This year’s TICCN Conference includes a special public Worship Service at Living Faith Church on Friday, 7th November.
We warmly invite you to join TICCN ministers, friends, and supporters for an evening of fellowship and worship as we lift up the name of our Lord together.
📅 Friday 7th November 📍 Living Faith Church, Church Street, Orrell, WN5 8TG
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Reception
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Worship Service
We would be delighted to see you there and share this special time of worship with you.
When the world soon watches the Ryder Cup (26th-28th September 2025) golf championship, few will stop to ask: Who was Samuel Ryder, and what inspired him to create this contest of giants?
The answer takes us not only to golf courses in Britain and America, but to the pews of a Congregational church in St Albans, England.
Samuel Ryder (1858–1936) was not a professional golfer. He was a successful seed merchant, a city councillor, and, above all, a devout Christian. For years he worshipped at Trinity Congregational Church, serving in church life and supporting Sunday school work. He even donated a trophy to a golf society made up of Free Church ministers, believing that sport could foster fellowship among those serving the Gospel.
Ryder took up golf in mid-life after a period of illness when a minister encouraged him to take fresh air. Golf soon became a passion. Yet for Ryder, golf was never merely a game. His convictions shaped his approach: he was known for avoiding Sunday play, emphasising fair competition, and using his business success to invest in others.
In the 1920s, Ryder began sponsoring matches between professionals from Britain and the United States. To give the contests permanence, he commissioned a golden trophy, the Ryder Cup, first contested in 1927. Even his contemporaries remembered him simply and beautifully as “the donor who made the match possible.”
Behind the spectacle was a man of faith who saw sport as a way to build bridges, inspire character, and bring people together for the betterment of all.
Today, as TICCN’s Sports Chaplains serve athletes and communities, and our ministers offer the hope of the Gospel, we stand in the same stream. Ryder’s Christian ethos, generosity, fellowship, and service, remains the true spirit of the Ryder Cup. And as we look at Europe’s captain, Luke Donald, leading with humility and team-first values, we see the legacy continue. The Ryder Cup began with a Christian vision, and it still inspires us today: compete fiercely, walk humbly, and use every gift to lift others.
Ryder Cup European Captain Luke Donald Archbishop Steven & his son Samual at the PGA BMW Championship, Wentworth, 13th September 2025
Bible Study: Bridge Builders
Take a few moments to read and reflect on each of these verses.
He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation (Ephesians 2:14)
God… has given us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–20)
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18)
I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some (1 Corinthians 9:22)
You shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell In (Isaiah 58:12)
Reflect on these questions:
Where has Christ already broken down a “wall” in my life? (Eph. 2:14)
Who is God asking me to reconcile with or serve this month? (2 Cor. 5:18–20)
What preferences can I lay down to reach someone different from me? (1 Cor. 9:22)
How can I bring peace into a tense environment, home, team, workplace? (Rom. 12:18)
What breach in my community might God be calling me to repair? (Isa. 58:12)
A 7-Day “Bridge Builder” Challenge
Day 1 – Pray: Ask the Lord to show you one person to befriend this week. Day 2 – Notice: Spot someone on the margins—introduce yourself. Day 3 – Serve: Do one practical act of kindness, unannounced. Day 4 – Invite: Extend a low-pressure invitation (coffee, training night, church event). Day 5 – Encourage: Send a short message that builds courage and hope. Day 6 – Reconcile: Take a step toward peace where there’s strain. Day 7 – Testify: Share, in one minute, what Christ has done for you.
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35)
Closing Exhortation
Beloved, the Ryder Cup is, at heart, a bridge-building event, nations meeting in fierce yet friendly contest. Samuel Ryder used his resources to create a bridge; Christ calls us to be bridges. Let us ask God to lead us to people and inspire us with creative bridges, into friendship, the family, the community, and the church.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are our Peace, the One who tears down dividing walls. Thank You for the example of Samuel Ryder, his generosity, fairness, and vision to bring people together through sport. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit. Give us eyes to see the lonely, courage to cross divides, and wisdom to build creative bridges that honour You. Use TICCN and our Sports Chaplains to carry Your compassion onto pitches, into locker rooms, homes, and streets. May we compete fiercely, walk humbly, and lift others, so that many are reconciled to You and to one another. In Your holy Name we pray. Amen.
