Did I hear the voice of God?

Caring in Leamington Spa

DID I HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD?
By Stephanie Devlin
Stamford House. 120 pages. £5.99
ISBN 978-1-904985-64-8

This story tells how, in spite of a series of distressing experiences, God showed two very ordinary people the needs of poor, homeless and friendless people in Royal Leamington Spa. The very name of the town conjures up a picture of wide leafy streets with tall Regency-style houses, a picture of affluence. However, every town has its underside and Leamington is no exception. Many of the people that Geoff and Steph minister to are alcoholics, drug abusers, ex-offenders and the like.

At 2.00 am on a cold snowy morning in January 1991, they called on three sleeping alcoholics. ‘Hello, are you hungry? Would you like some tea or soup? Would you like a sandwich?’ Their questions provoked some hostile and abusive responses but hot soup and sandwiches were very tempting. This was the beginning of building trust and relationships. Out of that has grown a very active, overtly Christian ‘Social Services’, providing anything from homes to holidays.

The motivation for helping those who, often through their own fault, are at the bottom of the heap, is grace. God forgives me again and again and I don’t deserve the least of his mercies. Yet he continues to be generous. God causes the sun to rise and the rain to fall on righteous and unrighteous alike and we are exhorted to do good to all indiscriminately. Geoff and Steph are showing unconditional love to those in need and this book is an inspiration.

This is a very easy read about experiences that could happen in any town. It will move you to laughter and tears alternately and could happily be given away to show something of Christian motivation.

My only tiny criticism is that the story could have been more objective if it had been written in the third person rather than in the first. Thoroughly recommended.

David Arnold,
Leamington Spa

© Evangelicals Now - February 2009
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