Lord provided, bringing children in one by one, two by two, until now the numbers have grown to between eighty and one hundred children at any given time. In Josie's own words, "Every day is a miracle of God's provision: food, clothing, shelter, help, and encouragement ― all that the children need." The Lord has faithfully provided, not for one week, or one month, but for the many, many years ― even to the provision of Director Alonso and his wife Michelle.

Alonso was brought to the orphanage as a young boy with his newborn brother because their mother had died in childbirth. Alonso was raised at the orphanage, and on reaching adulthood he went to the USA to study English for two years, returning to Honduras to take up the position, with his wife, as Directors of La Finca De Los Niños. The sacrifices of many of God's people made it possible for this orphan boy to fulfil his potential, and to go on to mould the lives of many children, just like him. I am sure they will one day hear the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" (Matthew 25:21).

During this same period of time, God enabled Jan and me to visit with dear Christian friends, Maria and Polis, who were establishing the first ever Salvation Army work in Greece. They were previously serving God in the Salvation Army in Bristol where we lived, but felt called of God to go back to their homeland and establish a work in Greece. It was during our second visit that we saw God move in a miraculous way in the life of a young man called Roland.

Before leaving for Greece, Jan and I had been extremely busy and were hoping to have a quiet day before flying out really early in the morning to travel to Thessalonica. However, we had an unexpected request from Horfield Prison in Bristol to take Sunday services, due to the late cancellation of the planned group.

Following the service I was perusing the book table when I noticed a pile of books that had not been there the previous week. The book was entitled To Catch a Thief by Richard Taylor. I was interested in the title, so I took two copies, one for myself, and one to give to Maria and Polis when we reached Greece.

Shortly after arriving in Thessalonica, Polis asked if we would like to go to a Christian meeting which would be attended by many Romanians, Albanians and Gypsy Believers. "Oh, and by the way," Polis said, "the speaker is from the UK."

The evening of the service arrived and we were so blessed by the freedom of worship the praise and expressions of joy. Eventually the time came for the speaker to take the platform. As he was introduced, I said to Jan, "That's him!"

"That's who?" she asked.

"That's Richard Taylor, the guy who wrote the book To Catch a Thief!"

The message was a great blessing, and after the service we spoke to Richard and related how we had found his books in Bristol prison the previous week. Several days later, we headed off to spend a few days near the sea at Halkidiki. Maria and Polis drove us there and before they returned to Thessalonica we all took a stroll through the village.

As we approached a bench with about five young men sitting on it, I said, "Does anyone speak English?"

"Yes I do," came the reply. "I lived in Wales for several years."

I reached into my pocket and took out the only tract I had left. "Would you like this gospel leaflet?

The tract was entitled Meet a Thief Who Went to Heaven. The young man who spoke English was called Roland. He reached out his hand and took the tract with the words, "I am a Muslim, but I'll read it.

We said goodbye to the group of young men and headed back to our apartment and prayed that somehow God would touch this young man's heart and open his eyes to the wonderful truth of God's word and God's unchanging love for him.

The next day we headed down to the beach. It was a very quiet and peaceful place, and we felt blessed to have the opportunity to come aside and rest a little while. Just about lunchtime we saw two men walking down the beach. One of them was Roland. He noticed us and began to approach us.

"Great to see you again," I said. "We were talking about you this morning."

"Talking about me?" he responded.

"Yes, we were talking to Jesus, asking Him to touch your life."

The next day, as we were preparing to go down to the beach, Jan said, "I think I'll take Richard Taylor's book with me. I would love to be able to give it to Roland if we happen to see him again."

Well, it was about lunch time when once again Roland came towards us, but this time he was alone. "Great to see you," I said as I reached out my hand to greet him.

"Good to see you!" he responded. "I don't know what's happening but I feel so different since I met you guys."

Jan said, "I've brought a book about a man whose life was transformed by the Lord Jesus. He'd spent time in prison in Wales, and God completely changed his life when he put his trust in the Lord. Would you accept this book with our love?"

Roland reached out his hands. "I've been in prison and I would really like to hear this man's story."

As Roland walked away, we prayed, "Dear Lord, please work a miracle in Roland's heart and life. We believe you brought us here just for Roland."

We didn't see Roland the next day, and wondered if he was still in the area. The following day was to be our last day at Halkidiki and to our disappointment there was no sign of Roland so we prayed that God would continue to work.

It was about 8 pm when Jan said, "Can we walk down to the sea for one last time? It's such a beautiful evening and it will be dark very soon."

We spent about thirty minutes enjoying the setting sun before turning to walk back to the apartment. And there, in the failing light, we saw Roland walking towards us. He approached us with open arms saying how glad he was to see us. He assured us he had been reading the book. We asked if he would allow us to pray for him as this would be our last opportunity.

"Yes please," he said.

We held hands and committed Roland into God's love and care, asking God to keep him and to reveal His love and plan of salvation to Roland's heart.

As we parted, both Jan and I felt a deep conviction that this was not the end of the story, and that God was beginning a tremendous work in Roland for His eternal praise and glory.

# Chapter 13
#  Divine Appointment

In 2002, I was taken into Frenchay Hospital in Bristol following a heart attack. Jan was obviously very concerned and during the night she was praying for me, when God directed her thoughts to Psalm 27:14. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I say, on the Lord.

Jan knew these words would be an encouragement for me, so she asked a dear friend Nicola who has a talent for calligraphy to write the Psalm onto a piece of card, for Jan to bring into the hospital. The word of God was a real blessing, and I placed the card on my locker beside my bed.

Several days later, I was sitting on the edge of my bed waiting for the nurse to bring me my discharge papers. It was lunchtime and I thought that all the other men in my ward had gone to the dining room to eat, when suddenly I heard a voice saying, "Excuse me, excuse me."

I turned to see a man in his late forties on his bed at the end of the ward beckoning to me. I left my bed, and asked the man what I could do for him. He pointed to the scripture displayed on my locker. "I've been reading those words every time I pass your bed. Can your God help me? I never would have called out to you but I've felt this presence around me." He proceeded to say that his life was falling apart. His health was failing, his son who had been expecting to become a professional footballer, had become addicted to drugs and his whole family were facing different types of problems.

