There were three books that helped me decide that I wanted to become a Catholic. The first was the Bible. The second was by an American apologist and theologian. The third was a little more unusual. It was the story of a former London gangster turned Catholic evangelist who now travels the world telling people about God. The book was ‘From Gangland To Promised Land’ by John Pridmore and the RCIA group that I attend every Tuesday evening at St Wilfrid’s in York were privileged to receive an unexpected visit from him recently.

The first thing that strikes you about John Pridmore is his sheer size. I had no difficulty in imagining that this was the man who, after spells in a detention centre as a teenager and then prison as an adult, had started work as a doorman in the clubs of London’s West End. His build alone would be a deterrent for any would-be troublemaker, let alone the machete and CS gas he used to keep hidden in his specially tailored suits. Yet, when you meet John Pridmore now and hear his story, you are struck by his warmth and honesty. Whatever your opinions are beforehand, you come away believing that people can indeed change and that God can and will use the most unlikely people to reach the lost and make a difference.

John spent over an hour and a half with our group, telling us about his life and sharing with us many moving and inspirational encounters. Although baptised as a Catholic, John had never been taught his faith nor attended Mass. After a troubled childhood and spells in prison, he became involved in organised crime. This included drug deals, protection rackets and violent crime. He thought he had it all ñ the girls, money, cars, a penthouse, drugs and power. It was only after John nearly killed a man outside a London club that he realised he needed help. For the first time he began to pray and discovered that no matter what you may have done with your life, God is still there, listening and calling you home. John now devotes his life to going wherever God leads him, from schools in the UK and Ireland to being interviewed on EWTN in the US, to speaking at World Youth Day in Australia. He now lives in community, living entirely off God’s providence, and as John himself happily pointed out, he is clearly well fed.

I would highly recommend anyone who gets the chance to go and hear John’s story or read his book. His team lead very popular missions in schools and there are countless stories that tell of the way teenagers’ lives have been changed by attending. The world needs more people like John Pridmore. Most people don’t have the background story he has to tell but you may not realise that by just telling somebody your own story of what God has done for you could change that person’s life forever. Next Easter, my wife and I and our children will be baptised at St Wilfrid’s and it is thanks in part to people like John Pridmore and other Catholics who are willing to share their story.

Ronnie Pinder