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Katie Piper: ‘I found comfort in my local church'
In 2008, Katie survived an acid attack and during her recovery set up The Katie Piper Foundation. She spoke to Claire Musters about how she coped with trauma and the impact on her outward appearance, how her newfound faith helped her come to terms with what happened and how a positive mindset helps her every day
Learning to live: my journey through cancer
Kate Nicholas on dealing with cancer returning and a near-death experience following her mastectomy
Five countries where being a woman and a Christian is dangerous
To mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25), Ben Cohen of the charity Open Doors UK & Ireland considers the shocking truth of what life is like for Christian women around the world
Laughing children, hot chocolate and a snoring dog on a lazy Sunday afternoon…
Maxine Hallett reflects on her journey towards God, and the sanctuary she now calls home
Signs & Wonders in everyday life - December 2021
Stories of God’s intervention through the power of prayer
‘I had made peace with dying, but the thought of being crippled was harder’
After 15 years of a progressively debilitating illness, John Mark Comer’s wife, Tammy, was supernaturally healed from a curse last year. She talked to Jemimah Wright about her journey
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My life in a convent
When you hear the word ‘nun’ what do you think of? Sister Act or Julie Andrews in the iconic Sound of Music? If these are your benchmarks the reality may well disappoint. However, there are many delightful insights to discover about the religious life. Caroline Leighton spent some time as a postulant in a religious community and lifts the lid on what it was like
‘Pornography has been normalised in our culture’
Catherine Etherington, the Head of Recovery for the UK-based Naked Truth Project, talks about their mission to free lives from the damaging impact of sexual addictions
Working through suffering without losing faith in God
Having lost precious children to miscarriage and a daughter, Libby, at birth, Katherine Gantlett shares how she stopped trying to escape the winter seasons of her life, and learned to walk with him authentically and honestly
Life Lessons: Following God’s call all around the world
Marti Green, 77, and her husband set up Youth With A Mission in England, and helped train thousands of young people to share the gospel
‘My ex-husband bit off my nose, cut off my ear and carved up my face like a cabbage in an attempt to slit my throat’
Make this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November) count, urges Abbie Mumbi
Giving thanks this Thanksgiving
The woman behind the popular Woman Alive Book Club, Amy Boucher Pye, is an American living in England. Here she shares her memories of Thanksgiving, and encourages us all to take some time today to think about the things we can be grateful to God for
‘Suicidal thoughts are nothing to be ashamed of, but they do need to be taken seriously’
Research from Menopause Experts Group highlights a rise in suicide rates for women aged 45 to 54 – the age when most women experience perimenopause and menopause. Dr Kate Middleton explains why and offers practical coping strategies
‘Idols aren’t just inanimate objects. Mine was a garden’
Holly Satterthwaite shares how identifying and killing the idols in our lives puts God back in the driving seat and makes us better witnesses of Christ’s love
‘As far as I was concerned, affairs were for characters in soaps and films, not Christian marriages!’
Babs Bray felt great compassion for Alice Evans when the news of husband Ioan Gruffudd’s alleged infidelity broke. Despite Babs’s heartbreak after her ex-husband’s affair came to light, she was determined to forgive her ex and do the right thing
Why do Christians think Jesus was white?
The Nazis and Hollywood may have played a significant part in perpetuating the white Jesus myth, but it’s up to us all to reclaim his true Jewish identity, argues Victoria Omotoso
‘Sadly, bullying seems to be part of our human journey’
Kate Neal says the growth of social media seems to have created a society in which bullying is more prevalent than ever before, with devastating and even life-altering effects
‘Would I lose my other ovary? Would I lose my hair? Would I lose my life?’