God gave me a wonderful opportunity to share the good news with this dear man, and after a short time he asked me to pray with him that he might commit his life to the Lord and trust Him for salvation. It was such a joyous time and I thanked God for allowing me to lead this dear sincere man to Jesus. Within nine months he had passed away from this world, ready to meet his maker.

Delivered from Alcohol

For many of us who enjoy the comforts of a warm home, a comfortable bed and a full stomach, surrounded by family and friends, the hardship and starkness of homelessness can be hard to identify with. But the reality is that countless men and women, find themselves staying in various hostels and shelters or sleeping rough in our big cities.

For many years we have been privileged to hold services as volunteers in the Salvation Army hostel for homeless men here in Bristol. We have had the joy of coming alongside hundreds of men young and old and sharing the love of Jesus, pointing them to the One who said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

One such man was Brian. Brian's life was controlled by alcohol and he often spent days close to the hostel, sitting amongst the bushes drinking. After some time, he was given a room on the third floor of the hostel, directly above the chapel were we held weekly services.

On moving into his room he noticed a Bible on the table, which had been placed by the Gideons, and began to look at it. At the front of the Bible there was a section headed "Where to find help in time of need". There were numerous headings such as "Feeling Afraid", "Far From God", "Lonely", "Desperate", "Conscious Of Sin", "Drink Abuse", "Needing Peace", and many more.

Brian felt that he could relate to almost all the problems highlighted, so decided it would be good to read all the relevant scriptures listed. He attended several morning meetings in the hostel chapel whilst continuing to drink, believing that his chapel attendance qualified him to be a Christian. One Friday morning the usual service was cancelled, and Maria, the chaplain, said that there would be an outreach meeting that evening and there would almost certainly be tea and biscuits to follow.

Brian had no idea what an outreach meeting was, but decided to go anyway. He said, "As I entered the chapel I took a seat on the back row. I saw brother Roger leaning against the piano and assumed he must be the pianist. However, when he started to preach it was like he was preaching my life. It was meant for me. Brother Roger preached on the text 'If any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away behold all things are become new' from 2 Corinthians 5:7. I thought to myself, that's what I want.

"When brother Roger finished preaching he asked those who wanted to commit their life to the Lord to raise their hand, indicating to him their desire. I had no hesitation in raising my hand, but as I did so I felt a power like electricity flowing through my hand. I knew God was in that place. When I woke the next morning, I knew that I never needed to drink alcohol again."

Brian committed his life to the Lord. He was immediately delivered from his need of alcohol and within three weeks he had found employment ― he was previously considered medically unfit for work due to his alcohol dependency ― and lovely accommodation. He settled in a Bible believing church, made five missionary trips to Russia and at least five trips to Romania. He became a trophy of God's wonderful grace. Is anything too hard for the Lord? (Genesis 18:14).

# Chapter 14 (last chapter)
#  "Well Done, Thou Good and Faithful Servant."

On January the 5th 2011, Brother Roger finished his course here on earth, and passed into the presence of his Lord and Saviour. The following is the Eulogy which was read at his funeral service:

Roger was the last born to Rosalie and Joseph Niblett. He came into this world on the 26th of September 1939 at Tetbury in Gloucestershire. He was baby brother to Nancy, Reginald, Phyllis, Iris, and Mary, and being the youngest he was never short of sweeties, provided by his older siblings, in spite of growing up in an era of rationing during and after the war.

Although not an academic lad he did excel in two things in school, sport and fooling around and so often proudly told folks, "I left school with ten 'Z' levels!!!"

As a teenager, he was one of the lads strutting through Yate town in his Teddy Boy suit complete with suede shoes and impressive sideboards.

In 1959 he became sweetheart to his Jannie and remained so for the next fifty-one years. They were married in Stapleton Parish Church in 1962, and set up home in a little caravan in Coalpit Heath, later moving to their only other abode in St George. Rog loved being outdoors, especially tending his flower garden, and never failed to have a wonderful crop of runner beans and raspberries, some of which are in the freezer right now!

In 1969 he became a devoted daddy to Claire, the child God had given in answer to prayer, and later granddad to Naomi and Joshua, and as the picture frame they gave him declared, he was granddad, caring, gentle and wise. Just one year ago he became great granddad to Azara Leigh. The sheer delight on his face whenever he saw her was a picture to behold. He even enjoyed one of her special kisses the day before he slipped away.

Also in 1969 whilst working in DRG Fishponds, he became a Christian, and life for Rog was never the same again. God came into his life, forgiving his sins and filling him with praise and gratitude. Because of his transformation he then became a brother in christ to so many in churches up and down the land and further afield. He loved to sing, and his desire was to regain enough strength to go to church and sing the lovely hymn I will Sing of My Redeemer.

After his conversion Rog became many things to so many people. To thousands of boys and girls he was the man who drove the mini bus every week for thirty-six years, taking children to and from Good News Clubs in various locations in the city.

To the many homeless and needy men and women who came to the King's Kitchen at Trinity Tabernacle in Bristol to receive a hot breakfast and the warmth of friendship, he was the man who sat by the door, not letting anyone pass without offering them a gospel tract and telling them that Jesus loved them.

To the one hundred children at La Finca Orphanage in Honduras he was lovingly referred to as pastor gozo ― Gozo being Spanish for joy. His joy was contagious and in spite of his lack of the Spanish language he blessed everyone he met with his sense of fun.

To hundreds of inmates in Bristol prison over a period of fifteen years he was affectionately known as rocking roger who made them laugh, and sometimes through God made them cry, but always let the men know that God loved them, that they had great value in God's sight, and that God and God alone through Jesus could forgive their past sins and give them a new start.

To a prisoner in solitary confinement in the USA awaiting execution he was the little man who came across the big pond to bring God's love and message of forgiveness and pardon.

To his very dear friends in Elkton Virginia, Rog was known as the mountain man, a name given to him because of his love for the Blue Ridge Mountains. He was in his element sitting with a French vanilla cappuccino in his hand gazing over the panoramic views. He also loved walking in the woods, where he even had a close encounter with a large black bear – but thankfully he lived to tell the tale!

To people in busy shopping centres up and down the land he was the passionate preacher who went out in all winds and weathers to stand on a street corner and tell the good news to all who would listen.

