From casino to Christ to Kosovo... and beyond

A former gambler turned evangelist is planning his next mission at the age of 79.

As a young man, Fane Conant bet on horses every day and spent his Saturdays in the casino. After meeting some Christian sportsmen in his twenties and seeing they ‘had something’ he didn’t, he gave his life to Christ – but it took a decade for him to finally stop gambling.

‘God clearly had a purpose for me,’ Fane shared with en, ‘as I always wanted to share my faith even though my lifestyle was not good.’

Fane entered ordained ministry at the age of 41 and began working as an evangelist with the Luis Palau Association (LPA) 18 years later at 59. Today, he continues to faithfully speak about Jesus – he has recently returned from a mission in Romania where 35 young people indicated they had received Christ. ‘Only God’s grace could enable someone nearly 80 years old to relate to teenagers,’ he commented.

Fane’s journey to becoming a full-time evangelist was far from an easy one. The most challenging period came following his appointment as Minister for Evangelism in the Deanery of Amersham a few years after entering ministry, while he was also Priest-in Charge for a church half time. He reflects: ‘What I did not expect was to have the worst five years of my life at that church, to such an extent that my doctor suggested he ask the bishop to move me on health grounds. I faced fierce opposition from what turned out to be a liberal church. But the Lord had clearly led me there despite considerable difficulties with my being appointed, so I stayed for the five years. God’s leading was confirmed because I met a man called Nigel Gordon on a coach to a Christian event.’

Nigel was the European Director for the LPA, who invited Fane to go with him to speak at a mission in Eastern Europe. Initially unable to see himself in the role, Fane declined. But after persistence from Nigel, he accepted and was soon engaged in six missions a year across Europe as an Associate Evangelist with the LPA.

‘Fortunately, people have supported me financially, because not only do I not get paid but I have to raise the money for all my missions, which are all free-meal events.’ He shared, ‘A highlight of my work has been among Muslims in Kosovo where the Lord has graciously led many to profess faith in Christ. It is now 20 years since I began, and the Lord just keeps on giving me inspiration. So, I now look forward to next year, and am already having conversations about where to go, and I have enough support for my first mission of 2024.’