Wigan bishop and councillor receives honorary black belt in taekwondo!

admin1 News, Press Release 25th April 202325th April 2023discipleship, ministry in sport, sport, Taekwondo

He’s had a pop career, fronted a TV show, is a high ranking clergyman and served on Wigan Council.

Now Archbishop Steven Lyn Evans, of The International Christian Church Network has gained an honorary black belt in taekwondo.

It turns out that martial arts is another thing the Wigan bishop is a dab hand at: although this honour is to recognise individuals who may not necessarily be practitioners of the sport, but have made a substantial contribution to the advancement and development of taekwondo at a local, regional or national level. As it is, he has practised taekwondo and karate with his family and also seen these sports as a way of bringing people together.

In being given an honorary black belt, Archbishop Steven joins a list of famous recipients including US Presidents Ronald Reagan, Barak Obama and Donald Trump, plus the Bahrainian King Hamas Bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Pope Francis!

He said: “I’m honoured to have received this Black Belt and from Torann Maizeroi coach for the Great Britain Taekwondo Olympic Team. In truth, this award should be shared with the faithful members of Living Faith Church in Orrell and the wider church network who I have the privilege to work alongside.

“Life is often difficult and it’s often a fight, this is why those who follow Jesus are known as disciples”

Archbishop Steven has recognised and embraced the national sport of both North and South Korea, which has derived from the oldest martial arts in the world and is used for both seld-defence and sport.

He is credited for using it as a tool for humanitarian missions and bridging different communities across the world with the purpose of promoting both the sport and Christian faith.

Coming from a background of combat sports, Archbishop Steve’s family has a rich history in boxing in Wales, and he has been practising karate and taekwondo for the last few years with his wife and children.

He has made great contributions through TICCN to create new resources for sports ministry/chaplaincy as a gift to the Christian community and the world of sports.

Steven said: “We need to employ discipline for the good fight. I will look at this Black Belt as a reminder to fight for people, for the simple practical day-to-day support that people need.

For a positive attitude and helping people make their way through difficult times. Encouraging people into the discipline of daily study in the bible, worship of God, and prayer. People who employ discipline in this way become winners in the fight of life.”

Article from Wigan Today: https://www.wigantoday.net/news/people/former-wigan-bishop-and-councillor-receives-honorary-black-belt-in-taekwondo-4112937

Wigan bishop visits Downing Street to meet Rishi Sunak

admin1 News 19th April 202319th April 2023Prime Minister, strategy

A Wigan bishop and councillor visited the PM at 10 Downing Street to discuss his work.

Steven Lyn Evans, 56, a bishop at Living Faith Church in Orrell and until recently a local Tory councillor said he was delighted to meet Rishi Sunak.

He was invited to Conservative campaign headquarters for a private briefing on election strategies prior to being escorted to No 10 where he met the Premier.

Here, Archbishop Steven informed Mr Sunak that he would not be standing in the local elections this time around as church work would not allow him the time to do both jobs.

The retiring councillor said: “More ministers are coming on board and continue to undergo training for the ministry, which I oversee.

“It was a tremendous experience, I was honest with them and expressed that I’m not 100 per cent happy with what the government have been doing recently.

“The PM himself is a very gracious man, who thanked me for being there and the work that I’m doing. He very sincerely appreciates all the hard work that is being done, it was excellent.”

The pair were able to discuss the churches that Archbishop Steven oversees as part of his role in which he has been able to work with many across the UK – the most famous being in Burnley, where Pastor Mick Fleming is based.

The archbishop’s role involves visiting various churches across the country to speak to ministers and represent the network of churches, which continues to expand.

He said: “An important part of our emphasis is on reaching some of the poorest of people. We have sought strategies to reach communities who are struggling by feeding people and offering practical hope and support for them to build on for the future. We believe in positive thinking, which develops positive attitudes, which then change the circumstances of life.

“Our aim is to model our success around the country and we need politicians to back us in this vital work. We have developed initiatives into local communities, prisons, NHS, and we’ve seen many lives transformed.”

