Deeper shade of grey | Faith House 11

He did it for me

Derek sobbed from his very being, deep shudders of emotion. I felt them as I sat next to him and put a hand on his shoulder. Estelle felt them as she held Derek’s hand. The whole room at Faith House felt them as they watched on and listened.

We’d heard a lot from Derek that night. Slightly the worse for wear he had pushed boundaries, let his agitation spill over into the group, patiently the men at the drop-in gave him space to do his drunk thing in their community. His day hadn’t been good, kicked out and banned from five other places he came to Faith House and he had something to say.

Through the tears and the sobs he caught the attention the whole room.

“For fifty years I’ve been banging my head up against a brick wall, but now I know…”

“What do you know Derek?” Estelle coaxed.

“He did it … for me” 

”He … Jesus stayed on the cross for me ?” 

”Someone gave me a book when I was in the cells, I only read the end … Jesus could have got off the cross, got married and could’ve had six kids but he didn’t, he stayed on the cross for me and now I know…” 

The drama of the moment continued to grow as Derek looking down at the floor continued to sob. 

”…and I am so sorry … so sorry.”

What had brought it all crashing back for Derek? 

As he was kicked out of McDonald’s a mother and a child ran after him with some French fries and a coffee. Something profound in that simple act of kindness hit Derek between the eyes and took him back to what he had read. 

Hands up all those who boycotted Last Temptation of Christ?

Seemingly The Last Temptation written by Nikos Kazantzakis brought Derek to the place where he could not escape the selfless love seen in Jesus!! Well what do you know!

Looking up he looked at the men who had stayed for our end of the night thought, “and I am sorry I’ve been a bl**dy *rse tonight too!!”

Writer: Capt. Gordon Cotterill lives in London, England, is married to Kate and has two daughters Bethan and Eryn. He has been a Salvation Army officer for ten years and ‘cut his teeth’ in ministry with his wife as the corps officers at Poplar in the East End of London. The lessons he learned there in his day-to-day ministry, amid the chaos of the inner city, continue to shape his understanding and passion for biblical and grace-centred mission. His latest appointment as Spiritual Programme Director at the William Booth College, London now offers him the opportunity for the fusion and exploration of ‘mission’ and ’spiritual formation’ while trying to inspire a new generation of Salvation Army officers as to their role in God’s plan for His creation. Gordon keeps a blog where he mulls over themes of mostly, mission and spiritual formation.

3 Comments to Deeper shade of grey | Faith House 11

1. Philippians 1:15-18 :-

   15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Andrew Clark on April 27th, 2009

2. Fantastic Message!!!!!

   It’s amazing what and who God will work through, isn’t it? Makes you think…….

   Yours in Christ,
   Graeme.
Graeme Randall on April 27th, 2009

3. And in that simple act of repentance lies the heart of a man who knows his sin! Shame it would get him chucked out of many ‘churches’! A sign of why I love Faith House!
Graeme Smith on April 30th, 2009

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