Tola-Doll Fisher felt devastated when cancer resurfaced after a large tumour had been removed from her uterus. But a brave decision gave her a peace that surpassed earthly understanding
‘There is always light at the end of the tunnel,’ says supermodel Bella Hadid
With Bella Hadid candidly sharing her mental health struggles on social media, Helen Roberts looks at the devastating effects the comparison trap can have on us all
“Praise the Lord” declares Britney Spears as her newfound freedom begins
Britney’s prayers may have finally been answered as a judge puts an end to her father’s conservatorship, but Rachel Pearce questions whether the popstar is truly free
‘Time is running out at COP26’
Alice Corrie, technical and communications officer for Climate Stewards, spent this week at the climate summit – and is more convinced than ever that much of the change needed will have to come from us
5 important reminders about marriage from Hailey and Justin Bieber
Whatever you think of them talking about their marriage on a podcast, Justin and Hailey have shared some important lessons, says Claire Musters
Young people really do want us to talk to them about sex
Rachel Gardner urges us to get over our embarrassment and fear of saying the wrong thing, because we have a vital role in helping to shape young people’s attitudes towards relationships and sex
‘Adoption was our first choice’
On World Adoption Day, Chrissi Pegg shares the story of how she and her husband came to adopt their two daughters
Could you open your home to a vulnerable teenager?
A new report from Home for Good highlights the benefits of support lodgings as a way for young people to receive support within a family environment. Lucy Colman explains how individuals and local churches can provide a vital safety net for teenagers in the care system
Why we walked to Glasgow ahead of COP26
Would you walk 1,200 miles to get people talking about the environmental and financial implications of climate change? That’s exactly what Rachel Mander and a team from Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) did ahead of the all-important Glasgow summit
‘When I was younger I wanted to be like Trevor McDonald or Moira Stuart and tell everyone about important things’
Premier Christian Radio’s director of content, Charmaine Noble-McLean was awarded a Fellowship by The Radio Academy during this week’s Radio Academy Festival. We honour her contribution to radio and hear exclusively from Charmaine about why she loves this particular medium
What would you give up for love?
As Japan’s Princess Mako has turned her back on her royal status in order to marry, Ola Awonubi looks at how the desire to be married has impacted Christian women’s lives
Fertility leave may help couples who are struggling to conceive
During National Fertility Awareness Week (1-5 November) we look at how employers are beginning to recognise the need to support those experiencing fertility issues – it is time the Church did the same
Five of the toughest places to be a girl in 2021
World Vision UK highlights some of the toughest places in the world to be a girl right now and suggests ways you can help it transform the lives of those living there
How will your household be affected by Rishi Sunak’s new Budget?
Whether you earn the national living wage or are a higher-rate taxpayer, the Budget will undoubtedly affect your household’s finances. Here are some of the key Budget changes, along with tips for making your money go a little further
Meghan Markle, Louise Minchin and Gemma Atkinson have all been victims of online trolling. Blogger and Author Alena Kate Pettitt shares her own experience and how to deal with it
A new report looking into Twitter analytics has recently revealed a number of accounts deliberately targeting (often female) celebrities. But we can all be victims of this unpleasant phenomenom. Here’s some practical and biblical advice if it happens to you
‘No one can promise you a husband. No one can even promise you a text back’
Lauren Windle looks at the growing market for love coaches and considers the impact for Christian women
‘Let’s not sit in the dark this Halloween’
Is it a trick or is it a treat? Rachel Pearce explores whether the opportunities Halloween presents outweigh the fears many Christians have about celebrating this contentious festival
What is COP26 and why should we care?
Liz Earle explains why she is lending her voice to fight climate change and global poverty, and why she is passionate about empowering women around the world
Spiking: we need to stop it!
Restored’s Bekah Legg responds to the worrying news that girls are being spiked via injections in nightclubs across the UK
As the Assisted Dying Bill moves to the committee stage, let’s celebrate life and protect it while we still have the chance, says Jennie Pollock
When someone is facing great pain and suffering as the end of their life approaches, what is the most compassionate thing to do for them? Jennie Pollock from the Christian Medical Fellowship investigates
Dating while Black: ‘Anyone who says they don’t have a physical type is either incredibly open-minded or is lying’
An OkCupid survey found that white, Asian and Latino men were 19% less likely to interact with a woman who was black. Tibz Adeniyi told Lauren Windle about her experiences of dating as a black British woman.
