Posted on: 2nd December 2024

Leeds City Mission (LCM) has worked amongst prisoners and ex-offenders for many years. Over its 184 year history, LCM has reached out with practical compassion and gospel hope to those who have transgressed the law of the land. LCM currently employs Claire Newton who fulfils a chaplaincy role at both HMP Leeds and Wetherby Young Offenders Institute.

This Christmas LCM is organising the 'Sock It To Them' project. Prisoners will receive for Christmas the gift of a pair of socks which will include a small gift and a gospel leaflet. Claire says that an act of kindness can make an impact on prisoners who feel isolated and alone at this seasonal time of the year.

LCM are also inviting an ex-prisoner, former addict, drug dealer and criminal to tell his story.

Rod Williams grew up in a loving family. However, he began to experiment with cannabis. It proved to be the gateway drug that took him into a dark world of drugs, crime, gambling and prison. Dealing in drugs at 18 he progressed to smuggling drugs by his early 20s. He was relentless in his pursuit to make money whatever the cost. By his 23rd birthday, he was addicted to heroin.

Rod will be sharing his story and recounting his pursuit of a lifestyle that promised money, pleasure, power and popularity. Instead ,it left him broken, lost and desperate. As a drug dealer who became addicted to heroin and gambling, he saw his life spiral out of control. He very quickly lost everything including his freedom. He found himself serving a four year prison sentence for importing crack cocaine and heroin into the island of Guernsey.

At his lowest point, when in a prison cell Rod cried out "God if you are real, show me". The love of God flooded into his soul and he had a real meeting with Jesus Christ, changing him forever - dramatically. After his release, he received help from a Christian rehabilitation residential programme in Cheshire.  

His awesome encounter with Jesus has transformed him. In 2014 he wrote a testimony book "The Real Deal" which has now sold over 29,000 copies. Over 7,000 copies of his book have now been sent to 80 prisons bringing gospel hope to those who read it. LCM is currently raising funds to purchase 50 of these books to distribute to inmates serving their sentences.

Now living in Bradford, Rod is busy sharing his story. He has a powerful testimony to God's wonderful grace. Rod is now going back into prisons to witness to convicts that it is possible to change through Jesus and his saving power. LCM have connected with him through the work of their prison chaplain Claire Newton.

Rod is also a professional trickster! From a young age he developed tricks/illusions to impress his friends.  During school break times he would perform card tricks and he has never forgotten the amazement and astonishment on their faces. In recent years he has revised these skills and used them in evangelism.  He has performed over 300 events - best described as an illusion/magic show - and used them to explain and illustrate his testimony.  This unique approach has brought warm connections with people attending, plus responses to the gospel.

Rod will be sharing some of these tricks and telling his amazing story at the City Mission Praise Evening on Saturday 7 December which will be held at the New Whingate Methodist Church, Whingate, Armley, West Leeds, LS12 3EJ. A warm invitation to all.