To the countless doctors and nurses who cared for him throughout many years he was the patient who never complained. When asked how he was he usually replied, "I've never had it so good."

Roger was a true Evangelist, a passionate preacher who gave his all to God, and who has now gone to heaven to receive his reward. Rog had already prepared a motto for this new year: a touch of heaven in 2011.

To all who knew him he was an example, an inspiration and a blessing, and we will miss him more than words can say.

"Well done, thou good

and faithful servant."

Earlier in this book, Roger writes, "The Bible tells us that Jesus led the blind man out of the town, spit on his eyes, put His hands upon him and asked him if he saw anything. The man looked up and said, 'I see men as trees, walking.'"

The day Roger, an unbeliever, heard those words was the day he gave his life to Jesus ― and began to see clearly for the first time. If you haven't already done so, will you give your life to Jesus now? If so, pray this prayer:

"Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe that You are the Son of God. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I want to turn away from my sin and make You Lord of my life. I invite You to come into my life right now. Thank You, Jesus, for loving me. Amen."

If you said this prayer, have faith that Jesus came into your life immediately, as He refuses no one. Please tell someone you know who is a Christian what you have done. And find a church that teaches Jesus is the way to eternal life, so God can work in you. You can get help from the address below.

If you would like to know more, please contract Janet at GozoPublishing@gmail.com

**More books from White Tree Publishing are on the next pages, some of which are available as both eBooks and paperbacks. More Christian books than those listed here are planned for future publication. The full list of published and forthcoming books is on our website** www.whitetreepublishing.com **. Please visit there regularly for updates.**

White Tree Publishing publishes mainstream evangelical Christian literature in paperback and eBook formats, for people of all ages. We aim to make our eBooks available free for all eBook devices, but some distributors will only list our books free at their discretion, and may make a small charge for some titles -- but they are still great value!

Not all distributors stock eBooks that are based on older work that is in the public domain (out of copyright), not even ours that have been sensitively abridged and edited by White Tree Publishing to make a much more readable book for today! (The original writer's teaching and doctrine is never changed!) You may need to look in the site belonging to your dedicated eBook reader, or download the app or program to read them on a smartphone, tablet or PC if you find them on a different site or in a different format. Every published title is out there somewhere.

We rely on our readers to tell their families, their friends and churches about our books. Social media is a great way of doing this. Take a look at our range of fiction and non-fiction books on the following pages and pass the word on. Also, please write a positive review on the eBook site if you are able.

## Christian Non-fiction

Four short books of help in the Christian life:

So, What Is a Christian? An introduction to a personal faith. Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9927642-2-7, eBook ISBN: 978-0-9933941-2-6

Starting Out \-- help for new Christians of all ages. Paperback ISBN 978-1-4839-622-0-7, eBook ISBN: 978-0-9933941-0-2

Help! \-- Explores some problems we can encounter with our faith. Paperback ISBN 978-0-9927642-2-7, eBook ISBN: 978-0-9933941-1-9

Running Through the Bible \-- a simple understanding of what's in the Bible \-- Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9927642-6-5, eBook ISBN: 978-0-9933941-3-3

### Be Still

Bible Words of Peace and Comfort

There may come a time in our lives when we want to concentrate on God's many promises of peace and comfort. The Bible readings in this book are for people who need to know what it means to be held securely in the Lord's loving arms.

Rather than selecting single verses here and there, each reading in this book is a run of several verses. This gives a much better picture of the whole passage in which a favourite verse may be found.

As well as being for personal use, these readings are intended for sharing with anyone in special need, to help them draw comfort from the reading and prayer for that date. Bible reading and prayer are the two most important ways of getting to know and trust Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

The reference to the verses for the day are given, for you to look up and read in your preferred Bible translation.

eBook ISBN: 978-0-9933941-4-0

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9932760-7-1

116 pages 5x7.8 inches

A Previously Unpublished Book

### The Simplicity of the Incarnation

J Stafford Wright

Foreword by J I Packer

"I believe in ... Jesus Christ ... born of the Virgin Mary." A beautiful stained glass image, or a medical reality? This is the choice facing Christians today. Can we truly believe that two thousand years ago a young woman, a virgin named Mary, gave birth to the Son of God? The answer is simple: we can.

The author says, "In these days many Christians want some sensible assurance that their faith makes sense, and in this book I want to show that it does."

In this uplifting book from a previously unpublished and recently discovered manuscript, J Stafford Wright investigates the reality of the incarnation, looks at the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, and helps the reader understand more of the Trinity and the certainty of eternal life in heaven.

This book was written shortly before the author's death in 1985. The Simplicity of the Incarnation is published for the first time, unedited, from his final draft.

eBook ISBN 13: 978-0-9932760-5-7

Paperback ISBN: 9-780-9525-9563-2

160 pages 5.25 x 8 inches

Available from bookstores and major internet sellers

### Bible People Real People

An Unforgettable A-Z of Who is Who in the Bible

In a fascinating look at real people, J Stafford Wright shows his love and scholarly knowledge of the Bible as he brings the characters from its pages to life in a memorable way.

Read this book through from A to Z, like any other title

Dip in and discover who was who in personal Bible study

Check the names when preparing a talk or sermon

The good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly – no one is spared. This is a book for everyone who wants to get to grips with the reality that is in the pages of the Bible, the Word of God.

With the names arranged in alphabetical order, the Old and New Testament characters are clearly identified so that the reader is able to explore either the Old or New Testament people on the first reading, and the other Testament on the second.

Those wanting to become more familiar with the Bible will find this is a great introduction to the people inhabiting the best selling book in the world, and those who can quote chapter and verse will find everyone suddenly becomes much more real – because these people are real. This is a book to keep handy and refer to frequently while reading the Bible.

"For students of my generation the name Stafford Wright was associated with the spiritual giants of his generation. Scholarship and integrity were the hallmarks of his biblical teaching. He taught us the faith and inspired our discipleship of Christ. To God be the Glory." The Rt. Rev. James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool

This is a lively, well-informed study of some great Bible characters. Professor Gordon Wenham MA PhD. Tutor in Old Testament at Trinity College Bristol and Emeritus Professor of Old Testament at the University of Gloucestershire.

eBook ISBN: 978-0-9932760-7-1

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9525956-5-6

314 pages 6x9 inches

Note: This book is not available in all eBook formats

Christians and the Supernatural

J Stafford Wright

There is an increasing interest and fascination in the paranormal today. To counteract this, it is important for Christians to have a good understanding of how God sometimes acts in mysterious ways, and be able to recognize how he can use our untapped gifts and abilities in his service. We also need to understand how the enemy can tempt us to misuse these gifts and abilities, just as Jesus was tempted in the wilderness.