Signs & Wonders in everyday life - November 2021
Stories of God’s intervention
Bamboozled by Jesus
Cassandra Nelson from Premier Gospel caught up with actress and comedian Yvonne Orji about her new book, dating while celibate and the rise to fame
One woman's fight against FGM
Ann-Marie Wilson talked to Clare Blake about a chance meeting that led her to found 28 Too Many, a charity with a mission to end the shocking practice of female genital mutilation
How did my grandparents survive the war?
Maxine Hallett reflects on the desperation and determination of her ancestors
Married for the first time at 65
Trained opera singer, Ginny Miller, 72, had a dramatic encounter with God when she was 19. She lived by faith in a Christian community, and worked in pastoral care and counselling, before meeting her husband
Tackling the horrors of child trafficking
Children as young as four are being trafficked into Ghana’s fishing industry – Anita Budu of International Justice Mission says she will not rest until they are free
Five things I have learned about… being a peacemaker
Cathy Madavan shares what she strives to do in all her relationships to cultivate unity and peace
‘I live in a society that tells me my life isn’t worth living because I am dying’
As we move towards being a society that is demanding euthanasia, Carrie Jade Williams asserts that we need to be the voice that reminds the world there are other options.
‘More than 2,000 children are waiting to be adopted in England. Let’s work together to find a home for every child who needs one’
Tania Bright believes National Adoption Week (18-23 October) is a great time to alert society to the amazing opportunity we have to give vulnerable children a loving, safe and stable home
He stole my childhood
Child sexual abuse within religious settings is sadly all too common, as recent news reports have highlighted. Ann-Marie Wilson, founder of anti-female genital mutilation (FGM) charity 28 Too Many, shares her story.
‘Music has been a sustaining force for black people throughout history’
As part of Black History Month, singer Dawn Thomas reflects on her own history, the impact her parents had on her life, and the message of hope she wants to bring others through her music
‘Overnight, you can be transformed from a confident, successful person to someone who is timid and insecure’
When menopause feels like a terrifying rollercoaster ride, trust in the God who knows you better than you know yourself, says Mel Currer on World Menopause Day
Around 136,000 people are currently enslaved in the UK. Here’s one amazing way you can help those who have managed to break free
If you’re serious about making a difference on Anti-Slavery Day (18 October), perhaps you’d consider hosting a survivor of human trafficking or exploitation, suggests Helen Hodgson from Hope at Home
We mustn’t forget the women of Afghanistan
As news outlets move on to other stories, the plight of Afghan women remains precarious. Alastair McIver urges us to check our own responses, seek out truth – and, above all, remain hopeful
‘I was once a prisoner behind bars and then became a visitor of prisons sharing the good news’
During Prisons Week (10–16 October), Trudy Makepeace shares her journey from addict and prisoner to outreach worker
‘The pain of miscarriage was probably worse than full-term labour pains’
To mark Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October) Tammy Tunnah shares about her traumatic miscarriage and how mentally agonising her next pregnancy was, and we look at the place of art therapy in processing baby loss
Amy Halls urges us to stand with girls around the world this International Day of the Girl Child
Links International’s communications and fundraising manager, Amy Halls, reveals that there are still many countries that see girls as less worthy or capable than boys – and says we need to advocate and be a voice for those girls
On World Mental Health Day: ‘We must be careful not to offer a false hope of: “Come to Jesus and all of your problems will disappear”’
Natalie Williams reminds us that there is hope in Christ and practical help for those who need it – highlighting those with mental health issues who are living in poverty
Sexual soul ties are real - and dangerous
The time of year when singles rush to couple up ahead of winter – known as ‘cuffing’ – is upon us. However, Candy-Ellie Graham warns us that it isn’t worth cuddling up to just anyone
‘Poetry speaks into my pain’
As we celebrate National Poetry Day, poet Liz Carter explains how reading and writing poetry has helped her in the darkest moments of her chronic illness
Five things I have learned about… processing the past
Seasoned author Cathy Madavan suggests that, whatever our history, we can learn from it and move on
What it means to be black British
TV and radio personality Diane Louise Jordan talked to Jeannette McCarthy about her new project The Making of Black Britain
