Newsletter, June 2006

Dear Friends,

Again it's a wonderful pleasure to bring you some snippets of the work of the Lord Jesus being done through the John Wilson Trust (from now on referred to as the JWT).

One big lesson I learn constantly is that you cannot please people. You may, as Abraham Lincoln said, "please some of the people all of the time, or all of the people some of the time, but you cannot please all of the people all of the time." In my wild years, ripping through the world, the authorities used to tell me how wrong I was. Judges, the police, probation officers, prison governors, officials, psychiatrists, social workers, doctors, teachers and many more in authority warned, pleaded, punished, screamed at me to change my attitude. Causing all this mayhem, was I not destroying my own life and other lives?

So at the dizzy age of 28, having come to the end of myself, I throw my life into God's good keeping, accept His sacrifice through Christ on the cross as being for me, and begin to live, through Grace, the Christian life. Not six months into my new life of love, peace and compassion someone comes along to me with this: "Don't you think you're going too far with this Christian thing? Calm down - take it easy - you don't have to go this far". My answer to this man was, "How far did Christ go for me?", at which he just glared and walked away. The point is, Christians are not here to please people. We are here to please the Lord Jesus and Him alone. Not one person, or a million, can separate us from the grasp of Jesus. So, dear friends, don't be downcast if people ignore, ridicule or laugh at our faith; we will always be victorious through Christ's Spirit. Go on for Christ; forget self, forget vanity, and He will guide your steps, work through you and give you joy unspeakable. So then, on with the news.

January, 2006

Lucie Guilbert is a prison officer at the Guernsey States Prison. She has been, and is, greatly used in the prison to speak to "cons" about Jesus. We have been in touch now for about 14 years, and she has encouraged me personally on many occasions. The odd thing is that in those 14 years we have never met face to face. She is a "phone friend", and we have completed dozens of "missions" together. I send her books, mags, tapes, CDs, DVDs, and she gets them into the right hands. In her latest call she asked me for one of the books to be personally signed "To Danny". Danny is a satanist. However, over the past few months he is being "broken" through the witness of a number of Christians. Having done time myself in the Guernsey States Prison (for assaulting a police sergeant with a roast chicken), Lucie says that this fact encourages the cons to read the book and ask her many questions. Many of our jails have Christian officers, who in the course of doing a very difficult job are used mightily by Jesus in reaching out to those unfortunate enough to find themselves doing time.

As a footnote, friends, let us pray for our Christian brethren in the public services. They are on the front line, yet do such a positive and necessary job - firemen, ambulance people, police, prison officers, search and rescue people, etc. Please pray powerfully and pleadingly that these members of the Bride of Christ are protected and used by the Lord.

February, 2006

Mike Stafford, editor of the "Peace Within" magazine, rang to ask for books & tracts for a Reform School in South Africa. A dozen books and 15,000 tracts were sent out to Katernbora Reform School, P.O. Box 60017, Kazungula, Livingstone, Zambia (Southern Africa). The man who runs it is a Christian, Harry Chansa. Mick has a powerful testimony, and (D.V.) you'll be able to read it in a future newsletter. The magazine "Peace Within" and Martin Tuson's "Set Free Ministries" have become cult favourites in prison. Even the most notorious and "unchristian" of souls enjoy it. Written for those in prison, 90% by those in prison, these magazines are really incredible - the testimonies and articles just continue to encourage the soul from page one right through. I would like to add here that Martin Tuson has just had his first book published - "Reflection of Christ" - containing testimonies of healing written by those who have received healing from Jesus. Whether physical, mental or spiritual, we all need healing. The fact that God cares enough to show us His power in this way is a wonderful uplift for any true Christian. Martin's book is available via the following contact options:

1. www.authorhouse.co.uk (click on bookstore)
Email: bkorders@authorhouse.co.uk

2. Direct from Martin Tuson, 75 Towerview Avenue, Bangor, Co. Down, N. Ireland. BT19 6BT.
Email: martintuson@tiscali.co.uk

3. Phone 08450 753 455 extension 5909. Ask for Daniel.

The book "Impossible with Men ..." has now been translated and published in Albanian. We have had some good positive press concerning this, with local news coverage as well as magazine write-ups. The fact that "Impossible with Men" has now had a reprint of 100,000 in Eastern Europe can only be explained by it being "Possible with God". John Locke, a brother from Falkirk who is involved with Liberty Christian Trust, has spent countless hours and travelled thousands of miles to secure the printing and distribution of the book. Everyone who goes to jail in the Czech Republic, Albania, Italy or Greece, whether man, woman or young offender, gets a copy of the book. Thank you, John Locke, for your faithful courage and Christian love. May the Lord touch thousands of souls and bring many to Himself through your efforts.

