Passion for Life, 2010

This was our first series of Passion for Life events and various churches throughout Stoke-on-Trent were involved in the hosting of special interviews with people who have had life changing encounters with God and come to believe in Jesus Christ.

You can click the links directly to listen online or you can save the file as an MP3 to listen from your device. To do this, right click the link and select 'Save target as...' to download.

Robin Oake - Wednesday 5th May 2010

In January 2003 Robin, a retired Chief Constable from Shrewsbury, received a phone call to say that his son, Stephen, had been murdered. Stephen Oake, who was also in the police service, had been stabbed to death during an anti-terror raid in Manchester. Robin says he was stunned by the news: "He was a wonderful son... he was very brave in his duties... a man who just enjoyed his job, but he also enjoyed his family... he lived for other people." Hear how Robin came to forgive his son's killers.

Hear his interview by clicking the link. The interview was followed with Robin answering questions from the floor and a talk by Paul Hinton.

Interview | Paul Hinton Talk

Eddie Roberts - Thursday 6th May 2010

Eddie, married to Elizabeth, is from Liverpool. His mother was a Roman Catholic; his father a staunch Protestant. As an angry young man he was expelled from school and became very involved in Ulster's paramilitary. He went on to represent the UK in Jujitsu which channelled some of his aggression. Family tragedy was to cause Eddie's whole life to turn around. Hear what turned Eddie from religious hatred to wanting to bring peace to the streets of Liverpool.

Hear his interview by clicking the link. The interview was followed with Eddie answering questions from the floor and a talk by Paul Hinton.

Interview | Paul Hinton Talk

Keren Baker - Friday 7th May 2010

For Keren and her husband Steve, the 10th May 2006 is a date that changed their lives for ever. It was the day that her 2 year old twin Nataile suddenly died. What happened? How did she cope with such a tradegy? How has it affected her and her family? What has helped her to keep going through such difficult times? Hear Kerren share something of the process of dealing with this tradegy.

Hear her interview by clicking the link. The interview was followed with Keren answering questions from the floor and a talk by Paul Hinton.

Interview | Paul Hinton Talk

Euan Murray - Wednesday 12th May 2010

An horrific, near fatal, rugby injury led Euan to reflect on his life as a professional sportsman. He came to the conclusion that money, fame and possessions were all 'bubbles' - bright, shiny and fun - but the minute you catch hold of them they burst and are empty. Although still a professional rugby player Euan now says that playing rugby is not what fuels his happiness in life.

Hear his interview by clicking the link. The interview was followed with Euan answering questions from the floor and a talk by Nick Howard.

Interview | Nick Howard Talk

Debbie Flood - Thursday 13th May 2010

Born in Harrogate, Debbie has shown tremendous Yorkshire grit and determination in winning Olympic silver medals at both the Athens and Beijing games in the quadruple sculls. Debbie even learnt Chinese! Having worked full-time in a young offenders institution, Debbie is back into practising each day in all weathers, in preparation for the London Olympics. Hear Debbie share her story and tell why her faith in God is more important to her than all the medals she has won.

Hear her interview by clicking the link. The interview was followed with Debbie answering questions from the floor and a talk by Nick Howard.

Interview | Nick Howard Talk

Connie Locker - Friday 14th May 2010

Born in Zimbabwe, Connie was abused as a child. Desperate to be wanted, liked, valued and loved she ran away from home with an older man she hardly knew. Hers is a story of adventure, pain and tradegy. Hear how she found peace and meaning to her life. She is now the co-ordinator of Worth, a self-esteem and mentoring programme with North Staffs Youth For Christ.

Hear her interview by clicking the link. The interview was followed with Connie answering questions from the floor and a talk by Nick Howard.

Interview | Nick Howard Talk

Q&A Session - Saturday 15th May 2010

Nick Howard gave a short talk before a time of questions from visitors. Click the link above to hear this.

Billy Ainscough - Thursday 20th May 2010

Billy was a Liverpool fan and going to matches with his mates was a way of life for him. But his life completely changed after surviving the horrific crushes at Hillsborough just over 20 years ago. Something dramatic happened, while he was in the crush, that saved his life. Hear how it was to have a life-changing effect upon him.

Hear his interview by clicking the link. The interview was followed with Billy answering questions from the floor and a talk by Vinny Commons.

Interview | Vinny Commons Talk