John Hayes was born in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Nr Wigan. Attended St Thomas' Infants and Junior Schools and Ashton Grammar School. He became a Christian as a boy. Has now lived in Warrington for 44 years. After 43 years in the Magistrates' Courts service, retired in 2005 as a Senior Legal Adviser to Warrington Magistrates' Court. Married to Dorothy for 44 years, they have two sons who are both married and six grandchildren. John and Dorothy are members of Bethesda Evangelical Church, Stockton Heath, Warrington where they both are involved in one-to-one Bible studies and where John is an Elder and Musical Director. John is also now an associate with Christian Prison Resources and has commenced Bible Studies in HMP's.

John Cartledge was born in Warrington. He was educated locally and left school to work in his father's business. He was a keen sportsman - footballer (on Manchester City's books as a teeenager) and playing for many local top amateur and semi-professional teams, boxer - winning the Lancashire Schoolboys Championships. He lost everything through drink and was an alcoholic for thirty years. After his conversion to Christ in 1991, was called by God to serve Him, ultimately in Ghana. He obeyed ' the call' to build and set up the Malak Christian Book Centre, P.O.Box 400 E/R, Tamale N/R, Ghana, West Africa. John is now married to Akua and they have a son. At present they are living in Warrington for a period but their base is in Tamale. He has two sons and a daughter from his previous marriage and four grandchildren.  John and Akua are also members of Bethesda Evangelical Church.

Bethesda web site: www.bethesdaevangelical.org.uk.

You can hear us on the internet at www.crossrhythms.co.uk/radio go to Life, Life Articles and type in 'Alcohol thriller or killer' in Keyword Search for an interview with Jonathan Bellamy.

You can read about us in The Challenge Newspaper, December 21st Edition - see www.challengenewsline.com; in the September edition of Lifetimes Christian Magazine; also online at Partnership UK, newsletters, March 2009 edition.

The ONE paper; and a request to publish it in Challenge Good News Paper in Australia.

One of the most recent responses: 

Dear John,
   "Yesterday was my day off and it was great to reflect on what a good time we had had on Sunday.  The men were very grateful for your visit but more than that, they were so encouraged. T (a prisoner) was almost in tears he had been profoundly moved by the message you brought.  I will be back in touch with you hopefully very soon. Thank you again."  Carolyn (Canon Carolyn Woodcock, Chaplain, HMP  Lancaster)

Here are some earlier responses - "Dear John, I wanted to thank you both for taking the trouble to come all the way to Brixton to share in our service. Both of you spoke so clearly and powerfully of the impact that Jesus Christ has had in your lives and this will have brought great hope to the men. I have emailed other London Chaplains and encouraged them to use you.... "  Rev Phil Chadder, Chaplain, HMP Brixton.

"John, it was good to have you with us .... it was a real encouragement to us all. God willing, another opportunity will arise...." Rev Glynn Jones, Chaplain, HMP Haverigg.)

"Many thanks to you for coming to Parc on 2nd November. It may have been short but I know from feedback that lives were touched by your testimony to God's changing power in your lives." Rev Peter Amoss, Chaplain, HMP Parc (Bridgend).

 "Dear John, Many thanks for the copy of the book, it was a very good read indeed. I’d be grateful if you could send us 20 copies of the book which we will place in the main and Chaplaincy libraries on both (Male and Female) sides of the prison.  Every blessing,"  Andy  (Rev Andy Lanning, Chaplain, HMP Peterborough)

" Dear John,   Many thanks for your visit, I'm sure we will be hearing more about it from the men over the next few day at least.  We will continue to pray for you both and the work that the Lord has given you …… A (a prisoner) is doing well and took the opportunity you gave him to send copies of his testimony to family and friends, thank you. The Lord is certainly blessing your ministry through your book and we pray that you will be blessed in your meeting with offenders, staff and fellow travellers as you journey around the land.  Every blessing,  Peter. (2 letters from Rev Peter Molcher – Chaplain HMP Gartree).

  Two prisoner officers thanked us for the message at HMP Long Lartin, one of them asked for a book and even addressed John C as “Sir” (first time a prison officer has called him “Sir”).  This was a real encouragement.

“Many thanks for coming to join us on Sunday. Your visit was much appreciated and we are grateful for the visit.” (Rev Jeffrey Hayward, Chaplain HMP Long Lartin).