March, 2006

Had a letter from Brother Y. Devasahayam, P.O. Box 1, B.H.P.V. Post, Visakhapatnam-530 012 A.P. India, with photos of the pastors and assembly. and including a request to send out literature and any other Christian aid. Sent out a large parcel (Postage cost £50) with Bibles, books, tapes, CDs, tracts, writing materials (pens, markers, etc.) and a lot more. It really touched me when Bro. Devasahayam told me that one of my personal tracts had come into their possession. They had photocopied it 2,000 times and put it through the doors in the villages around. It's certainly embarrassing when I think of some of our excuses for not doing what we should, with all the tools at our disposal. On my travels I hear of Christians not talking to, and ignoring, each other. Others avoid each other because of doctrinal differences ("no-one's going to tell me that my denomination is wrong..." etc.), often involving just downright rudeness, huffiness or jealousy. To someone like myself who did not have the opportunity to be brought up by caring Christian parents, but was, in contrast, "pulled from the jaws of hell", it's very disappointing, to say the least. We are not saved to outdo each other, or act the Christian, but rather to be in submission to Christ that He may work His will through us - not climbing over each other, but "decreasing", so that He may increase in our inner being, in order to accomplish His mission through our time on earth.

Had a wonderful letter from Rev. John K. Zimba, who is the chaplain in Kamfinsa State Prison in Zambia. He requested Christian literature for the prisoners, so another parcel (£50 postage again) was duly sent, packed with enough outreach material to cover the entire jail. These are wonderful opportunities to supply whole prisons with evangelical tools.

Also, Matthew Bashirov Ahmed writes from Chatuchak Prison in Bangkok, Thailand, thanking us for parcels received over the months. The prisoners share the Christian literature, which is in big demand. So, how about having a good clean-out, and if you have any Christian books, mags or tracts that you are finished with, please pass them on to the JWT - better to be read and used than lie around in some drawer or cupboard!

April, 2006

I was invited by the R.E. teacher at Dumfries Academy to share my testimony with some of the classes. The youngsters were very attentive, and when I finished speaking they asked some very interesting questions regarding the gospel. Most got a signed book, and I'm sure the seed fell on fertile ground.

Once again I met up with Sandy & Ethel Ferguson and Ronald McNabb for a singing outreach. We had an excellent half-dozen choruses, along with Ronald's sketch-board gospel presentation. Many stopped to listen - some tracts and a couple of books were given out and I met a man I'd not seen for over 40 years. Some people offered us money for the church, but were told that the Gift of God is free. Pray for Glen Aros, The Windmill, River of Life, Salvation Army, Christian Care for the Homeless, Baptist Church, Bethany Hall - in fact for all of the churches that outreach in many different ways. Sometimes it may feel as if not much is happening. However it's not feelings that matter, but facts - what God says is true, not what we think or feel. We are not responsible for results - that's God's business. No, we are called to be loyal to Christ in a world that tries to disregard Him. Keep passing on the gospel. Whether you are a 12 year old schoolgirl speaking to classmates or a 70 year old Christian veteran speaking to multitudes, it should all come back as glory for Jesus. Those who love Christ should always have good fellowship regardless of our denomination.

Met Kenny and Helen, two poor souls addicted to heroin. They promised to watch the DVD and read the tracts. It breaks my heart to see our little town getting darker and darker with the scourge of illegal drugs. Our young people are being captured by these dreadful opiates which go on to slowly kill and rob their souls. The fresh and smiling faces that used to speak to me in the High Street at school dinner break as I held up my banner are, two or three years later, looking at me with haunted, drained expressions, usually begging money for drugs. This town, like lots of others, needs salvation, and needs it right now. Let's all redouble our prayer efforts, asking God to save our town.

George Perrie picked me up for our journey to Hampden Park for the semi-final of the Scottish Cup (Dundee vs. Gretna). With banner raised and George weaving in and out among the supporters, supplying each soul with a solid gospel tract, we had a very successful outreach. In just one hour we dropped over 500 tracts into the right hands, and in addition had a dozen or so good conversations. Graham, from Airdrie Baptist Church, filmed our outreach and told us he would show part of the video at his gospel service the following Lord's Day morning.

Rolf Buwert, brother of Klaus and a good friend, asked if I would give a short testimony at his drug seminar which is aimed at showing parents how to detect the warning signs of drug and alcohol abuse. The session was very positive and we had a very relaxed chat afterwards. St. George's Church do a wonderful work for Christ in Dumfries, and this is just one of many activities entrusted to them by the Lord.