It was both an honour and a privilege to become a member of the Institute of Martial Arts and Sciences (IMAS) in 2023. Over the years, I have greatly valued my fellowship with IMAS Founder and President, Professor Jaimie Lee-Barron PhD, FIMAS. Professor Jaimie is not only a man of vision and insight but also a Christian brother. Under his leadership, IMAS has become one of the first officially recognised professional institutes for martial artists. It is listed in British Qualifications and works in partnership with organisations worldwide through its growing network of regional bases. IMAS is now firmly established as a rapidly expanding global institute.
At this point, I would like to hand over to Professor Jaimie, who will introduce this excellent ministry and share more about the work of IMAS:
My name is Jaimie, and I am both a lifelong Christian and a lifelong martial artist. I was delighted when my good friend and brother in Christ, Bishop Steven, invited me to write an article for the TICCN website about the work our institute carries out across the UK and internationally.
The Institute of Martial Arts and Sciences was founded to encourage education and research in martial arts, combat sports, self-defence, and related disciplines such as control and restraint and military close combat. Having been in existence for several decades, IMAS is now a respected international and multi-disciplinary organisation that collaborates with colleges, universities, professional bodies, martial arts schools, and individual practitioners around the world.
Our members—particularly our faculty—work diligently to research and publish scholarly papers, both in our own quarterly peer-reviewed journal and in other academic publications. IMAS also provides meaningful education, training, and recognised qualifications for martial artists, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. This work enhances the credibility of martial arts instructors both on and off the mat, while also raising the standard of instruction through the use of modern educational strategies and methods. As a result, instructors are increasingly able to take martial arts beyond the dojo—into schools, colleges, health centres, and even care homes—extending their positive influence and making the many benefits of martial arts more widely accessible.
IMAS includes a number of specialist divisions, such as:
IMAS Instructors Training College – offering qualifications in teaching, learning, coaching, and assessment.
The Praetorian Academy of Security Studies – staffed by experts in military and police sciences.
The Faculty for Special Educational Needs – dedicated to promoting disability awareness and ensuring martial arts training is accessible to all.
We also provide a wide range of courses, from short CPD modules in essential areas such as Health & Safety, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and Safeguarding, through to longer programmes such as our Instructors Award and the prestigious Graduate of the Institute of Martial Arts and Sciences (Grad. IMAS).
Looking to the future, we are excited about new initiatives already in development, including a School for Stage Combat and Stunt Performance, as well as a junior division that has grown out of the IMAS Education Programme for Schools—teaching children and young people personal safety alongside the discipline of traditional martial arts.
Membership of IMAS is open to all martial artists, with three key categories:
Associate (AIMAS) – for all martial artists of any grade or style.
Member (MIMAS) – for black belts (or equivalent) who hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional qualification.
Fellow (FIMAS) – for martial artists of 5th dan or above (or equivalent) who also hold a postgraduate degree or advanced professional qualification. Each application is assessed individually under our robust Accredited Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) policy.
One of the highlights of the IMAS calendar is our annual National Conference and Course, where senior faculty members present their latest research. These events attract some of the UK’s most senior martial arts masters and are hosted at universities or police training establishments.
The future of IMAS is bright as we continue to expand our vision while remaining grounded in our values. Guided by a strict code of ethics, we are committed to acting with integrity— always doing the right thing, in the right way, and for the right reasons.
At IMAS, there is a place for everyone. All are welcome. To learn more, including details on how to apply for membership, please visit our website: imas-online.org
IMAS: Preserving the old, promoting the new, and protecting the interests of martial artists everywhere.
Whatever we do, we do in His Name.
Many blessings to you all in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 🙏
Bishop Michael’s article “Poverty and Destitution Is Driving Our Mental Health Crisis – and Christians Must Act” written for Christian Today, highlights the deepening link between poverty and mental health struggles in the UK, urging Christians to respond with both compassion and action.