In this single volume of his two previously published books on the occult and the supernatural (Understanding the Supernatural and Our Mysterious God) J Stafford Wright examines some of the mysterious events we find in the Bible and in our own lives. Far from dismissing the recorded biblical miracles as folk tales, he is convinced that they happened in the way described, and explains why we can accept them as credible.

The writer says: When God the Holy Spirit dwells within the human spirit, he uses the mental and physical abilities which make up a total human being . . . The whole purpose of this book is to show that the Bible does make sense.

And this warning: The Bible, claiming to speak as the revelation of God, and knowing man's weakness for substitute religious experiences, bans those avenues into the occult that at the very least are blind alleys that obscure the way to God, and at worst are roads to destruction.

eBook ISBN 13: 978-0-9932760-4-0

Paperback ISBN 13: 9-780-9525-9564-9

222 pages 5.25 x 8 inches

Available from bookstores and major internet sellers

Howell Harris

His Own Story

Foreword by J. Stafford Wright

Howell Harris was brought up to regard the Nonconformists as "a perverted and dangerously erroneous set of people." Hardly a promising start for a man who was to play a major role in the Welsh Revival. Yet in these extracts from his writings and diaries we can read the thoughts of Howell Harris before, during and after his own conversion.

We can see God breaking through the barriers separating "church and chapel", and discover Christians of different denominations preparing the country for revival. Wesley, Whitefield, Harris. These great 18th century preachers worked both independently and together to preach the Living Gospel. This book is a vivid first-hand account of the joys, hardships and struggles of one of these men -- Howell Harris (1714-1773).

eBook only

ISBN: 978-0-9933941-9-5

From the Streets of London

to the Streets of Gold

The Life Story of

Brother Clifford Edwards

A True Story of Love

by

Brother Clifford Edwards

eBook only

ISBN: 978-0-9933941-8-8

(A printed copy is available directly from Brother Clifford)

This is the personal story of Clifford Edwards, affectionately known as Brother Clifford by his many friends. Going from fame to poverty, he was sleeping on the streets of London with the homeless for twenty years, until Jesus rescued him and gave him an amazing mission in life. Brother Clifford tells his true story here in the third person, giving the glory to Jesus.

English Hexapla

The Gospel of John

(Paperback only)

Published to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the Authorized King James Version of the Bible, this book contains the full text of Bagster's assembled work for the Gospel of John. On each page in parallel columns are the words of the six most important translations of the New Testament into English, made between 1380 and 1611. Below the English is the original Greek text after Scholz.

To enhance the reading experience, there is an introduction telling how we got our English Bibles, with significant pages from early Bibles shown at the end of the book.

Here is an opportunity to read English that once split the Church by giving ordinary people the power to discover God's word for themselves. Now you can step back in time and discover those words and spellings for yourself, as they first appeared hundreds of years ago.

Wyclif 1380, Tyndale 1534, Cranmer 1539, Geneva 1557,

Douay Rheims 1582, Authorized (KJV) 1611.

English Hexapla -- The Gospel of John

Published by White Tree Publishing

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9525956-1-8

Size 7.5 x 9.7 inches paperback

Not available as an eBook

### Roddy Goes to Church

Church Life and Church People

Derek Osborne

No, not a children's book! An affectionate, optimistic look at church life involving, as it happens, Roddy and his friends who live in a small town. Problems and opportunities related to change and outreach are not, of course, unique to their church!

Maybe you know Miss Prickly-Cat who pointedly sits in the same pew occupied by generations of her forebears, and perhaps know many of the characters in this look at church life today. A wordy Archdeacon comes on the scene, and Roddy is taken aback by the events following his first visit to church. Roddy's best friend Bushy-Beard says wise things, and he hears an enlightened Bishop . . .

Bishop David Pytches writes: A unique spoof on church life. Will you recognise yourself and your church here? ... Derek Osborne's mind here is insightful, his characters graphic and typical and the style acutely comical, but there is a serious message in his madness. Buy this, read it and enjoy!

David Pytches, Chorleywood

eBook ISBN: 978-0-9935005-0-3

Paperback ISBN: 978-09927642-0-3

46 pages 5.5 x 8.5 inches paperback UK £3.95

Available from bookstores and major internet sellers

### Heaven Our Home

William Branks

White Tree Publishing Abridged Edition

"I go to prepare a place for you." This well-known promise from Jesus must cause us to think about the reality of heaven. Heaven is to be our home for ever. Where is heaven? What is it like? Will I recognize people there? All who are Christians must surely want to hear about the place where they are to spend eternity. In this abridged edition of William Branks classic work of 1861, we discover what the Bible has to say about heaven. There may be a few surprises, and there are certainly some challenges as we explore a subject on which there seems to be little teaching and awareness today.

eBook only

ISBN: 978-0-9933941-8-8

### I See Men as Trees, Walking

Roger and Janet Niblett

Roger and Janet Niblett were just an ordinary English couple, but then they met the Lord and their lives were totally transformed. Like the Bethlehem shepherds of old, they had a compulsion to share the same good news that Jesus Christ had come into the world to save sinners. Empowered by the Holy Spirit they proclaimed the gospel in the market place, streets, prisons, hospitals and churches with a vibrancy that only comes from being in direct touch with the Almighty and being readily available to serve Him as a channel of His grace and love. God was with them and blessed their ministry abundantly. Praise God! (Pastor Mervyn Douglas, Clevedon Family Church)

The story of Roger Niblett is an inspiration to all who serve the Lord. He was a prolific street evangelist, whose impact on the gospel scene was a wonder to behold. It was my privilege to witness his conversion, when he went forward to receive Christ at the Elim Church, Keynsham. The preacher was fiery Scottish evangelist Rev'd Alex Tee. It was not long before Roger too caught that same soul winner's fire which propelled him far and wide, winning multitudes for Christ. Together with his wife Janet, they proceeded to "Tell the World of Jesus". (Des Morton, Founder Minister of Keynsham Elim Church)

