Faith, Hope, and Love

October is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the impact of Black heritage and the influence of African and Caribbean communities on the Church. Yet for some, issues of race and justice make faith in Jesus feel complex, especially given Christianity’s links to slavery and colonialism. Clare Williams-Sarpong from the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics joined Lydia Bennet to discuss how we can approach these conversations with compassion and grace.

This week is National Adoption Week, a time to celebrate stories of radical hospitality and highlight the importance of adoption. Tim and Rachel Hughes, co-senior pastors of Gas Street Church in Birmingham, have an incredible story to share. After having four biological children, they felt called by Jesus to adopt, and shared with Lydia Bennett how God revealed Himself when they said yes!

They say you gain a lot from sponsoring a child through Compassion UK — but what about the chance to make a music video with them? Still Shadey, a UK rap artist, joined Lydia Bennett to share his inspiring journey with Compassion UK and the powerful relationship he’s built with his sponsor, Pleasure.

It's never too late to shift gears! Ian Read, founder of Bikes 4 Mission, joined Mal Pope to share his remarkable story of faith and purpose. From running away to Spain to a near-death experience, Ian shared how God gave him a new vision to equip local missionaries around the world with bicycles and motorbikes so they can carry the Gospel to places others can’t reach.

John and Sally Childress, founders of Free! Recovery, joined Mal Pope to talk about triggers and temptations. Using their own powerful journeys of addiction and restoration, John and Sally also responded to your tough questions on addiction!

Leon Evans, pastor, author, speaker, and Compassion sponsor, joined Lydia Bennett on Faith, Hope and Love to share how working with Compassion has changed his perspective on children living in poverty.

Biju Matthew, Acting CEO of International Justice Mission UK, joined Premier's Fiona Stewart to share how God is using IJM to bring justice to the darkest corners of the globe. (Warning: Reference to abuse)

Rev. Alasdair Black joined Fiona Stewart to discuss church splits, including the recent division between GAFCON and the Church of England, why they sometimes happen, how to prevent them, and what to do when you're left to pick up the pieces.

The book of Thessalonians tells us that Christians should grieve with hope. But what does that mean? Kate Patterson, writer and author, joins Prmeier's Fiona Stewart to share more on her new book, Ashes to Crowns, which was inspired by the shock loss of her husband 7 years ago.

Menopause marks the natural end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, usually between 45 and 55, and can bring physical, emotional, and mental changes. It’s something every woman will experience, yet it’s rarely mentioned in Christian spaces. Jo Ibbott, Coach and Menopause Specialist, joined Premier’s Fiona Stewart to explain why open conversations about menopause matter, whether you're male or female..

Have you ever been on a mission to somewhere truly unique? Another country, another continent… or even a floating hospital? For Missions Week, Reverend Shawna Scullion joined Faith, Hope, and Love to share about Mercy Ships — a charity that operates two massive hospital ships sailing the African coast, delivering free, life-changing medical care to those who need it most.

Many say they feel closer to God through mission, but does that make them a more spiritual target? As part of Missions Week, we’re diving into this big question with Rachel Hickson from Heartcry for Change, who shares her own mission story and how spiritual realities might have been at play when she went into a coma!

Charlie McCarthey is a 20-year-old evangelist who’s spent the past few years with REACH Mallorca, sharing his faith with partygoers, clubbers, and the colourful mix of people who make the island one of Europe’s party capitals. He joined Premier’s Lydia Bennett on Faith, Hope and Love to share some of the amazing things that have happened while on mission, what's gone wrong, and how mission forever ruins you for ordinary life.

Tiffany from Open Doors joined Fiona Stewart to remind us of the plight of the persecuted church, including a harrowing story of a Mother forgiving her husband's killers in Sub-Saharan Africa, and what lessons we can learn from those who need Jesus to survive the day.

Michael Shaw is a Baptist minister, apologist and former Journalist. He joined Fiona Stewart to discuss short-term mission and if it still has a place in the world of Global evangelism.