Prison Events Update - August

Wednesday, 01 September 2010 00:00

August is always a busy month in the life of the Trust with regard to prison events and this year has been no exception. Barry has spoken in: New Hall, Downview, High Down, Brixton, Feltham, Rochester, Featherstone, Doncaster and Stoke Heath prisons. Many of these were extremely well attended and in some cases extra seating had to be provided in order to accommodate all the inmates who wanted to attend. This year, the reaction has been exceptional with 287 people responding to Barry's talks.

Here is an extract from an email that we received from one of the prison officers:

‘Hi Barry,

I am a prison officer who sat and listened to you two days ago as you told us your story in the chapel.  I was sat to the side and haven't stopped thinking about your talk since Sunday.   I found you to be an excellent speaker and you made me listen so intently that I forgot I was supposed to be watching the cons!

When we got back to the wing, I was listening to the cons talking about you and the buzz around the wing felt like God had really touched some of them.  There’s one particular con who is a young lad in for life, and I watched him on Sunday repeat the prayer that you spoke. I have decided to try and talk to him about how he felt on Sunday and I am going to try and get hold of a copy of your book for him to read…’

The Trust considers it a privilege to be able to work with people who are on the margins of our society who are in UK prisons. Please remember them, their victims and all prison staff in your prayers.

An Introduction to Libby Redman

Monday, 09 August 2010 00:00

In July 2010, Barry started to work with singer-songwriter Libby Redman. Libby is a solo artist whose sound is fresh, current and soulful.

After doing several venues with Libby the Trust are looking to involve her more with some of our future events.

Libby is based at the Ark Church in York, which is linked to the Ground Level Network.

Read Libby’s bio:

Libby’s keyboard is an extension of her soul! Writing music and lyrics is as natural to her as singing. Her voice is unique, powerful and emotionally stirring as it spills out from her core, articulating beautifully life experiences of faith, hope and love. With an edginess compared with singers such as Joss Stone and the fervour of Alicia Keys, the depths of Libby’s voice and lyrics belie her youthful 21 years. A pastor’s daughter, Libby has seen and experienced more than her fair share of both hope and despair.  Growing up in an environment of gospel music and serving as Director of Music and Worship in the church has endowed her with a striking ability to create music and lyrics that entertain, uplift and stir the spirit.

Influences such as renowned gospel artists like Andraé Crouch, and The Winans, along with soul singers such as Aretha Franklin, The Isley Brothers, and the more recent Anthony Hamilton have encouraged and stimulated Libby to create her own style of music with a message of love and hope. Her debut EP ‘Sweet and Sparkling’ was released in November 2009, recorded and mixed by Joe Johnson of Shed Seven fame.

Watch this space to see where Libby will be touring with Barry. Or if you’re looking for a singer for one of your events then you can contact her direct by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Why not take a look at her website - www.libbyredman.co.uk

Blast from the Past

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 14:10

One of the things that people often ask Barry is, does he ever see anybody who he knew in the days when he was dealing and using drugs? Of course, over the years there have been various times when he has bumped into people from his past, but nothing as significant as the time when he met up with the guy who used to supply him with heroin when he was a dealer.

About five years ago, Barry picked up a Christian Magazine and was amazed to see the face of his former drug supplier on the front! After reading the article inside he discovered that ‘Big Tony’ is now a Christian, and that he is now leading Street Pastors in Manchester. Barry contacted Tony straight away and they met up. Since then, their paths have crossed on many occasions; the most recent was in early June when they were attending a Leader’s Day in Salford.

A Prisoner's Poem

Wednesday, 12 May 2010 11:52

Since the beginning of this year, we have received many letters from prisoners in UK prisons. Mostly, they have read Barry’s book ‘Once an Addict’ and many have come to faith as a result. In these letters people tend to ‘bare their soul’ and write things to Barry which, we feel sure, they would not say to their cell mates. It is quite humbling to receive these letters and to send replies in order to offer to them some words of encouragement.

One of the guys recently included a poem which he had written: 

I felt so down at times

I could break down and cry.

Fall to my knees praying

Asking God why?

A Remarkable Rescue

Tuesday, 06 April 2010 12:53

In March, Barry spoke for three nights in Liverpool at a new church plant called Victory Family Church. On the final night, after he had finished speaking, a young man approached him and introduced himself to Barry. He said that it was an honour to meet him as he had read his book ‘Once an Addict’ while he was incarcerated. He added that the book was in all of the cells of every prison in which he had been an inmate (and there were many)! He then explained that he had just wandered in from the streets that night completely out of the blue. When he saw Barry’s books on display and noticed that it was Barry speaking, he decided to stay and hear what he had to say. That night, he was one of the many who responded to the message.

After the weekend, Rachel, our Events Administrator, made a post-event telephone call to the pastor. He recounted the events of the weekend and explained that the man with whom Barry had conversed on Sunday had fully intended to take his own life that evening before coming to the church event. Instead, he gave his life to Christ. This is one of the many lives that God has rescued, and we truly thank Him that this man was somehow compelled to attend the meeting that Sunday evening.