BBC finally highlights unapologetic faith in action.

Alongside the triumph of the Ashers Bakery court victory comes news of the ongoing nationwide impact of Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

At a time when we are witnessing an ever-widening gulf between rich and poor, the CAP organisation founded by John Kirkby has swept across the country like a refreshing wave of compassion, setting up branches in many towns and cities and providing tremendous relief and support to countless people often feeling overwhelmed by mountainous debts.

The BBC’s sympathetic hour-long profiling of their work in The Debt Saviours documentary (BBC2) was as welcome as it was unexpected.

Inability to pay off arrears often leads to the most enormous pressures on families, and it is this that CAP workers understand so well as they combine their excellent debt counselling services with a generous dose of genuine care – and, yes, they do offer to pray for clients while respecting their wishes however they respond.

Unapologetic Faith

I was very struck with the TV programme and delighted that the BBC had for once shown Christians in a very positive light. It helped that the participants were boldly unapologetic about praying for people in the process.

They are in a sense fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission (that his disciples should spread the Gospel everywhere) in a double-track way – both by preaching the good news and by not forgetting the poor, as Christ commanded us.

At a time when we are witnessing an ever-widening gulf between rich and poor, CAP has swept across the country like a refreshing wave of compassion.

I had a bit to do with CAP some years ago when I was sports editor of the Selby Times in North Yorkshire. On the rare occasions when sporting issues did not require my immediate attention, I wrote a few stories about what they were doing including the testimony of how a family became Christians after they were helped out of debt.

I then organised a cricket match to raise money for them – and comedian Tommy Cannon played for my team, giving a pretty decent all-round performance!

As some of my colleagues at Prophecy Today have said, the situation of personal debt in the current economic climate is bound to get worse – Brexit or no Brexit – and there will be an increasing need for this inspiring work.

Faith in Action

The BBC2 programme followed the lives of some very brave CAP clients and frontline workers battling amidst the current UK poverty epidemic, and showed the wonderful work being done through the local Church.

CAP advisers were seen going into people’s homes and praying with clients. Many were helped out of debt and subsequently began attending church.

It’s this sort of focus on the work and motivation of Christians that could well contribute in part to a turning of the tide in the nation as the genuineness of a supernatural faith borne out of a real relationship with God is seen in action – and on the TV screen!

Perhaps there is hope yet for the BBC!

'The Debt Saviours' is still available on iPlayer: click here to watch. 

If we are to regain peace in our nation, we have to study the social geography of voting in the Referendum and learn from it.

My joy at hearing the result of the Referendum was very short-lived when I saw the dismay of some of the younger members of my own family.

Social media went into overdrive in condemnation of the decision to leave the European Union, which many young people saw not as a victory for freedom but as a triumph for racism and prejudice against foreigners.

I was immediately moved with compassion for those who felt betrayed by the older generation who had voted heavily for leaving the EU and who they accuse of not considering the views of young people and their future. But a breakdown of the voting pattern shows that it was not only older voters who wanted to break with the European Union. There were other social dimensions to the voting which are most informative about our society.

Understanding the 'Older' Vote

But first, why did so many older people vote 'Leave'? The simple answer is that they remember being told in 1975 that Britain was joining a trading organisation that would lead to great prosperity for all the nations of Europe and bring greater international cooperation and harmony - which is what everyone desired in the aftermath of two terrible wars in the 20^th Century.

But fundamental changes have taken place in the European Union, from simple trade agreements to political power being removed from our own Government to Brussels and Strasbourg, and our politicians actually admitting that we had been deceived.

The older generation was brought up in a social environment of strict morality where truth, loyalty, integrity and righteousness were universally accepted values – they deeply resent being deceived.

The older generation remember joining a trading organisation that promised peace and prosperity – and which became about political power.

Voting on Principle

These issues and the philosophy underlying the policy being pursued by the European Union were not discussed during the Referendum debate, which was an utter disgrace, descending into personal abuse and slogan shouting.

Many in the older generation ignored the debate and held fast to their social values. They knew that if Britain voted to leave the EU, there would be a period of severe economic turmoil. But, in the long-term, it seems they also believed that British character is sufficiently strong to come through the shockwaves of change and steer the country through to a time of prosperity, equality and a recovery of the values and heritage we have lost.