Decades of austerity, the after-effects of Covid-19 and lockdowns, and cuts to public funding have culminated in a country where mothers lie awake at night, their bodies racked with fear because they cannot feed their children, families share a single toothbrush and clothes between generations, and parents routinely skip meals so that their children can have something to eat.
Poverty and the Mental Health Crisis: Bishop Michael writes that poverty is the primary driver of mental illness in the UK, exacerbated by austerity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and cuts to public services. He shares harrowing accounts from Burnley, where families share toothbrushes, parents skip meals to feed their children, and individuals resort to foraging from bins.
Biblical Call to Justice: Drawing on scriptures like Psalm 113 and Isaiah 58, Fleming emphasizes that Christians are called not only to charity but to challenge unjust systems that perpetuate poverty. He cites James 1:22, urging believers to be “doers of the Word.”
Call to Action: He encourages Christians to use their votes, resources, and voices to advocate for systemic change, support the vulnerable, and address the root causes of poverty.
I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the Reverend Salah Mokrani who has been ordained in Leon, France, by Bishop Michael Fleming and Bishop-elect Christopher Hughes. They were faithfully assisted by Deacon Jacob Masih. The work of TICCN is having a continuous and growing impact, we thank God for these obedient servants who He has called, and duly equipped for Christian ministry.
We include here Reverend Mokrani’s personal testimony about his life and ministry:
I have been ministering as a pastor and evangelist to Muslims in France for 38 years. I have written several books on this subject:
Understanding and loving Muslims.
Announcing the Gospel to Muslims.
In the light of your Word. Christian teachings for Christians from a Muslim background.
A biblical commentary on Genesis 1 to 12 In the beginning God created…
I learned about TICCN through Reverend Christopher Hughes, whom I had known and worked alongside for 10 years. I am happy to be part of this beautiful TICCN spiritual family and I really have a special affection for Archbishop Steven Lyn Evans and Bishop Mick Fleming who welcomed me warmly with open arms.
My desire is to continue to develop my mission with Muslims within the framework of TICCN and to also accompany other pastors and churches in this mission. In connection with Bishop-elect Christopher Hughes of TICCN we will collaborate to raise the mission of the church in Algeria and further develop the TICCN network.
May the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head and Supreme Leader of the Church bless our TICCN movement and may it always expand for the glory of his name. Alleluia, glory to God through the Holy Spirit who has sanctified us for the Son.
I started my journey on the 1st May from Heathrow, London airport, a few hiccups, a fire on the tug that pulls us out of the loading bay, got the fire engine, got a new tug/tractor, and away, several traffic jams in Nairobi, and arrived to accommodation in 24 hours! All is well, the devil is a liar and God has good in store. There is a conspicuous sense of expectancy and anticipation. It’s Saturday 4th May, two of the Pastors had travelled 12 hours by bus from Uganda to Nairobi in Kenya especially for the conference. It was wonderful listening to them tell of their experiences overcoming the Witch-doctors with great power.
On Sunday 5th May, morning and afternoon I preached on ‘What is man when Born Again’ and two people came forward to receive Christ. I never cease to wonder why He chose me, a 79 year old to go to East Africa. Monday 6th, Went to do a TV recording, Africa time as always, plan a time, get ready, and come two hours later.
Tues 7th had another flight of one hour to another part of Kenya.
Wednesday 8th May was a fresh experience for me, as I was asked to dedicate a new well! This was interesting, because God has asked me on at least two occasions to start drilling for water in East Africa.
It rained! That is significant! When I arrived in Kenya last Friday I was told that there was many floods all over Kenya because of persistent rain over many weeks. I told them that we can take authority over the weather, like Jesus did with the storm on the lake, we commanded the rain to stop and experienced sunshine from Friday through to Wednesday. But it rained on Wednesday at the dedication service. I asked the Lord for an explanation when I had spent £200 in air fares, £100 in accommodation, waited two hours for them to finish the introducing of the dignitaries, and then I was allowed 15 minutes to preach, before it poured with rain, and did it pour. And the Lord said to me very clearly, “I could do no mighty work because of THEIR UNBELIEF”.
