A place that is loved.

I first visited Liverpool in the 1970's and  it has had a place in my heart since then. When I was asked to come and support a church plant in Liverpool after 10 challenging years setting up and running a church based community centre in central London it was not a difficult decision to make. I now live in Birkenhead so I am not only an immigrant but also a 'plastic scouser' by adoption. I live near the river and as the ferries move off from the Woodside terminal they is always a quick blast of 'Ferry Across the Mersey' from the p.a. so I often hear the words:"This land's the place I love" and I do too. The World Heritage waterfront, amazing quality of light, rich variety of museums and galleries, lovely parks, great shopping centre all contribute to an outstanding city but there is more. Beyond the physical, what makes the area so special is the people with their warmth, reality and humour. So I was very moved yesterday to hear the verdicts at the Hillsborough inquest finally lifting the cloud of prejudice, lies and scape-goating that has hovered over the city for 27 years.
I hope this will mark an end to the unhelpful stereo-typing that enabled the spread of lies to gain credence so quickly. Liverpudlians do not hide their failings and are the first to make fun of themselves. May the families find healing through the verdict. As was shouted in the court: " Hallelujah!" and "God bless the Jury!"

A member of our church survived the disaster, as he was close to being crushed he called out to God, was physically saved and came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ here is a link to his testimony:

http://www.ainsdaleevangelical.org/meetings/teachings/?sermon_id=8http://www.ainsdaleevangelical.org/meetings/teachings/?