This is why so many in the older generation voted to reassert our independence from the EU and seek a new relationship with the other nations of Europe in a partnership of peace and prosperity. They did not want to leave Europe! They wanted Britain to decide our own destiny!

Voting Against the Establishment

But it was not only the older generation in Britain who voted 'Leave'. In areas of social deprivation, it was young people who see no future for themselves in simply maintaining the status quo. Their vote was as much against the Westminster establishment who never listen to their plight as it was against the European Union, which is just another set of faceless rulers in the 'them and us' structure of society in which they are the forgotten underclass.

For many young people and ordinary working people this was an opportunity to go against those in power. It was a chance to give a black eye to the bankers, stockbrokers, big business moguls and politicians (even including the Labour Party leaders). Sadly, we belong to a highly structured and divided society, in which the gap between rich and poor, the haves and the have-nots has been growing steadily wider for at least the past 30 years.

It was not only the older generation who voted 'Leave', but also young people – particularly in areas of social deprivation.

This is why the Labour Party is in turmoil today - because it has always been a mixture of middle-class idealists and ordinary working people, but the gap between the workers and the middle classes has grown steadily wider.

The Social Geography of the Vote

Many firms in Britain have been recruiting from Eastern Europe, where migrant workers are willing to work for lower wages that are still vastly higher that they can get in their own countries. But this has created huge resentment among British workers, especially when the migrants bring their families, with great impact upon schools and the Health Service.

The affluent middle classes, academics, civil servants, politicians, bankers and businessmen who voted to 'remain' don't have to compete for jobs with immigrants, feel the upheaval of drastic cultural change or send their children to overcrowded schools. The unwillingness of Labour politicians in Westminster to face these issues is now tearing their Party apart.

If we are to regain peace in our nation, we have to study the social geography of voting in the Referendum and learn from it.

According to figures published by The Times (25 June 2016), 72% of voters in areas of high average house prices (above £282,000) voted to remain; whereas in areas where house prices are lower than that, 79% voted to leave the EU. Similarly, in affluent areas, 65% voted to remain, whereas in areas where average wages are lower than £23,000, 77% voted to leave.

In terms of occupation and education the differences are even greater, with 86% voting to leave the EU in areas of high manufacturing and 83% in local authority areas where more than a quarter of the electorate do not have at least five good GCSEs.

British society is highly divided, with the gap between the haves and the have-nots growing steadily wider for at least the past 30 years.

Holding Out Hope

So what can Christians do to heal the divisions that are so apparent in our nation and promote harmony and a single-minded determination to seek the national good?

First, we all need to show love and compassion to those who fear for the future. We have to replace fear with hope. This can only be done by reasserting the values that have held the nation together during times of great trouble and danger in times past, and by encouraging people to put their trust in the Lord. Today, as one of our readers said in a perceptive comment, our situation is more like Dunkirk than D-Day. When we found ourselves alone facing vast hostility across the Channel we cried out to God for help; we put our trust in the Lord and he answered our prayers. This is the first thing we need to do today!

Secondly we know that we are facing turbulence for the next two years and at the moment we have no stable Government or credible Opposition. Both political parties are deeply divided and have no clear plans for the future, which is highly dangerous for the nation. Christians should be coming together to seek the Lord for his plans. Now is the time for believers to close ranks and unite in prayer for the nation; boldly speaking the word of the Lord. We know that it is only when we recognise the mess we are in and we cry out to the Lord in repentance that any real change will come in the nation, because God always responds to such prayers.

Thirdly we must intercede for our politicians. Prayer groups and intercessors should be praying for the MPs who have to elect a Prime Minister and for each of the candidates. Of the three leading contenders Theresa May attends her local Anglican church, Michael Gove is an Anglo-Catholic and Stephen Crabb is an Evangelical: all three are known to be friendly to Israel. But we not only need a Godly Prime Minister, we need committed Christians in the Cabinet who will have the discernment to know the will of God for the nation and the courage to speak the word of the Lord in decision-making.

Prayer groups should let their local MP know that they are being supported in prayer and ask if there are any special prayer needs. The next few weeks are especially important to pray for MPs when far-reaching decisions will be made. This is where Christians can play a vital part in the affairs of the nation. We need the same boldness that Peter and John had when they faced the leaders of Israel in Jerusalem soon after the Day of Pentecost. They spoke about Jesus and declared "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4.12).