Thursday I flew back to Nairobi. Friday 10th May I flew to Kilimanjaro which is in Tanzania. One meeting on Saturday and two meetings Sunday all at Mererani. there were about 40 came forward for prayer.
Tuesday 14th fly from Kilimanjaro to Mwanza, still in Tanzania.
Since my first visit three years ago this church has grown from 200 to 400 to 600, and Bishop credits this to the teaching of the TICCN Pastor, Dr. David Brewer.
In Mwanza now: Free Pentecostal Church of Tanzania, Bishop Elias church. Since my first visit three years ago this church has grown from 200 to 400 to 600, and Bishop credits this to the teaching of the TICCN Pastor, Dr. David Brewer. I spoke at the Prayer meeting on Thursday 16th, two meetings Saturday, and two meetings Sunday. Sunday morning first service about 80 people came forward, praise be to God.
Monday 20th preach at Holy Ghost Revival church, Mwanza, three sessions of one hour each. Tuesday 21st, at Goshen International A.O.G. Church, Mwanza, again three sessions of one hour each, but that wasn’t enough, they still wanted more. It was so good to see many Pastors and Bishops hungry for God’s Word.
I was so encouraged, with over 120 responding this month, the devil was so angry that my next three flights were cancelled or delayed and I should have arrived home on Friday 24th but it took until Sunday evening. All praise to Him who lives for ever and ever.
We are pleased to share the itinerary for the 2024 TICCN Conference. All sessions are open to everyone, and we warmly invite you to attend as many meetings as you can.
Thursday 17th October
10:30am Bishop Michael Fleming Church on the Street Burnley
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Friday 18th October
10am – Breakfast (arrive from 9am) at Bishop’s Lodge, Liverpool
6.30pm – Evening Reception (Tea, Coffee, and cake) at The Connect Centre
7:30pm – Bicentennial Concert at Living Faith Church
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Sunday 20th October
10:30am – Morning Service at Living Faith Church
Afternoon – Travel to Oxford
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Monday 21st October
Morning – Oxford City Tour with Reverend Christopher Hughes
Afternoon – Travel to Trefeca College
Evening – Trefeca College Heritage Talk
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Tuesday 22nd October
Morning – Swansea Welsh Revival Visit
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If you are planning on attending or have any questions contact Sunny. Each attendee is responsible for arranging their own accommodation and travel to the venues.
Archbishop Steven was delighted to announce recently that his friend and ministerial colleague Dr. Wesley Paul, will be visiting the Connect Centre adjacent to Living Faith Church on Saturday 20th July for a special breakfast gathering. He will follow this with preaching on the Sunday 21st morning service at Living Faith Church. For those who don’t yet know Wesley here is a brief biography of this remarkable international Christian leader.
Dr. Wesley Paul is the founder and president of Wesley Paul International Ministries. Wesley is an International speaker, he has addressed Governors, Kings, Presidents of nations and to the masses in them; from small, informal gatherings to large, filled stadiums he has addressed the message of peace, love and hope to audiences in over 40 countries. Recently he joined Andrew Palau in a nation wide festival reaching more than 100,000 people.
Dr. Paul has served as pastor for 8 years, chaplain in the medical field for 8 years and 3 years as a youth minister.
For the past two decades Wesley has been under the Luis Palau’s Next Generation Alliance as a Network evangelist. He is also being mentored by Dr. Don Wilton, Pastor to the Late Dr. Billy Graham and was mentored by the late Dr. Lon Allison, former director of Billy Graham Center at Wheaton. In association with the Palau team he has conducted several crusades in India and Kenya and Fiji. He is also a member of the Proclamation Evangelism Network (PEN), a network of evangelists hosted by Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Wesley holds a Masters in MDiv from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Masters of Marriage of Family Therapy from Campbellsville University and a Doctorate (DMin) in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. In addition to being an international speaker/ evangelist, Wesley also works as a psychotherapist.