May, 2006

As I read the local newspaper (Dumfries & Galloway Standard) I realised that an old friend, Alex Kirkpatrick, had been killed in Newcastle by a hit-and-run driver. Just last Christmas we met in the High Street and reminisced at length. Alex had a colourful background, and up until eight years ago was an unfortunate victim of drug addiction. However he kicked the whole scene and turned his life around to helping youngsters out of the same boat that he'd been in. I first met him as a young fresh Commis Chef when I worked at the Station Hotel in Dumfries as a Second Chef. Being six years his senior, I taught him how to make omelettes and bone out hams. His comical sense of humour always made me laugh. How sudden was his end, but fortunately he was a believer, and I'm sure we'll meet again.

Had to decline invitations to speak in India, Zambia and U.S.A. since long hauls are out - physically I just can't make it. However with books, CDs, DVDs and tracts we can still maintain a solid flow of gospel outreach.

Was invited again to speak at Accrington. This time, as well as general outreach, it was to talk to the mother and friends of a young man awaiting court for possession of drugs. George Perrie and I obliged and were warmly greeted. Returning home we felt that wonderful rush of having pleased the Lord. Please remember Carol and her son, along with Ellie who was greatly touched by the gospel message.

June, 2006

Keenan and Cameron, the two "new" local Mormons, introduced themselves at my front door. We had a very revealing conversation. They were quite surprised to find themselves agreeing with me on many spiritual points, especially concerning the last days (2 Tim. 3 v.1-5). How can people ever know they are wrong if no-one tells them the truth? Anyhow, when they left each accepted a book from me. Spread the faith as well as keep it!

Shared a brilliant open-air in Dumfries with John Hughes from Kinross. Over the years John has been a solid witness for Jesus. A very capable speaker, he has preached many sermons in Dumfries. Recently we had an excellent opportunity, and gave out the gospel in many forms. Jolyon was a very smart young enquirer who gave up half an hour of his time to ask the real questions about life: What am I doing here? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Not only was he satisfied with the answers (straight from Scripture), but also left with a book, DVD and assorted tracts. Likewise Jennifer, who asked, "Are we reincarnated after death?" was gently told how to be "reincarnated" now, through Grace alone. She also left, excitedly clutching her new opportunities - DVD, tracts, book and New Testament.

Recently had a call from a distressed lady: would I go to see her at the Battered Wives Centre in Dumfries? After obtaining advice and material help from Ellie Brewster I headed for the Centre. When I say I was shocked when I saw this lady, that is the literal truth. The thing that hurt me most was that I knew both her and her husband as Christians. Wearing rose-tinted spectacles for years concerning Christian behaviour, I could not bring myself to believe that Christians could do the atrocious things that I heard of. However I had no choice but to squarely face the fact that Christians also lose it, both abusing and accusing life. Imagine me, brought up in a violent and aggressive atmosphere, finding similar things happening among members of the Bride of Christ! The shock has gone, yet it's very sad that any of us should have the effrontery to insult God in this fashion. Then when we read Jeremiah 17 v.9 we must realise that it covers the whole human race. The lady in question needs a lot of prayer. Please intercede on her behalf.

Without Grace - and keeping our relationship with God depends on this alone - we are apt to sin just like anyone else. It's easy to point a finger at the sin of others, but remember that as we do this our other three fingers are pointing back at ourselves. It's not how bad we are, but the fact that just one sin bars us from Heaven. Though the world regards 9 out of 10 as a lot better than 2 out of 10, as far as God is concerned they're both a fail mark. God declares everyone as equal in this respect - all have sinned and there is no difference, since all are equally lost - see Romans 3 v.22-30. Commendable as good works are, my friends, no person goes to Heaven because they are "good enough". We go there only because Jesus Christ was good enough for us. He is our Substitute, and the only sacrifice necessary and acceptable to God for the sin of the whole human race, past, present and future. No wonder true Christians love Jesus above all. He and His sacrifice on our behalf is everything we have to boast of. Anyone who tries to present their own "righteousness" as a ticket to Heaven is grossly deceived - see Isaiah 64 v.6.

So let us realise that the only way to overcome our capacity and the urge to sin is to use the resources God supplies. Ephesians 6 v.18-20 tells us how to spend a day in His presence. By putting on the armour of God we can overcome all attacks, temptations, principalities and powers. We can hold God's hand all day and be a useful vessel rather than an embarrassment to God and His people. Let's be the light, relaxing and trusting God for results. Let's be real ambassadors in a lost and dark world. If we rush into the day ill-prepared, it will surely catch you out. Sore head? Confused? Anxious? Irritable? Caught up with self? Just a few of the signs that you're trying to do it on your own, and ignoring God's fellowship. The Lord says He will honour us if we do it His way - 1 Samuel 2 v.30. Let's do it.

Over the years I have had a great blessing through hospital visitation. Hospitals, be they for physical or mental needs, are something we can't do without. Certainly without them many of us would have had an early exit from this world, John Wilson being one such case. What a privilege to walk the wards with the wonderful healing message of the gospel. In these last six months alone we have reached at least four dozen souls on a personal level, as well as leaving good, solid literature in the right places. The years of hospital involvement have had a significant role in reaching others for Christ. To connect with people at a deep level you can't beat having been in their situation yourself at one time.