This is the message that should be upon our lips and declared in our Parliament and in the public square!

Maureen Trowbridge reviews 'Embracing the Poor: Releasing, resourcing and equipping the poor for world mission' (Ed. David Adams, 2011, 190 pages, New Frontiers International, RoperPenberthy Publishing)

This eye-opening collection of essays, brought together by David Adams with a foreword from Matthew Frost (CEO of Tearfund), gives an indication of just how much the Bible has to say about 'the poor and needy' and the help God wants to give them through his people.

Jesus Our Example

Beginning with a chapter on God's heart for the poor, the book makes no assumptions, turning first to the question of 'Who are the poor?'. Subsequent chapters give much space to Jesus' own attitude to the poor, with authors noting that "Compassion was a hallmark of the life of Jesus" (p25).

Christ himself was poor and though the gospel he brought was for all, "he was particularly concerned that the poor and needy would realise that this good news was for them" (p24). Indeed, when he stood in the synagogue in his home-town of Nazareth and all but announced his identity as Messiah, he chose to use the words of Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor..." (Luke 4:18-19).

We then trace the response of Jesus and the early Christian Church to the plight of the poor, following Jesus as he travels the country caring for the needy by healing the sick, restoring sight and feeding the hungry. In the process, he forms a new community of disciples and followers.

This eye-opening collection of essays unpacks God's heart for the poor and the help he wants to give them through his people.

Call for Personal Response

Lest readers grow comfortable reading about Jesus' actions without giving a thought to their own, Embracing the Poor also has a richly practical bent to it, looking at how Christians today can continue to live out the grace and compassion of Christ to the poor.

Helpful guidance and advice is given on ministry within the church and how to help those in need so that their lives are changed as they come to know and trust in God. Chapter 7 in particular provides a sound biblical model for churches caring for the poor. Aspects of 'good practice' are also considered, with one chapter containing 20 'key indicators' of good practice for those planning or continuing an existing ministry.

The book closes with inspiring real-life stories of those who have been transformed and are now walking with God, leaving the reader with an inescapable challenge to draw near to God themselves and be changed: "It is our prayer that through reading these testimonies you will put this book down not merely having been informed but that they will cause you to be drawn closer to God in worship of the One who is able to bring about life-changing transformation" (p169).

In the words of Geoff Knott, former Executive Director of Wycliffe Bible Translators, this book "will move you, it will challenge you, it will change you. Be warned."

Embracing the Poor is available from the publishers for £9.99 + P&P.

Paul Luckraft interviews Tony and Kathy Stewart, Founders and Directors of the Mount Moriah Trust, a non-denominational Christian ministry helping needy believers in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.

The story of how Tony and Kathy founded the Mount Moriah Trust and how it has grown under God's guidance and provision is an inspiring example of obedience leading to fruitfulness. They both testify to how God has prepared them for serving him in this particular ministry and can look back over 15 years of his gracious guidance along every step of the way.

Journey to Faith

Starting in 1972, Tony and Kathy made several visits to Israel as part of Tony's working life -staying for up to three months at a time. Although nominal Christians, neither of them were born again believers, but the place and the people began to impact them. During this time Israel was often at war with its neighbours but somehow they always felt safe – even protected – without quite knowing why!

In 1993 the Lord brought them to himself and they began a spiritual journey, maturing in the faith mainly through Christian conferences and Ellel Ministries. They were also faithful members of a local church, but Replacement Theology was a strong feature there and the Holy Spirit spoke clearly to them about this, making them realise how unbiblical it was. An eventual change of church was an inevitable and necessary step of obedience.

Even before they became Christians, Tony and Kathy were impacted by the place and the people of Israel.

New Impetus in Jerusalem

In 2001 a major change occurred as a new impetus emerged. Kathy felt a strong prompting from the Holy Spirit to go to David Hathaway's Fire over Jerusalem conference and while she was there, a chance meeting with a Messianic Jew (who was a taxi driver at her hotel!) opened her eyes to the hardship Jews were facing due to the Second Intifada which had begun the previous year. In addition, Messianic Jews were experiencing persecution and often lost their jobs when it became known that they were believers in Yeshua (Jesus).