I know of no couple who have been more committed to sharing their faith from the earliest days of their journey with the Lord Jesus Christ. Along the way, at home and abroad, and with a tender heart for the marginalised, Rog and Jan have introduced multitudes to the Saviour and have inspired successive generations of believers to do the same. It was our joy and privilege to have them as part of the family at Trinity where Janet continues to serve in worship and witness. Loved by young and old alike, they will always have a special place in our hearts. (Andy Paget, Trinity Tabernacle, Bristol. Vice President, International Gospel Outreach)

eBook ISBN: 978-0-9935005-1-0

Also available as a paperback

(published by Gozo Publishing Bristol)

paperback ISBN: 978-1508674979

### Leaves from

My Notebook

New Abridged Edition

William Haslam

(1818-1905)

You may have heard of the clergyman who was converted while preaching his own sermon! Well, this is man -- William Haslam. It happened in Cornwall one Sunday in 1851. He later wrote his autobiography in two books: From Death into Life and Yet not I. Here, in Leaves from my NoteBook, William Haslam writes about events and people not present in his autobiography. They make fascinating and challenging reading as we watch him sharing his faith one to one or in small groups, with dramatic results. Haslam was a man who mixed easily with titled gentry and the poorest of the poor, bringing the message of salvation in a way that people were ready to accept. This book has been lightly edited and abridged to make reading easier today by using modern punctuation and avoiding over-long sentences. William Haslam's amazing message is unchanged.

Original book first published 1889

eBook only

ISBN: 978-0-9935005-2-7

### Blunt's Scriptural Coincidences

Gospels and Acts

J. J. Blunt

New Edition

This book will confirm (or restore) your faith in the Gospel records. Clearly the Gospels were not invented. There is too much unintentional agreement between them for this to be so. Undesigned coincidences are where writers tell the same account, but from a different viewpoint. Without conspiring together to get their accounts in agreement, they include unexpected (and often unnoticed) details that corroborate their records. Not only are these unexpected coincidences found within the Gospels, but sometimes a historical writer unknowingly and unintentionally confirms the Bible record.

Within these pages you will see just how accurate were the memories of the Gospel writers -- even of the smallest details which on casual reading can seem of little importance, yet clearly point to eyewitness accounts. J.J. Blunt spent many years investigating these coincidences. And here they are, as found in the four Gospels and Acts.

First published in instalments between 1833 and 1847

The edition used here published in 1876

eBook only

ISBN: 978-0-9935005-5-8

### Fullness of Power

### in Christian Life and Service

Home and Group Questions for Today Edition

R. A. Torrey

Questions by Chuck Antone Jr.

This is a White Tree Publishing Home and Group Questions for Today Edition. At the end of each chapter are questions for use either in your personal study, or for sharing in a church or home group. Why? Because: "From many earnest hearts there is rising a cry for more power: more power in our personal conflict with the world, the flesh, and the devil; more power in our work for others. The Bible makes the way to obtain this longed-for power very plain. There is no presumption in undertaking to tell how to obtain Fullness of Power in Christian life and service; for the Bible itself tells, and the Bible was intended to be understood.

"The Bible statement of the way is not mystical or mysterious. It is very plain and straightforward. If we will only make personal trial of The Power of the Word of God; The Power of the Blood of Christ; The Power of the Holy Spirit; The Power of Prayer; The Power of a Surrendered Life; we will then know the Fullness of Power in Christian life and service. We will try to make this plain in the following chapters. There are many who do not even know that there is a life of abiding rest, joy, satisfaction, and power; and many others who, while they think there must be something beyond the life they know, are in ignorance as to how to obtain it. This book is also written to help them." (Torrey's Introduction.)

eBook only

ISBN: 978-0-9935005-8-9
eBook Coming November 2016

Twenty-five Days Around the Manger

# A Light Family Advent Devotional

Marty Magee

Will a purple bedroom help Marty's misgivings about Christmas?

As a kid, Martha Evans didn't like Christmas. Sixty years later, she still gets a little uneasy when this holiday on steroids rolls around. But she knows, when all the tinsel is pulled away, Whose Day it is. Now Marty Magee, she is blessed with five grandchildren who help her not take herself too seriously.

Do you know the angel named Herald? Will young Marty survive the embarrassment of her Charley Brown Christmas tree? And by the way, where's the line to see Jesus?

Twenty-Five Days Around the Manger goes from Marty's mother as a little girl awaiting her brother's arrival, to O Holy Night when our souls finally were able to feel their full worth.

This and much more. Join Marty around the manger this Advent season.

eBook ISBN: 978-0-9954549-1-0

Also in full colour paperback

from Rickety Bridge Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-4923248-0-5

Available from bookstores and major internet sellers

eBook Coming

### Gospels and Acts

### In Simple Paraphrase

Charles Foster

White Tree Publishing Edition

# In 1873 Charles Foster published his much acclaimed paraphrase of the whole Bible, adding his simple explanations of various events along the way. It had the rather misleading title of The Story of the Bible which implied it was the history of how we got our Bible. Charles Foster made a single account from the four Gospels -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John -- combining the four Gospels relating Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection into one continuous narrative. For this edition, White Tree Publishing has taken just the Gospels and Acts from the original, and updated thee and thou to you and your etc, bringing the work inline with modern practice. Some of the traditional wording has been left alone, but we have added speech marks and more modern punctuation, while making no changes to the Bible message. Included in this White Tree Publishing eBook is Foster's account of the period between the Old and New Testaments, and his brief summary of the Epistles and Revelation. For readers unfamiliar with the New Testament, this book makes a valuable introduction, and it will surely help those familiar with the New Testament to gain extra knowledge and understanding as they read it. Please note that this is not a translation of the Bible, it is a paraphrase.

eBook only

eBook ISBN: 978-0-9935005-9-6

eBook Coming

### Faith that Prevails

The Early Pentecostal Movement

Home and Group Questions for Today Edition

Smith Wigglesworth

Questions by Chuck Antone Jr.