Reaching out to women in prostitution
From childhood loss to founding the Beloved charity reaching out to those in prostitution, Rosie Hopley shares her life’s journey through deep lows and great joy
‘The default is white British, and everything else is different and other’
Author Chine McDonald spoke to Rachel Pearce about her new book, God Is Not A White Man: And Other Revelations
’I wrestled with feeling like God had abandoned me’
Jo Fothergill spoke to Jeanette McCarthy about her experience of living with depression, and how her faith has sustained her
3 ways to curb your spending
As the cost of living rises, and the spending limit for contactless card payments is set to change to £100, Robyn Wright from Christians Against Poverty urges us not to get sucked into the trap of spending without thinking
‘Trusting God with my son’s life’
As Childhood Cancer Awareness month draws to a close Jess George shares how her faith was tested when her son had cancer
Heidi Crowter believes having Down’s syndrome shouldn’t make the difference between life and death, but the high court disagrees
In the same week that CBeebies appoints a new presenter with Down’s syndrome, the court upholds the 1967 abortion law which allows for babies with the condition to be aborted up to full term
Britney’s engaged! Here are 5 tips for all engaged couples…
With the news that Britney Spears is set to tie the knot again, Claire Musters gives advice to those heading down the aisle this year
If you are considering a career in porn…don’t
Former topless model Susie Flashman-Jarvis was mortified to discover that one in five Brits would consider a career in pornography. Having seen the devastating effects porn can have, her advice is to stay well away
‘We don’t know what is in store for women in Afghanistan’
Christian Aid’s Ramani Leathard reflects on the complex nature of the situation in Afghanistan, and urges us to stand with the poor and vulnerable
Who’s protecting our kids?
Restored director Bekah Legg believes parents have a pivotal part to play in protecting young people from physical and online abuse
Reflections from a 9/11 survivor: 'Just three hours had passed since the first plane hit. Three hours of sheer terror’
Traumatised by the events of 9/11, Christina Ray Stanton has since developed a deeper relationship with God and a new desire to care for those in need
‘Let’s stop treating suicide as a crime or sin’
Having lost her son to suicide, Jill Baker marks World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) by placing a lit candle in a window. She invites us to join her, and to reflect on the way we talk about suicide and support those around us who are struggling. She believes we can do better.
An anxious return
As many secondary school students have been returning to school this week, Cherry Dakin from tastelife shares her own story and how she is trying to combat the rise of eating disorders among young people today
Physical and mental struggles led to a new ministry
Diane Regan shares with Clare Blake how the pain her family has walked through birthed the charity Kintsugi Hope
Body confidence cards encourage users to reflect on their identity
When Denise Sanderson-Estcourt gave up her regular, ‘safe’ job to become an image consultant, some people – Denise included – felt it was a risky move. But God has brought some incredible confidence-building material out of this decision, and there is plenty more to come
Adopting my girl
Sharon Bricker, 73, was mum to three boys, but she always dreamed of having a daughter. After a hysterectomy due to ill health, she wondered how it would ever happen
Five things I have learned about… being yourself
Seasoned author Cathy Madavan explains how she has come to accept who she is – and how we can do the same
‘My faith gives everything context and meaning’
Five-time world record holder Stef Reid says her Christian faith has made life more of an adventure. She is excited about competing in Tokyo, in what will be her fourth Paralympic Games
‘Pray for Haiti; a nation steeped in voodoo, corruption and poverty’
Ingvild Snow shares her insights after the devastating earthquake in Haiti and suggests ways we can make a lasting difference for the Haitian people
The dream that turned a widow’s grief into a heavenly story of hope
As a young widow with children, Abi Shotade walked a painful journey of grief. She hopes the book she has written will help other families facing loss
Misogyny, hate crimes and terrorism: terminology matters
The language we use about violence against women matters, says Bekah Legg, who urges us to use our words carefully to combat a growing culture of misogyny and rape
The return of the burqa
Clare Blake urges us to pray for the women of Afghanistan, whose freedom is about to be eroded and whose very lives may be at stake
Are you brave enough to take on the ‘Shack Challenge’?