On returning home, the Stewarts' first step of obedience was to support this particular believer and his family. After three months, during a time of prayer God told Kathy to start a trust to help needy believers. He assured her that he was birthing this work, and even gave her the name – the Mount Moriah Trust. This was in August 2001; nine months later (28 May 2002) the charity was registered – or, rather, born!

After a chance meeting with a Messianic Jew in Jerusalem, Kathy and Tony became aware that God wanted to birth a bigger project through them: a trust to help needy believers in his Land.

Developing an Approach

They now knew what to do, but not always how to do it! However, Tony found that the experience and skills gained from his working life (he retired in 2005) were now being put to good use in setting up and administering the trust. Ken Burnett of Prayer for Israel became their patron, and they also had the support of their new church which was pro-Israel. But it was still a slow start and it wasn't clear how to operate – until God directed them again!

As a couple they were still providing financial support for the Jerusalem taxi driver and his family, and suddenly they realised that helping families was the way forward. Their focus was to stand alongside believing families and they started with three. With further help from Ken Burnett, contacts were made in Israel and the pattern of working was established – they would work alongside local pastors. This has been their standard method ever since. It is pastors on the ground in Israel who know best the needs of their congregation and how to help them. It would be through them that the financial and spiritual support would be channelled.

At first it was only Messianic Jews who received help, but in 2005 God told them to support Arab believers in Israel also, and pastors in Cana and Nazareth joined the work. This later spread to Palestinian brothers, those in Gaza and the West Bank, as God showed them that when it came to helping Christian believers, there was to be no prejudice. It was to be a balanced operation, like the two arms of a pair of scales. The phrase 'one new man' was impressed upon them as they realised how God wanted to break down walls and barriers.

At first aid was only given to Messianic Jews, but God soon encouraged them to broaden this to include all Christians in the region, Jew or Arab, breaking down barriers.

God Provides!

After this the work grew rapidly. There are now nearly 40 pastors involved in the Trust. Tony and Kathy visit them every year in October/November in order to assess the work. They review the effectiveness of the past year's support and agree with the pastors what they need for the coming year. Tony and Kathy then return home and wait for God to provide! After all that is what God has promised through naming the trust himself – Moriah is the place where he provided the lamb for Abraham to sacrifice (Gen 22:8).

No direct fundraising is necessary. No special appeals are made. Contacts happen as God draws people to the work and under his leading they start to give. Last year £130,000 was raised and it is rising year on year. A total of over one million pounds has now been sent out. Every penny goes to the congregations - nothing is taken out for administration, travel or other costs, which are met privately.

Not only are the agreed needs met each year but there is often something left over to help with emergencies that arise during the year. This is only to be expected - after all, God had given Tony and Kathy a picture of the loaves and fishes, which adorns their logo alongside their motto, 'God provides'.

The story of the Mount Moriah Trust is an inspiring example of obedience leading to fruitfulness, through God's guidance and provision.

Scripture-Based Ministry

God's word has always been a strong motivation for Tony and Kathy, and the ministry has been founded on certain scriptures. "Comfort, comfort my people" (Isa 40:1) was a key word, as were the exhortations of Paul to "share with God's people who are in need" (Rom 12:13) and to "do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Gal 6:10).

The support provided to the elderly, widows, single mums and families is mainly for basic humanitarian needs – food parcels/vouchers, medicines, clothes etc. In recent years the Lord has guided them to support children and youths, ensuring that they have all the books and equipment that they need to get the best education possible, and strengthening their walk with the Lord through sponsoring attendance at summer and winter Bible camps. Helping the next generation to lift themselves out of poverty is seen as a key to the future.

Each step of the way has been guided by God, simply because he planned it from the beginning. Divine appointments keep happening. There are now contacts in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia - plenty to keep Tony and Kathy, God's faithful servants, busy for the rest of their lives! They know there will be more to come – but not knowing exactly how or from where makes this an exciting adventure. God will lead, and they will follow.

Each step of the way has been guided by God, who planned it from the beginning. The future will be an exciting adventure – God will lead and they will follow.

Discover more about the Mount Moriah Trust's work for yourself by visiting their website, mountmoriah.org.uk. Contact Tony and Kathy via the site if you would like to be sent resources to share with others. You can also sign up to receive regular newsletters and invite Tony and Kathy to speak in your area.

Or explore their YouTube channel, where you can listen to some of the local pastors speaking, as well as view the Mount Moriah Trust DVD entitled 'The Heart of God'.