This is a White Tree Publishing Home and Group Questions for Today Edition. At the end of each of the seven chapters are questions by Chuck Antone Jr. for use either in your personal study, or for sharing in a church or home group. Why? Because _Smith Wigglesworth, often referred to as the Apostle of Faith, putting the emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit, writes, "_ God is making people hungry and thirsty after His best. And everywhere He is filling the hungry and giving them that which the disciples received at the very beginning. Are you hungry? If you are, God promises that you shall be filled."

_Smith Wigglesworth was one of the pioneers of the early Pentecostal revival. Born in 1859 he gave himself to Jesus at the age of eight and immediately led his mother to the Lord._ His ministry took him to Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Pacific Islands, India and what was then Ceylon. _Smith Wigglesworth's faith was unquestioning._

_In this book, he says, "_ There is nothing impossible with God. All the impossibility is with us, when we measure God by the limitations of our unbelief."

eBook only

eBook ISBN: 978-0-9954549-4-1

## Christian Fiction

### The Lost Clue

Mrs. O. F. Walton

Abridged Edition

A Romantic Mystery

With modern line drawings

Living the life of a wealthy man, Kenneth Fortescue receives devastating news from his father. But he is only able to learn incomplete facts about his past, because a name has been obliterated from a very important letter. Two women are vying for Kenneth's attention -- Lady Violet, the young daughter of Lady Earlswood, and Marjorie Douglas, the daughter of a widowed parson's wife.

Written in 1905 by the much-loved author Mrs. O. F. Walton, this edition has been lightly abridged and edited to make it easier to read and understand today. This romantic mystery story gives an intriguing glimpse into the class extremes that existed in Edwardian England, with wealthy titled families on one side, and some families living in terrible poverty on the other.

eBook ISBN: 978-0-9932760-2-6

### Doctor Forester

Mrs. O. F. Walton

Abridged Edition

A Romantic Mystery

with modern line drawings

Doctor Forester, a medical man only twenty-five years old, has come to a lonely part of Wales to escape from an event in his recent past that has caused him much hurt. So he has more on his mind than worrying about strange noises behind his bedroom wall in the old castle where he is staying.

A young woman who shares part of the journey with him is staying in the same village. He is deeply attracted to her, and believes that she is equally attracted to him. But he soon has every reason to think that his old school friend Jack is also courting her.

Written and taking place in the early 1900s, this romantic mystery is a mix of excitement and heartbreak. What is the secret of Hildick Castle? And can Doctor Forester rid himself of the past that now haunts his life?

Mrs. O. F. Walton was a prolific writer in the late 1800s, and this abridged edition captures all of the original writer's insight into what makes a memorable story. With occasional modern line drawings.

* * *

Ghosts of the past kept flitting through his brain. Dark shadows which he tried to chase away seemed to pursue him. Here these ghosts were to be laid; here those shadows were to be dispelled; here that closed chapter was to be buried for ever. So he fought long and hard with the phantoms of the past until the assertive clock near his bedroom door announced that it was two o'clock.

eBook ISBN: 978-0-9932760-0-2

### Was I Right?

Mrs. O. F. Walton

Abridged Edition

A Victorian Romance

With modern line drawings

May Lindsay and her young stepsister Maggie are left penniless and homeless when their father the local doctor dies. Maggie can go to live with her three maiden aunts, but May at the age of nineteen is faced with a choice. Should she take the position of companion to a girl she doesn't know, who lives some distance away, or accept a proposal of marriage from the man who has been her friend since they were small children?

May Lindsay makes her decision, but it is not long before she wonders if she has done the right thing. This is a story of life in Victorian England as May, who has led a sheltered life, is pushed out into a much bigger world than she has previously known. She soon encounters titled families, and is taken on a tour of the Holy Land which occupies much of the story.

Two men seem to be a big disappointment to May Lindsay. Will her Christian faith hold strong in these troubles? Was she right in the decision she made before leaving home?

Mrs. O. F. Walton was a prolific writer in the late 1800s, and this abridged edition captures all of the original writer's insight into what makes a memorable story. With occasional modern line drawings.

E-book ISBN: 978-0-9932760-1-9

### In His Steps

Charles M. Sheldon

Abridged Edition

This new abridged edition of a classic story that has sold over an estimated 30 million copies, contains Charles Sheldon's original writing, with some passages sensitively abridged to allow his powerful story to come through for today's readers. Nothing in the storyline has been changed.

A homeless man staggers into a wealthy church and upsets the congregation. A week later he is dead. This causes the Rev. Henry Maxwell to issue a startling challenge to his congregation and to himself -- whatever you do in life over the next twelve months, ask yourself this question before making any decision: "What would Jesus do?"

The local newspaper editor, a novelist, a wealthy young woman who has inherited a million dollars, her friend who has been offered a professional singing career, the superintendent of the railroad workshops, a leading city merchant and others take up the challenge. But how will it all work out when things don't go as expected?

A bishop gives up his comfortable lifestyle \-- and finds his life threatened in the city slums. The story is timeless. A great read, and a challenge to every Christian today.

E-book ISBN: 978-0-9927642-9-6

Also available in paperback 254 pages 5.5 x 8.5 inches

Paperback ISBN 13: 978-19350791-8-7

A Previously Unpublished Book

### Locked Door Shuttered Windows

A Novel by J Stafford Wright

What is inside the fascinating house with the locked door and the shuttered windows? Satan wants an experiment. God allows it. John is caught up in the plan as Satan's human representative. The experiment? To demonstrate that there can be peace in the world if God allows Satan to run things in his own way. A group of people gather together in an idyllic village run by Satan, with no reference to God, and no belief in him.

J Stafford Wright has written this startling and gripping account of what happens when God stands back and Satan steps forward. All seems to go well for the people who volunteer to take part. And no Christians allowed!

John Longstone lost his faith when teaching at a theological college. Lost it for good -- or so he thinks. And then he meets Kathleen who never had a faith. As the holes start to appear in Satan's scheme for peace, they wonder if they should help or hinder the plans which seem to have so many benefits for humanity.

eBook ISBN 13: 978-0-9932760-3-3

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9927642-4-1

206 pages 5.25 x 8.0 inches

Available from bookstores and major internet sellers

### Silverbeach Manor

Margaret S. Haycraft

Abridged edition

Pansy is an orphan who is cared for by her aunt, Temperance Piper, who keeps the village post office and store. One day Pansy meets wealthy Mrs. Adair who offers to take her under her wing and give her a life of wealth in high society that she could never dream of, on condition Pansy never revisits her past life. When they first meet, Mrs. Adair says about Pansy's clothes, "The style is a little out of date, but it is good enough for the country. I should like to see you in a really well-made dress. It would be quite a new sensation for you, if you really belong to these wilds. I have a crimson and gold tea gown that would suit you delightfully, and make you quite a treasure for an artist." This is a story of rags to riches to ... well, to a life where nothing is straightforward. First published in 1891.

