Seeing me helping there has given them hope

Once a client at the Coventry Jesus Centre, John Walker is now a helper there. He is interviewed by Fiona Liston.

FIONA: How would you describe yourself a year ago?

JOHN: I had a job, but in the evenings was going out selling drugs. I was living with my fiancee and baby daughter. We were going to get married, but when she found out I was dealing, that was the end of the relationship.

Why did you come to the Jesus Centre?

Someone at the 'Cyrenians' told me that it was a place to get a cheap breakfast. I was homeless at the time so I went along. I thought it would be like the Oliver Twist scenario, but people were surprisingly friendly. I was amazed that they showed such an interest in me. The atmosphere was a lot better than I expected and the breakfast was really good value - it felt like you were robbing them! You don't expect all that for 5Op!

How did going there help you?

I went to some meetings and joined in the worship and prayer. After a while I could feel God working in my life and helping me to sort out my problems. My depression lifted. People praying for me really made a difference. Eventually, I felt that I needed to go a step further if I wanted more of God - so I got baptised last August.

How has your life changed compared to what it used to be?

I've stopped dealing drugs. I have also started to get better social skills and I am more trusting than I was. I am a lot quieter and more considerate of people's feelings. People are still helping me with my trust issues. After you spend a lot of your life being rejected, you automatically expect rejection. Sometimes I wind people up to test them . They tell me I don't need to do that as I'm very much accepted now. I used to look at everybody in the church as strangers, but now I see them all as my friends.

Do you think the 'Bridge' (drop-in) is effective in helping people?

Yes, because in Coventry, which is a small city, there are not many places for a cheap meal, a free hair cut and a shower. You also have a chance to talk and get confidential stuff off your chest - they won't say anything to anyone. There aren't many people you can trust on the streets - it's all over town by the end of the day.

How could you help people who visit the 'Bridge'?

I do see myself getting more involved. I still need to work on my trust issues and social skills, though. Sometimes it gets a bit heated in the 'Bridge' and I have to count to ten. As a helper, I need to learn to relax and be part of a team. I do feel that I can get on a level with the kind of people who come to the drop-in. Homeless people have said that seeing me working there has given them hope.