Because of my cooking background, and having worked in such select eating establishments as the Press Club in London's Fleet Street, Mr. Fogg's Restaurant in Piccadilly, A Taste of the Twenties in Oxford Circus, as well as numerous "famous" hotels around the country, I decided to write, enclosing a copy of my book, to a number of celebrity chefs. So, in the last six months, here are some whose signed photos have fallen through our letter-box: Jamie Oliver, Sophie Grigson, Gary Rhodes, Ainsley Harriott, A. Worrall-Thompson and Alison Hammond. I used "soul food" as the basis for the letters I wrote, and lo and behold we scored six out of six. May the Lord Jesus touch all of these talented food-preparers. While on the subject of signed photos, here are some of our recent returns from the "Who's Who" outreach: Alexei Sayle (comedian), Ruby Wax (chat host), Ben Elton (writer), Kim Wilde (80s pop star), Jonathan Price (actor), Right said Fred (pop band), Barbara Windsor (soap star), Philip Schofield (presenter), Robert Duvall (actor), Jack Straw M.P., Brigitte Bardot (French actress), Danni Minogue (pop star), Donald Sutherland (actor), Colin Jackson (hurdle champion), Roger Moore (actor), Quentin Tarantino (film director), John Travolta (film actor), David Gower & Nasser Hussein (cricketers) and Uma Thurman (actress). Now, whatever our opinion of the arts, I can't see God wasting time in enabling these folks to receive books without some kind of outcome - God alone knows how the seed sown will accomplish His purposes. Please continue to pray for this outreach. We now have over 500 "well known faces" in our "return" drawer, as well as over 1000 notes of acknowledgement. Just as I finish this part, Michelle Pfeiffer (actress / model) has "fallen through" on the way to the return drawer.

Five of my Assembly brethren joined to protest recently outside a meeting held in Dumfries High School, to promote atheism. Those attending the event had paid £12 each to be told lies about the "non-existence" of God. Our folks gave them special gospel tracts at the door, and pray that the message of free Grace will find its mark in these souls whom God created and loves, i.e. that they will be saved.

The website www.johnwilsontrust.free-online.co.uk is doing a good job. People who access it can download the book "Impossible with Men..." for free, as well as tracts and magazines. Currently-available VideoCDs and DVDs are also listed. Pass on the information - now is the time. Kevin Park, son of Colin & Jean, deserves a big mention, with the positive and practical help he puts into the computer side of the work. Robb Alcorn, who runs the JWT website and produces the videos, works tirelessly to keep things moving along. These two are a priceless pair of friends. Kevin also designed the cover for the Albanian version of "Impossible with Men..." which is being seen by thousands. Every detail each of us contributes, large or small, is important. Can I just say a big "thank you" to all of my fellow-workers, the following being just some of them: Kevin, Robb, Klaus, Alistair, Fiona, Joanna, Lachlan, George, Carole, Joy, Margaret, Ellie, Gladys, Stephen, John Hughes, John Locke, Roger Penney, Geordie McGauchie, Jimmy & Fran, John Rice, Sandy & Ethel, Ronald, John & Emma Fisher, Bethany Hall Assembly & the Dumfries Christians (I love you all), Christian Care for the Homeless, and many others. Yes, I'm a little overwhelmed by all of this, yes, I get very excited - all these friends, all of these opportunities to do something for the King. If I could show you a 10-minute flashback you'd understand. Much will be expected of us who have been saved from much, and we also love much. I am horrified by sin - what it does and what it is. So now I don't want to even come near to what it was like. Hence I can't join in much of what happens for fear of gossip, or disrespect to God. I'm not going back to the "death world" for anyone - I'm sure I'd rather die! Let's continue to encourage and exhort each other. If we can't do that, let's not do anything to cause trouble in the camp or individually.

Now to close, the usual "Encouragement Corner" is a portion of a letter I received (a good while back) from my dear friends the Hootons from Bella Vista, Arizona, USA. I met them in 1991 when they came to Bethany Hall in Dumfries while on holiday in Scotland. Carole, Rebekah and I invited them home for lunch after the Sunday morning service. We kept in touch, and over the past 15 years the Hootons have supported and encouraged me greatly. Here is the letter, just after the 9-11 disaster:
 

Alone of all the disciples, John had kept an even pace. He was there at the crucifixion - there every time, always faithful to Christ. Yes, he had (1) leaned on Christ, (2) stood by Christ, (3) run to see Christ. And now (4) he is following after Christ. And once again he cloaks himself behind that beautiful presence of the risen Master, Jesus. Little wonder this man was used to write "Be thou faithful unto death".