The fellowship at Street Baptist Church organised a series of A Passion for Life events which took place from April 8 -11 in Street, Somerset.
In Strode Sports Centre, over 200 people came to each of the three evening meetings where they heard from engaging and entertaining guest speakers. The event theme was based around the question ‘what’s your passion?’ with the speakers representing a range of interests that people are passionate about: music, people and sport.
Paul Jones (lead singer with Manfred Mann) and Fiona Hendley (actress and singer) shared stories from their careers and they spoke of having ‘fame and acclaim but something missing’ until they discovered the peace and strength that comes from their faith in God.
Attack at a nursery
Lisa Potts became well known in 1996 following an attack at a children’s nursery where, as a 21-year-old nursery assistant, she suffered horrific injuries in protecting the children in her care against a machete wielding intruder. Lisa spoke of God giving her the strength to forgive her attacker and carrying her through the many difficult times since the attack.
Olympic rower
Olympian Debbie Flood entertained and challenged the audience as she shared some of the highs and lows of her 17-year rowing career which included winning silver medals at the Athens and Beijing Olympics as well as competing in London 2012. Greater than her passion for sport, her even deeper passion for Jesus came through clearly at the end of the interview when the question was posed: ‘If you could have perfect health leading up to London 2012 and win gold but have to give up Jesus would you be tempted?’ Debbie’s instant response was: ‘Definitely not! My life is defined by Jesus. You can lose a medal but Jesus will not lose you’.
