A book for our time and the COVID Church
“I have known Chris and Kerry since the days in Stoke-on-Trent and have been privileged to connect with them over the years. I deeply value their friendship and support. Kerry’s book, which details their journey together is a book for our time and the COVID church. As church leaders all over the world discern God’s leading and the way forward, this book shows, I believe, the way.
“Central is the relationship with God, each other, and the family. Authenticity, honesty, faithfulness, and the family as the basis of church shine through. Courage to face the hurts, deal with the demonic, and stay faithful in the bad times, are all here. This is not an easy book, it challenges us to look at where we invest our security; this is costly faith, but at the same time glorious! Recent research by Ruth Perrin (Changing Shape), shows that millennials are looking for authenticity, love in action, not institutions. This book is a prophetic beacon of hope for all ages at this time.” – Prebendary Peter Mockford, UKCP reg. Psychotherapist
Gotta Die to Live will change you
“We met Chris and Kerry over 30 years ago in Plymouth and were instantly inspired by their vision and passion to see the youth culture impacted with the power of the Gospel.
“More of this is outlined in the book so we will not repeat it here, other than to say, that meeting them was the beginning of a relationship and a Kingdom exploration journey that continues until today. We have watched them walk through both good and bad challenges, all of which have moulded them into who they are. As you read this book you will experience an honest account of the dealings of God in Chris and Kerry’s lives and how they have continually pressed in to know Him while walking in their calling and destiny.
“This book is not for the casual follower of Christ but more for the one that desires to know Him more deeply, whatever the cost. Mountaintop experiences are wonderful but Chris and Kerry have learnt that often in the spiritual walk, as in the natural, the grass is more abundant in the valley. We have had the privilege of walking through both with them and are blessed to have them in our lives. For them, as for us, the work of grace is ongoing, because we are all ‘a work in progress.’ This book will change you, but remember, God doesn’t change us so He can love us, but rather He loves us too much to leave us as we are. Read it with an open heart and allow Chris and Kerry’s life experiences to take you deeper, freeing you to fulfil all the Father has for you.” – Tony and Marilyn Fitzgerald, Church of the Nations.
It will make you smile and weep
“I have had the privilege of sharing part of the journey that Kerry so vividly describes in this excellent little book – and what a journey it has been. I have learned that every encounter with God is different and that we are all on our own individual path (albeit paths which joyfully intertwine with others) but we can and must learn from the experience of others about the depth and love and faithfulness of God.
“Kerry sets out in great humility and vulnerability the path she has been on and how He has blessed her and taught her at every step. Chris and Kerry have lived a life sold out for Christ and He has honoured their passionate obedience. I recommend this book to all those who want to follow Jesus. It will make you smile and weep in equal measure. Thank you Kerry for your faithfulness.” – Sir Gary Streeter MP, Chair of Christians in Parliament and Chair of Christians in Politics.
Kerry draws the reader right in at a heart level
“I have known Kerry and Chris for over a decade yet reading this book gave me fresh insights into who they are, and also a deeper appreciation for the integrity of the choices they have made over the years. Kerry writes with a non-defensive honesty that is wonderfully disarming and encouraging.
“There are some (auto-) biographical books that outline a life-story that give a lot of information but leave an impression that the writer is a superstar, or they seem to infer that the writer’s experience is the blueprint for everyone! Not this book. Kerry writes and draws the reader right in, not simply at an interest level but at a heart level.
“The reader does not even need to think ‘I want to read this with an open heart’, I am convinced that will automatically happen and without feeling any personal space invaded. Kerry’s honesty sets the tone. I also appreciated that at no point did I feel it was ever inferred that their experience was the only valid one . I read and felt strengthened to be honest about my own journey. I don’t think I am alone in allowing myself to be trapped in the ‘I have to be without any weaknesses’ syndrome. What a release to read a book that allows that syndrome to be walked away from, and in walking away from that to hear the encouragement to embrace reality and honesty.
“Although I have known Chris and Kerry for over a decade the level of straightforward openness gave me a window on their journey past, and also explains who they are today and what they are pursuing. A big vision: ‘reaching millions’ is not exactly a small statement! Yet with a passion for family and personal wholeness at the core. Somehow the two elements are deeply connected.
“If the future is about ‘the multiplicity of the small and richness of diversity’, I read this book and was impacted to consider what is my contribution to the future; it will look different to the contribution that Chris and Kerry are making; but it will have to embody that same element of an honest and personal pursuit of God.” – Martin Scott, Author and Speaker.
A story of heartbreak, loss and challenge, showing the lengths God will go to, to rescue the broken.
“From a hedonistic lifestyle, to experiencing the overwhelming, tangible love of God at a Christian meeting, Chris’s young life was changed dramatically after an encounter with the Holy Spirit. Later, when he met Kerry, the young lady who would one day become his wife, they didn’t know that together, God would use them to reach many with the Gospel, through Broadcast Media. Over the years, they received several prophetic words and from the early days as a nightclub owner, to their pioneering work with Cross Rhythms and their involvement with GOD TV, this is a honest ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at some of the earliest moments of Christian media in the UK.
“I really love the fact that Kerry and Chris’s story is one of transformation, of God’s manifested grace taking two broken young people and restoring them, to eventually being used in full time Christian ministry to reach broken lives. In the early days of UCB’s ministry, they stood by the Managing Director, Gareth Littler, during challenging times, to push through legislation which would allow Christian broadcasters to ultimately have national radio licences. Chris and Kerry’s story is one of heartbreak, loss and challenge, but it also shows the lengths our Heavenly Father will go to, to rescue those who are broken. This is ‘a book for our times’, which demonstrates what God’s grace can do, with and through willing and open hearts.’ – David L’Herroux, CEO of UCB (United Christian Broadcasters)
They never gave up on God’s promises
“There are many things my husband and I respect Kerry and Chris for. We have had the pleasure of walking together as friends for a few years now. One thing that has stood out about these two, over and over again, is their hopeful, soft and loving hearts despite all they have gone through themselves and seen happen around them in our Christian community.
“Where others have become hardened or bitter or sadly dropped away, Kerry and Chris have kept on allowing God to take out the stings and soften their hearts to keep on loving, just as they experience God’s love for them. They have never given up on God’s promises to them. Their lack of ego or control in how they hold what God has given them is something I find beautiful.
“We celebrate you Kerry and Chris. We champion you and we thank you for not giving up, not lowering your expectations of God, choosing to stay flexible and living your lives with the core belief that God is good in every way.’ – Grace and Paul Golf, Champions of Hope