Millions of television viewers will have seen the profoundly moving BBC news footage of Pastor Mick Fleming and Father Alex Frost feeding and clothing the poor of Burnley a couple of weeks ago. Many were so touched by their obvious compassion that they have since received more than £250,000 in donations.

Paralysed by brilliant white light

Probably less known is the staggering Damascus Road story of Mick’s transformation from dangerous drug dealer to man of the cloth. Covering up painful childhood memories, Mick lived in a violent underworld for nearly three decades until one day, his gun loaded in readiness for a harsh exchange, his victim emerged with two young children – blonde girls of about five years old. As he reached for his weapon, he was struck by the faces of these innocent kids, and a blinding light came from one of the children’s hands.

“It was white – brilliant white. For 15 seconds I couldn’t see,” Mick told Ed Thomas of the BBC. “It was like looking into the sun and I was paralysed by it.” As he collapsed and suffered a complete breakdown, he pleaded with God to help him. He even pulled the gun on himself. But it failed to fire.

Pastor Mick is proud that it is “the people of faith who are stepping in and making a massive difference

Childhood trauma

His 30 years of hell – during which he was twice arrested for murder and three times for armed robbery – began with a double tragedy when, as an 11-year-old, he was sexually abused by a stranger in a park. This was almost immediately followed by news of the death from a heart attack of his beloved 20-year-old sister. Following his blinding light experience, comparable to the Apostle Paul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9), image: BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-55273677Mick was initially sectioned under the Mental Health Act. Admitted to the Burnley psychiatric unit, he was treated with love and care. It was here that he met ‘Pastor Tony’ who brought new hope to his life.

Mick graduated in theology and today works with the charity Church on the Street Ministries helping those most in need – the homeless and hungry, drug users and the like. And he has never been more needed than during the pandemic. “I had no idea of how much I’d be needed and how once again I’d be overwhelmed by suffering and pain,” he said.

Forgiving the one who abused him

Reporter Ed was eager to know what motivated him. “What I do today is not a penance,” Mick responded. “It’s the complete opposite. It’s a privilege to serve the people of Burnley. It’s a glorious thing.” 

And he then explained why he is at peace with those terrible events of his childhood. Ten years ago he befriended a homeless alcoholic outside a takeaway. Mick listened to him, cared for him, and helped him to get sober and be reunited with his family. The man died two years later, but his family were thankful they’d all been together. “What I never told him or his family, or the police, was that he was the man who raped me as a child. Why? I knew that I had been forgiven for my past… That is why I’m free. I’m not spending my life in torment. It’s redemption.” Pastor Mick is proud that it is “the people of faith who are stepping in and making a massive difference”.

Receive God’s forgiveness

Christmas is always billed as a time of peace,image: BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-55273677 when we celebrate the redemption offered in Jesus Christ – and you too can know peace in your heart from now on, and not just at Christmas. Whatever we have done in the past should not prevent us from knowing peace with God. We simply have to turn from our selfish ways and trust in the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross for our sins.

Jesus said of those who crucified him: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). But we also need to forgive those who have wronged us. For Jesus also said: “If you do not forgive others their sins, your (heavenly) Father will not forgive your sins” (Matt 6:15). Forgiveness could be the best Christmas present you’ve ever given, and the best you’ve ever received!

Forgiveness could be the best Christmas present you’ve ever given, and the best you’ve ever received!

Forgive – because you’re forgiven

Dutchwoman Corrie ten Boom, a survivor of the Holocaust, where she watched her beloved sister die, came face to face with a guard from the camp shortly after the war. She knew she had to forgive him; it was the Lord’s command. She struggled with her emotions but, calling on Jesus for help, she managed to reach out her hand and be reconciled with the man who presided over such terrible torture.

Pastor Mick was also able – with God’s help – to forgive the man who raped him. And more than that, to love and care for him. Why? Because he knew he was forgiven!

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