Article from Wigan Today: https://www.wigantoday.net/news/people/former-wigan-bishop-visits-downing-street-to-meet-rishi-sunak-4096588

Archbishop Steven Receives an Honorary Black Belt!

admin1 News, Press Release 16th April 202316th April 2023

Taekwondo is the national sport of both North and South Korea and the most recognised of the Korean martial arts. It derives from the oldest martial arts in the world and is used for both self-defence as well as sport.

The purpose of awarding Honorary Black Belts is to recognise certain individuals who are not necessarily Taekwondo practitioners but who, in the opinion of the committee have either: 1) Made a significant contribution to the advancement and development of Taekwondo at the local, regional, national or international level, or 2) Have exhibited a special commitment and determined effort to significantly enhance communities at a regional, national or international level. Some of the most famous previous Honorary Black Belt recipients include President Ronald Reagan, President Barak Obama, President Donald Trump, His Majesty King Hamas Bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Holiness Pope Francis.

Today, we confer the Honorary Black Belt to Archbishop Steven Lyn Evans of The International Christian Church Network (TICCN). He has recognised and embraced Taekwondo as a tool for humanitarian missions and a bridge to reach different communities from around the world with the purpose to promote the advancement of Taekwondo and the Christian faith. Archbishop Steven has a history of Boxing through his family background in Wales. The last few years he has been training diligently in different martial arts (Karate and Taekwondo) alongside his wife and children. He has made great contributions via TICCN to create new resources for sports ministry/chaplaincy as a gift to the Christian community and the world of sports. His contribution to the general wellbeing and positive humanitarian impact of sports into various cultures, and across numerous countries has been significant. I am honoured and privileged to serve alongside him by promoting our Christian values in, and through sports, via TICCN.

Scooter Riding Reverend on Easter Journey for the Poor!

admin1 News, Press Release 7th April 20237th April 2023cost of living crisis, food bank

John O Groats to Land’s End: Feeding the Poor

Reverend Phillip ‘The Mod’ Ingram is on a mission to feed the hungry and help those who have fallen on hard times during the cost of living crisis. To meet this need Reverend Phillip’s church, The Lighthouse Christian Centre in Brierfield, operates a food bank, but like many food banks across the UK, they are struggling to meet the need and have seen a dramatic decrease in donations in recent months.

In an effort to highlight the need Reverend Phillip has decided to drive his 26 year old Vespa scooter whilst towing a large cross, the length and breadth of Britain! Yes, he intends to make that journey from John O Groat to Lands End over this Easter!

Reverend Phillip said, “I want to raise awareness not just for our food bank but for food banks everywhere. We are struggling to get enough food donations and there is an increased amount of people in need. We’ve had to turn people away, I see mums and children coming through the door and leaving with very little, it breaks my heart to see. Within an hour or so of opening all the food is gone. We also cook hot meals for all who are hungry at our food bank on Wednesdays, the need is great. There are all sorts of people, of all religions, non-religious and other backgrounds who come in desperation for food. Some are working families, single parents with children, and individuals. You can see the hopelessness in their eyes, the shame of having to ask for help.”

This is the first time a journey of this kind has been made. Reverend Phillip ‘The Mod’ Ingram has been seen around the nation previously when he was featured on the BBC’s Songs of Praise. This time, while riding his Vespa, he’s covering the nation in prayer. He said, “I love my country. I love the people. I feel for this nation. Many people are broken and I want to bring a message of hope and love to everyone.”

He teaches people that there isn’t any shame in asking for food. “If we can help, we will, ” He said, “I want to put my faith into action. I don’t just say I’m a Christian. I do my best to act as a Christian because of my faith and my hope in Jesus.” Jesus turned my life around. “I’m still a crazy mod, and I’m still passionate about the fashion, the parkas, the music, the dance and the scooter scenes.”

The message of Easter is love and love must be practical, we absolutely must feed the poor!

Follow Reverend Phillips progress here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090646756031

Donate to the cause:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tony-davies-4?utm_id=108