White Tree Publishing Abridged Edition

eBook only

ISBN: 978-0-9935005-4-1

### Gildas Haven

Margaret S. Haycraft

Abridged edition

For several years in the peaceful English village of Meadthorpe, the church and chapel have existed in an uneasy peace while the rector and the chapel minister are distracted by poor health. Now a young curate arrives at St Simeon's, bringing high church ritual and ways of worship. Gildas Haven, the daughter of the chapel minister is furious to discover the curate is enticing her Sunday school children away. The curate insists that his Church ways are right, and Gildas who has only known chapel worship says the opposite.

Battle lines are quickly drawn by leaders and congregations. Mary Haycraft writes with light humour and surprising insight in what could be a controversial story line. With at least one major surprise, the author seems to be digging an impossible hole for herself as the story progresses. The ending of this sensitively told romance is likely to come as a surprise.

White Tree Publishing Abridged Edition

eBook only

ISBN: 978-0-9935005-7-2
Due October 2016

### When it Was Dark

Guy Thorne

Abridged Edition

What would happen to the Christian faith if it could be proved beyond all doubt that Jesus did not rise from the dead? This is the situation when, at the end of the nineteenth century, eminent archaeologists working outside Jerusalem discover a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea, with an inscription claiming that he took the body of Jesus from the first tomb and hid it. And there are even remains of a body. So no resurrection!

As churches quickly empty, some Christians cling to hope, saying that Jesus lives within them, so He must be the Son of God who rose from the dead. Others are relieved that they no longer have to believe and go to church. Society starts to break down.

With the backing of a wealthy industrialist, a young curate puts together a small team to investigate the involvement of a powerful atheist in the discovery. This is an abridged edition of a novel first published in 1903.

Guy Thorne was the English author of many thrillers in the early twentieth century, and this book was not intended specifically for the Christian market. It contains adult references in places, but no swearing or offensive language. Although it was written from a high church Anglican viewpoint, the author is positive about the various branches of the Christian faith, finding strengths and weaknesses in individual church and chapel members as their beliefs are threatened by the discovery in Jerusalem. White Tree Publishing believes this book will be a great and positive challenge to Christians today as we examine the reality of our faith.

White Tree Publishing Abridged Edition

eBook only

ISBN: 978-0-9954549-0-3

eBook Coming

### Amaranth's Garden

Margaret S. Haycraft

Abridged edition

"It seems, Miss, Mr. Glyn drew out that money yesterday, and took it all out in gold. The Rector happened to be in the Bank at the time, but was on his way to town, and could not stop to talk to your father just then, though he wondered to hear him say he had come to draw out everything, as treasurer of the fund." Amaranth Glyn's comfortable life comes to an end when the church funds disappear. Her father, the church treasurer who drew out the money, is also missing, to be followed shortly by her mother. The disgrace this brings on the family means Amaranth's marriage plans are cancelled. Amaranth is a competent artist and moves away with her young brother to try to earn a living. There are rumours that her parents are in France and even in Peru. Living with her sick brother, Amaranth wants life to be as it was before the financial scandal forced her to leave her family home and the garden she loved.

White Tree Publishing Abridged Edition

eBook only

ISBN: 978-0-9935005-6-5
eBook Coming

### A Daughter of the King

Mrs. Philip Barnes

Abridged edition

There are the usual misunderstandings in the small village of Royden, but one year they combine to cause serious friction. An elderly lady, the embodiment of kindness, is turned out of her favourite pew by the new vicar. Young and old residents start to view each other with suspicion when a banished husband returns, allegedly to harm his wife and children. Both Mary Grey and Elsa Knott want to marry Gordon Pyne, who lives in the white house. When Gordon's father returns, Gordon is accused of his murder. This is a very readable romance from 1909, with many twists and turns. It has been lightly abridged and edited.

White Tree Publishing Abridged Edition

eBook only

ISBN: 978-0-9954549-2-7
eBook Coming

### Rose Capel's Sacrifice

Margaret S. Haycraft

Abridged edition

Rose and Maurice Capel find themselves living in poverty through no fault of their own, and their daughter Gwen is dangerously ill and in need of a doctor and medicine, which they cannot possibly afford. There seems to be only one option -- to offer their daughter to Maurice Capel's unmarried sister, Dorothy, living in the beautiful Welsh countryside, and be left with nothing more than memories of Gwen. Dorothy has cut herself off from the family, so although Gwen would be well cared for, if she got better and Rose and Maurice's finances improved, would they be able to ask for Gwen to be returned? Another story from popular Victorian writer Margaret S. Haycraft.

White Tree Publishing Abridged Edition

eBook only

ISBN: 978-0-9954549-3-4

eBook Coming

### Secrets of the Oak Room

Marion E Forster

Abridged edition

It is 1902. Three fifteen-year-old boys meet on holiday at an old house on Dartmoor in Devon, where they hear talk of a haunted room that no one else in the house will enter. Joined by Rosie, the young sister of one of the boys, they set out to discover just what secrets the room holds. When one of the four disappears while exploring the house, and then another, it is clear that something serious has happened. One of the boys wants to enlist in the army when he is older, but in whose army will it be? Originally intended for younger readers, this story of secret passages and sinister men will also engage older readers who want to enjoy a past they never knew!

White Tree Publishing Abridged Edition

eBook only

ISBN: 978-0-9954549-5-8

## Books for Younger Readers

(and older readers too!)

### Mary Jones and Her Bible

An Adventure Book

Chris Wright

The true story of Mary Jones's and her Bible

with a clear Christian message and optional puzzles

(Some are easy, some tricky, and some amusing)

Mary Jones saved for six years to buy a Bible of her own. In 1800, when she was 15, she thought she had saved enough, so she walked barefoot for 26 miles (more than 40km) over a mountain pass and through deep valleys in Wales to get one. That's when she discovered there were none for sale!

