9 lads who completed "Living with Loss" course are now exploring Jesus.

Nick has come to the end of the latest Living With Loss course at Buckley Hall in Rochdale. Nick tells us more...

Nine prisoners attended and after completing all six weeks, seven lads were presented with certificates by the Governor of the prison. (Two were unable to attend because they had family visits but will get their certificates later). All the participants testified to the fact that they found the course challenging but very helpful and comforting.

During the first five weeks we explored the various types of loss people suffer and the different issues that can arise, particularly in regard to mental health. Whatever the nature of the loss, loved ones, businesses, family contact, self-esteem, the effects can be deeply traumatic. The guys attending the course shared their struggles week by week and we talked them through, helping them to confront these issues.

Then on the sixth week we, the chaplains, shared how Christians deal with loss. We spoke of our own experiences and testified to the goodness of God and how we find peace and rest in Christ, even when we don't understand why things have happened the way they have. We then encourage the lads to seek the Lord for themselves, and all those who took part have signed up for a further three weeks of a more detailed exploration of what it means to be a Christian.

Please pray for these next three weeks, that God will continue to move upon their hearts, reveal Himself to them and that they will come right through to a saving knowledge of Christ.