Global Care is looking for volunteers to take part in its ‘Shack Supper’ and ‘Shack Shelter’ challenges. Could you take on one…or both?
Menopause: “No big deal” or a genuine disability?
Kay Burley described the menopause as “tricky”, but for many women it is a life-changing and even career-ending process. New research shows that menopause-related tribunals have quadrupled in three years
Spiritual journalling
Maxine Hallett encourages us to record how we are feeling, what we are learning and the prayers that God is answering
‘The future opened up before me like a chasm of uncertainty’
A level students have achieved record results this year despite lockdown, but teacher Mel Currer reassures us that God has a plan, whatever that piece of paper says
‘We are not merely animals who should be “put out of our misery”’
As yet another person plans to travel abroad in order to die, Christian Medical Fellowship’s Jennie Pollock suggests there is hope of a better way
Tuesday night at the Royal Surrey
Kathleen McAnear Smith shares a snapshot of what it is like volunteering as part of a team who visit young people dealing with mental health crises – and provides helpful tips for anyone thinking of volunteering in their community
Opening up spaces to talk
The topic of gendered violence and gendered inequality is complex and emotive but one young woman, Natasha Eeles, has made it her mission to challenge and change it.
Meeting Michelle Obama
If you’ve ever faced challenges in your life then you will know that they either weaken you or make your stronger. For Karen Bryson her difficulties and disappointments have made her determined to give young people the best start in life. This autumn she is setting up a new Christian school, after having spent years running a tutoring service to provide extra support for children from all walks of life and financial situations.
The menopause revolution
We reflect on the new All-Party Parliamentary Group on Menopause and ask you to share your own stories about menopause
Finding peace in everyday life
Have you ever returned from a Christian conference, camp or retreat and wished you could hold on to the sense of joy or peace you experienced at it? Dr Gemma Simmonds is a sister with the Congregation of Jesus and she has written a book to help us bring retreat practices into daily life. She shared some of her own story with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues.
Support seafarers
Ros Downs encourages us all to pray for merchant seafarers and their families this Sea Sunday, 11 July, as well as consider how we can support them
Thank You Day!
As previously mentioned, 4 July is National Thank You Day, and we encourage you all to reach out to those who have made the last 16 months that little bit easier.
Faith in their futures
Emma Borquaye, the founder of Girl Got Faith, encourages us to help the teenagers in our lives have confidence in who God has made them to be
Defying stereotypes
Winner, a young woman from Togo, has fought against the odds to follow her dreams of becoming an aeronautical engineer
Nine months of wearing the same dress every day
Rachel David celebrates the experience, which she says has been liberating, has started some great conversations and raised over £9,000 for charity so far
‘My daughter has been in a coma for nearly six months’
Karen Young shares candidly about the excruciatingly difficult journey her family is currently on, and reflects on what she has learned about those moments when God says: “Not yet.”
Let’s say thank you!
4 July has been set aside as national Thank You Day – is there someone you would like to thank?
Caring for young refugees
Rachel Poulton MBE and her family invite newly arrived, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children into their home. She explains why here
Supporting vulnerable mums
Founder of the Princess Project, Emma Tanner, looks back over the past ten years of the charity, and celebrates how God has used it to transform women’s lives.
Showcasing talent in lockdown
Award-winning singer Rachel Walker Mason reflects on the huge success of the online talent show she created during lockdown in order to raise funds for a mental health charity.
Facing Father’s Day as a single man
We hear from Tom Morgan about what life is like as a single and childless church leader, especially on days like Father’s Day.