You can travel with Mary Jones today in this book by following clues, or just reading the story. Either way, you will get to Bala where Mary went, and if you're really quick you may be able to discover a Bible just like Mary's in the market!

The true story of Mary Jones has captured the imagination for more than 200 years. For this book, Chris Wright has looked into the old records and discovered even more of the story, which is now in this unforgettable account of Mary Jones and her Bible. Solving puzzles is part of the fun, but the whole story is in here to read and enjoy whether you try the puzzles or not. Just turn the page, and the adventure continues. It's time to get on the trail of Mary Jones!

eBook ISBN: ISBN: 978-0-9933941-5-7

Paperback ISBN 978-0-9525956-2-5

5.5 x 8.5 inches

156 pages of story, photographs, line drawings and puzzles

### Pilgrim's Progress

An Adventure Book

Chris Wright

Travel with young Christian as he sets out on a difficult and perilous journey to find the King. Solve the puzzles and riddles along the way, and help Christian reach the Celestial City. Then travel with his friend Christiana. She has four young brothers who can sometimes be a bit of a problem.

Be warned, you will meet giants and lions -- and even dragons! There are people who don't want Christian and Christiana to reach the city of the King and his Son. But not everyone is an enemy. There are plenty of friendly people. It's just a matter of finding them.

Are you prepared to help? Are you sure? The journey can be very dangerous! As with our book Mary Jones and Her Bible, you can enjoy the story even if you don't want to try the puzzles.

This is a simplified and abridged version of Pilgrim's Progress -- Special Edition, containing illustrations and a mix of puzzles. The suggested reading age is up to perhaps ten. Older readers will find the same story told in much greater detail in Pilgrim's Progress -- Special Edition on the next page.

eBook ISBN 13: 978-0-9933941-6-4

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9525956-6-3

5.5 x 8.5 inches 174 pages £6.95

Available from major internet stores

### Pilgrim's Progress

### Special Edition

Chris Wright

This book for all ages is a great choice for young readers, as well as for families, Sunday school teachers, and anyone who wants to read John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress in a clear form.

All the old favourites are here: Christian, Christiana, the Wicket Gate, Interpreter, Hill Difficulty with the lions, the four sisters at the House Beautiful, Vanity Fair, Giant Despair, Faithful and Talkative -- and, of course, Greatheart. The list is almost endless.

The first part of the story is told by Christian himself, as he leaves the City of Destruction to reach the Celestial City, and becomes trapped in the Slough of Despond near the Wicket Gate. On his journey he will encounter lions, giants, and a creature called the Destroyer.

Christiana follows along later, and tells her own story in the second part. Not only does Christiana have to cope with her four young brothers, she worries about whether her clothes are good enough for meeting the King. Will she find the dangers in Vanity Fair that Christian found? Will she be caught by Giant Despair and imprisoned in Doubting Castle? What about the dragon with seven heads?

It's a dangerous journey, but Christian and Christiana both know that the King's Son is with them, helping them through the most difficult parts until they reach the Land of Beulah, and see the Celestial City on the other side of the Dark River. This is a story you will remember for ever, and it's about a journey you can make for yourself.

eBook ISBN: 978-0-9932760-8-8

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9525956-7-0

5.5 x 8.5 inches 278 pages

Available from major internet stores

### Zephan and the Vision

Chris Wright

An exciting story about the adventures of two angels who seem to know almost nothing -- until they have a vision!

Two ordinary angels are caring for the distant Planet Eltor, and they are about to get a big shock -- they are due to take a trip to Planet Earth! This is Zephan's story of the vision he is given before being allowed to travel with Talora, his companion angel, to help two young people fight against the enemy.

Arriving on Earth, they discover that everyone lives in a small castle. Some castles are strong and built in good positions, while others appear weak and open to attack. But it seems that the best-looking castles are not always the most secure.

Meet Castle Nadia and Castle Max, the two castles that Zephan and Talora have to defend. And meet the nasty creatures who have built shelters for themselves around the back of these castles. And worst of all, meet the shadow angels who live in a cave on Shadow Hill. This is a story about the forces of good and the forces of evil. Who will win the battle for Castle Nadia?

The events in this story are based very loosely on John Bunyan's allegory The Holy War.

E-book ISBN: 978-0-9932760-6-4

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9525956-9-4

5.5 x 8.5 inches 216 pages

Available from major internet stores

### Agathos, The Rocky Island,

### And Other Stories

Chris Wright

Once upon a time there were two favourite books for Sunday reading: Parables from Nature and Agathos and The Rocky Island.

These books contained short stories, usually with a hidden meaning. In this illustrated book is a selection of the very best of these stories, carefully retold to preserve the feel of the originals, coupled with ease of reading and understanding for today's readers.

Discover the king who sent his servants to trade in a foreign city. The butterfly who thought her eggs would hatch into baby butterflies, and the two boys who decided to explore the forbidden land beyond the castle boundary. The spider that kept being blown in the wind, the soldier who had to fight a dragon, the four children who had to find their way through a dark and dangerous forest. These are just six of the nine stories in this collection. Oh, and there's also one about a rocky island!

This is a book for a young person to read alone, a family or parent to read aloud, Sunday school teachers to read to the class, and even for grownups who want to dip into the fascinating stories of the past all by themselves. Can you discover the hidden meanings? You don't have to wait until Sunday before starting!

eBook ISBN: 978-0-9927642-7-2

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9525956-8-7

5.5 x 8.5 inches 148 pages £5.95

Available from major internet stores

eBook **Coming Soon**

### Secrets of the Oak Room

Marion E Forster

Abridged edition

It is 1902. Three fifteen-year-old boys meet on holiday at an old house on Dartmoor in Devon, where they hear talk of a haunted room that no one else in the house will enter. Joined by Rosie, the young sister of one of the boys, they set out to discover just what secrets the room holds. When one of the four disappears while exploring the house, and then another, it is clear that something serious has happened. One of the boys wants to enlist in the army when he is older, but in whose army will it be? This is an exciting story of secret passages and sinister men!

White Tree Publishing Abridged Edition

eBook only

ISBN: 978-0-9954549-5-8

Don't forget to check our website www.whitetreepublishing.com for the latest books, and updates on availability

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