“Samuel” (name has been changed) eagerly jotted down the web-site address written on the minibus. He was a Christian and had been praying to find a church to belong to in England.

“At the first opportunity I looked up the site to see what it was all about. What I found there thrilled my heart. I phoned up the nearest Jesus Army community house and was immediately invited round for a meal. I got a wonderful loving welcome and quickly decided that I had found my church.”

After a few months, Samuel became disillusioned with his theology course which seemed to major on the philosophical side. “Deep inside I was not happy - I wanted to study more of the practical side of Christianity. The teachings of Jesus are full of our responsibilities to reach out and make a difference to society around us. When I was invited to join the three day ‘Leaders in Training’ course run by Jesus Army I found the strong, radical teaching that I’d been looking for.

“Back home in Pakistan my family are part of a small minority of Christians. Extremists have been burning churches and bibles.

“Besides the dangers which can suddenly come upon Christians, we are discriminated against for jobs and many hotels refuse to serve us.

“You can imagine my heartache at what is happening back home in my country.

“Finding Christian fellowship that does not follow ‘cheap grace teaching’ has strengthened my own faith and God has blessed me with many supportive friendships in the church.

“I am praying to bring my family over for the remainder of my time in England. I know they will feel loved and welcome as I have and we will be strengthened in our faith ready to return to whatever God has in store for us.”