Wesley is married to Debbie, together they have two children, Ashley and Jonathan. The Pauls make their home in Springfield, Kentucky.
Event Information
Who is this for: Anyone who wants to learn how to share their faith more effectively with others. Date: Saturday 20th July 2024 at 10am-12noon. Venue: Connect Centre (behind Living Faith Church), 25 Church Street, Orrell, Wigan, Greater Manchester. WN5 8TG. Other info: The meeting is free to attend and includes a fellowship breakfast serving bacon and sausage butties, toast, and pastries.
Leaders of The International Christian Church Network (TICCN) hosted a visit by Algerian Imam Professor Youcef Mecheria this week. Following a visit to Westminster Abbey on Sunday to meet with Anglican Bishop Ball, the Algerian Imam visited Archbishop Steven Evans. Imam Youcef was taken on a tour of TICCN ministries and churches in Oxford, Wigan, and Burnley. In Burnley he was delighted to meet with Bishop Michael Fleming (Pastor Mick) who he first heard about from a TICCN minister Salah Mokrani based in Lyon, France.
The culmination of this visit saw TICCN ministers join together with Imam Youcef’s International Day of Living Together in Peace initiative. This Algerian Day of Living Together in Peace has been recognised by the United Nations, signed by 130 countries and takes place on 16th May annually.
Archbishop Steven commented “As an International Church Network of over 3,000 churches it is our privilege to join in agreement with this important initiative, our goal is to promote peace and harmony across our communities and Professor Youcef’s initiative will help to further strengthen this cause. We will join with Algeria and lend our support from the countries where we are located including the United Kingdom. Jesus clearly teaches us that blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9).
Archbishop Steven and Reverend Christopher Hughes were invited to Vatican City for the Sports Chaplaincy Conference. The conference gave some tremendous insights and testimonies regarding the importance of sports for modern life. We heard how the Apostle Paul cited sports repeatedly within the New Testament to convey spiritual ideas. The conference allowed for the exchange of ideas with other delegates including His Eminence Cardinal José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça who represented Pope Francis at the initial session.
On one of the evenings they attended a reception hosted by the French Embassy in Rome and enjoyed an especially interesting conversation with Cardinal Bernard Planche from Paris. Archbishop Steven remembered his colleague Bishop Tony Palmer who was a close friend of Pope Francis and shared Archbishop Steven’s Convergency Movement mindset. He went on to further recall how Pope Francis addressed the Kenneth Copeland conference via video in 2014 and Bishop Tony’s comment that “Diversity is Divine but division is diabolic.”
Archbishop Steven and Reverend Christopher joked with Reverend Massimiliano Gabbricci the Chaplain of the Italian National Football team remembering the English defeat at Wembley and Italian supporters singing “It’s Coming Rome, It’s Coming Rome, It’s Coming, Football’s Coming Rome!” Reverend Gabbricci shared about how despite the money and the fame players have the usual human needs and vulnerabilities, the work of insightful chaplains is enormously important. He also shared with deep emotion about how his dear friend Gianluca Vialli was so kind to so many people even though he was dying. It was a testimony to the reality of Christ in his life and it continues to inspire those who knew him.
Reverend Christopher was delighted to meet with his old friend James Parker at the conference. James had travelled from Australia and he currently ministers within The John Paul II Foundation for Sport (JP2F4S) which was launched by Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to Britain in 2010. The organisation is inspired by John Paul II’s vision for sport, which has as its primary focus the building of spiritual character through excellence in sporting skills and fitness. Isn’t it wonderful to recognise that in everything spiritual character can be developed, we thank God for the wisdom to see this great insight.
Archbishop Steven observed that the Vatican’s spectacular art and architecture point to humanity being designed by their creator God. He commented that, “God made us in His image, so our passion for creating beautiful things points to us having our Heavenly Father’s genes. There is an innate desire within mankind to create and be creative, it comes from God.”
My name is Jaimie, and I am both a lifelong Christian and a lifelong martial artist. I was delighted when my good friend and brother in Christ, Bishop Steven, invited me to write an article for the TICCN website about the work our institute carries out across the UK and internationally.
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