'I was sexually assaulted on a mission trip'
Director of charity One by One, Becky Murray describes how a terrifying incident almost stopped her realising her dream to help the poor and broken
Struggling with my faith
Maxine Hallett shares honestly about her recent dark moods, which she has discovered are due to the menopause, and how they have made her feel far from God.
Praising through the pain
Songwriter and worship leader Sarah Téibo shares candidly how hard it can be to worship in the most excruciating moments of life – and yet encourages us all to do so.
From free school meals to CEO
The new chief executive of Jubilee+, Natalie Williams, talks to us about imposter syndrome, and why taking up the role feels like a prophetic statement.
'I was rejected from church as a single mum'
Shovorne Adams was judged for being a single mum at 17. But God never left her alone, providing love, protection and hope for her future
‘Chemistry meets creativity’
Tumi Siwoku, Creative Director at Beauty Science Labs UK, talks to Clare Blake about starting a business in the pandemic, her passion for indie beauty products and why natural may not always be best
Look after yourself!
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the demands and responsibilities in your life? Ruth Rice was a very capable, busy woman, but then one day her life started to unravel. She shared with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues what happened.
Caring for the vulnerable
During Foster Care Fortnight, we hear from Hannah Hylton about her family’s journey into fostering
‘I thought my wife would be better off without me’
Premier’s Maria Rodrigues spoke to Patrick and Diane Regan about the physical and mental health challenges he faced, and how they affected Diane too.
‘If I perish, I perish’
On International Nurses Day (12 May), intensive care nurse Georgie Coster honours the incredible sacrifice our nurses have made for us in this most challenging of years.
‘I knew Caleb was safe in heaven’
During Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (3–9 May) we hear from Chloe Smith, who was heavily pregnant when her four-year-old son died.
When life falls apart
Have you experienced disappointment and loss? Sarah Stockinger has journeyed through miscarriage and, more recently, experienced a ministry job falling through…after her and her husband sold everything to move to America to take up the post. She shared what she has learned through these experiences with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues.
Moving from fear to compassion
Christine Soule had a series of traumatic experiences in her childhood, including her stepfather phoning her when she was nine years old and home alone, threatening to rape her. As a result she carried chronic fear into adulthood, until one day God set her free. She shared her story with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues:
‘Angels appear to me’
Minister Charlynne Boddie has had numerous angelic encounters. Here is a snippet of the story she shared with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues.
Losing the man who was always by her side
Claire Musters was struck at how the Queen’s loss ultimately reflects her humanity, as she begins to navigate the grief that we all face when we lose someone we love
Life after a Christian divorce
Steph Gutmann grew up as a pastor's kid and prayed for her marriage to be blessed by God, but when it turned abusive she was challenged about how to make things work. She shared her story with Premier's Maria Rodrigues.
'I was pregnant with my 5th child when my marriage and ministry fell apart'
Karen Allen reached a tipping point in her life when she told God she couldn't do ministry anymore. Her marriage of 14 years had suddenly ended and she found herself pregnant with her 5th child. A close friend spoke into her life and changed things. Here is some of what Karen shared with Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues
'Jesus appeared to me in a dream'
Like Joseph in the Bible, Naomi Chamroo grew up having dreams that confused both her and her family. She tells Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues how an encounter with God gave her the answers she was searching for
‘I’m not a mum but I’ll be celebrating mother’s day this year’
A traumatic baby loss meant Woman Alive editor Tola-Doll Fisher avoided Mother’s Day for years. Here’s why she wants this year to be different
My mum ran a brothel
EMMA WEAVER grew up in a situation where she would alternate between living with her mum or dad. At one point she moved to Spain with her mother, but when financial difficulties hit she returned to the UK to be with her father. In that time her mum set up a business. Premier's Maria Rodrigues heard something of the story, as written in Emma's book 'Unvanquished Spirit'.
‘You never know what God has planned for your life’
Santia Deck is the highest-paid female American footballer in history. Here she tells Jeanette McCarthy about the highs and lows of her career, her battles with self-image and how her faith in God and the support of the women in her life have inspired her to help the next generation
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