Beauty from ashes

Like the biblical Naomi, Ethiopian-born Ruth Meakins lost both her husband and son. In an exclusive interview, Ruth shares her story with Tola-Doll Fisher, and continues to celebrate life with her two daughters

A few months ago, I went to my first Christian festival on a farm on the outskirts of the Cotswolds. I made a last-minute decision to attend and so went on my own, driving uncertainly down the rugged path to the site and narrowly avoiding an unconcerned labrador, clearly used to hordes of Londoners with no understanding of countryside etiquette, trotting towards me. Over the next 24 hours I was embraced in Bible studies, music, prayer and hugs as the much-loved Shift community continued the legacy of late co-founder Caleb Meakins to gather believers in their 20s and 30s: “to put their faith in Jesus and shape society, whatever their sphere of influence”.