THIS IS CHURCH
Ian Oakey, 26, says he just wouldn't live any other way
WHEN THEY first struck up their unlikely friendship, Ian was a trendy arts student, Dave an alcoholic.
"It was a Friday night" remembers Ian "just after my church, the Jesus Army, had opened a Jesus Centre in Northampton to meet all kinds of people. A few of us young guys from the church had got to know some guys from the streets. That's when I met Dave. He's a very friendly bloke with a really likeable personality".
Dave was baptised and joined the church in 2005. His struggle with drink has gone on, but his friendship with his new brothers, like Ian, has grown stronger and deepened over time.
Ian says that his ability to get on easily with different kinds of people comes from being part of a loving church.
"If it wasn't for the church, I would never have learnt to love people who are different from me" he admits. "In the church we become real, true friends" he adds.
"Church is relationships. God is real - I can't deny it. And He joins people together in real love."
Ian
